RSPB South Stack Cliffs

Managed by the RSPB, South Stack Cliffs nature reserve on Holy Island, Anglesey, overlooks the Irish Sea and consists of heathland and farmland on a dramatic stretch of sea cliffs facing the islet of South Stack.

The reserve is particularly important for breeding choughs, with around ten pairs nesting on the cliffs. Ravens and peregrine falcons also nest here, with the old fog station at North Stack offering a good vantage point to spot them. The cliffs are home to thriving seabird colonies, including guillemots, razorbills, puffins, shags, kittiwakes, fulmars, and gulls.

At the visitor centre in Ellin’s Tower, a Victorian stone tower originally built as a summerhouse, you can watch live footage from the cliffs via cameras. Binoculars and spotting scopes are available for hire, and the tower offers spectacular views of the South Stack Lighthouse.

In summer, the heathland bursts into colour with heather, gorse, and rockrose. Keep an eye out for stonechats, linnets, rock pipits, meadow pipits, and common whitethroats in the bushes, while lapwings and redshanks frequent the wetter areas. Birds of prey, such as kestrels, can often be seen hovering overhead.

Autumn is a great time to spot seabirds offshore, including gannets, skuas, Manx shearwaters, sooty shearwaters, and various auks. You might also glimpse porpoises, dolphins, and seals in the waters. Rare migratory birds, blown off course, sometimes make an appearance, with past sightings including ortolan buntings, grey catbirds, and rufous-tailed rock thrushes.

There are three marked nature trails at South Stack Cliffs. The 4-mile Chough Trail is a scenic route around the mountain leading to the summit, the Dragonfly Trail is a family-friendly path passing ponds, ideal for spotting dragonflies and wetland wildlife, and the Puffin Trail, which takes about 45 minutes is a rugged path that runs past ancient stone hut circles and stunning coastal scenery. This trail is uneven and may not be suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users.

The visitor centre has a shop selling RSPB gifts, with 100% of profits supporting their conservation work. The café serves snacks, light meals, and hot and cold drinks, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Picnic areas are available if you prefer to bring your own food. Accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities are also provided.

Please not, only assistance dogs are allowed inside the visitor centre. Dogs are welcome on the rest of the reserve but must be kept on footpaths and under control.