Kenfig Pool and Dunes

Kenfig lies on the Glamorgan coast, just a short distance from Porthcawl. Part of a huge dune system, which once stretched along the coast from the River Ogmore to the Gower peninsula, Kenfig and nearby Merthyr Mawr NNR are the largest remaining areas. Kenfig Pool, the largest freshwater lake in south Wales, lies at the heart of the reserve and is particularly valuable as a stopping off point for migrating birds.

It is part of the Kenfig Pool and Dunes SSSI and Kenfig SAC.

Grid Ref: SS793817 Area: 513.72 hectares

back to map

Visiting

Formerly the site of a thriving town and castle, the dunes at Kenfig extended during the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries, finally engulfing the town and nearby farmland during a series of violent storms.

_{Photo by ©Grafic House}

The only surviving evidence of the ancient borough is the castle keep which rises out of the dunes at the north east corner of the reserve.

Apart from the boardwalk to the bird hides, access to the dunes is along natural sandy paths which are undulating and soft.

How to get there

Kenfig National Nature Reserve can be reached from Junction 37 of the M4 Motorway and is signposted from North Cornelly, Pyle and Porthcawl.

There is ample free car parking.

Public Transport
Local buses stop outside the reserve.

_{Photo by ©Grafic House}

For more information contact Traveline Cymru on
0871 2002233

Facilities

There is an information centre with an exhibition and a shop selling leaflets and booklets about the reserve and other wildlife in Wales.

A boardwalk leads from the visitor centre to hides overlooking Kenfig Pool.

_{Photo by ©Grafic House}

Who looks after it?

The reserve is owned by the Kenfig Corporation Property Trustees, and is managed by Bridgend County Borough Council through a lease and management agreement with the Trustees.

For more information visit the Council's website or telephone 01656 743386

You can contact CCW’s Southern Team via our enquiries helpline, 0845 1306229, e-mail, enquiries@ccw.gov.uk or write to us under the ‘Contact the team’ section on this website.