There are a number of major and local nature reserves dotted throughout the island, such as The Dingle, and Malltraeth Marsh to name but a few. Red squirrels are to be found in Mynydd Llwydiarth and Newborough Forest, thanks to conservationist groups and enthusiasts.
The coastline, rocks and cliffs offer spectacular seabird colonies, including guillemots, razorbills, chough and the puffins of Puffin Island, reachable by boats from Beaumaris. Of the 125 miles of Anglesey’s astonishing coastline, (the majority of which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) there can be no more dramatic scene than South Stack, north of Holyhead with its cliffs, lighthouse and its thousands of seabirds – puffins, chough and peregrine falcons. A sight to amaze and bewilder, and the RSPB’s information centre at Ellin’s Tower is a treasure trove of information.
The island’s 60 lakes and abundant wetlands attract an enormous mixture of wetland species, seasonal as well as resident. Some are exceptionally rare, yet the Newborough Forest claims to have the world’s second largest raven roost in the world, some 1600 in all.
Beneath the waters of the Menai Strait rage some of the fiercest tidal currents in the British Isles. The Swellies, as they are known, can reach speeds of up to eight knots between the Menai and Britannia bridges, and yet this is home to an enormous array of marine algae, bass, plaice, whiting cod, lobster and conger eels. On its coastline, in its forests, wetlands, beaches and in its waters, Anglesey becomes a glossary of natural life and the environment.
Pack a camera and binoculars, and join the rest!