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Local Wildlife Sites

From mystical ancient woodlands, quiet churchyards, bustling flower-rich roadsides, field-bordering hedgerows to tiny copses, Powys enjoys special, often unnoticed wild places where nature thrives.
Whether they are in the depths of the countryside or nestled in busy towns, these Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are exceptional areas of land.
They are identified and selected locally by partnerships of local authorities (Powys County Council), nature conservation charities (The Wildlife Trusts), statutory agencies, ecologists and local nature experts including County Recorders.
They use robust, scientifically-determined criteria and detailed ecological surveys. Their selection is based on the most important, distinctive and threatened species and habitats within an international, national, regional and local context. This makes them some of our most valuable areas.
Species

Marsh fritillary

This beautiful butterfly is one of our rarest, now mostly restricted to the western parts of the UK.

Species

Sunfish

The ocean sunfish is the second largest bony fish on the planet and visits UK seas during the summer months to feast on jellyfish.

Habitat

Coniferous plantation

Dark and brooding from a distance, the strong geometric lines and monotonous rows of uniformly sized trees can jar the eye and seem devoid of wildlife. But venture within and open ride edges,…

Species

Bee wolf

One of our largest and most impressive solitary wasps, the bee wolf digs a nest in sandy spots and hunts honey bees.

Species

Basking shark

This gentle giant is the largest shark in UK seas, reaching up to 12m in length. There's no need to fear them though, they only eat plankton!

Species

Marsh hair moss

The marsh hair moss is the largest moss in the UK. Look out for it in damp woodland and on boggy heathlands where it forms large, green and spikey 'cushions'.

Species

Yellowhammer

Like many of our farmland birds, the yellowhammer has declined in number in recent years. Spot this bright yellow bird singing from the top of a bush or fence, or in a mixed-species flock in…

Species

Hawfinch

The hawfinch is the UK's largest finch, with an enormous bill powerful enough to crush a cherry stone. Despite their size, they are typically elusive, especially during the summer nesting…

Species

Hawthorn shieldbug

Our largest shieldbug, the red-and-green hawthorn shieldbug can be seen in gardens, parks and woodlands, feeding on hawthorn, rowan and whitebeam. The adults hibernate over winter.

Species

Roseate tern

This elegant tern is named for the rosy flush to its summer plumage. With just one regular nesting colony, it is the rarest breeding seabird in the UK.