RSPB Cymru reunites fragmented Welsh nature reserve after nearly 60 years

What is the background?

RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve sits on the banks of the River Tywi in the Elenydd uplands, near Rhandirmwyn in Carmarthenshire, mid Wales. The RSPB has managed land there for more than 100 years, but the reserve has existed as two separate blocks, Gwenffrwd and Dinas, split apart for almost 60 years by a privately owned parcel of land that sat between them.

That missing middle piece, a 96-hectare site called Gallt-y-bere, contains rare Atlantic oak woodland, known as Celtic rainforest, alongside ffridd (mixed upland grazing) and peat bog. Wildlife on both sides of the divide, including Pied Flycatchers, Cuckoos, Wood Warblers, Whinchats and Pine Martens, had been unable to move freely between the two halves of the reserve.

What happened?

On 8 July 2026, RSPB Cymru announced it had completed the purchase of Gallt-y-bere, joining the two sections of Gwenffrwd-Dinas into a single, unbroken block of habitat for the first time in nearly six decades. Jonathan Cryer, Site Manager at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas, said: “Gallt-y-bere is a truly magical place, and I’m thrilled that we’re now in a position to restore and enhance its rare habitats for wildlife. Securing this site is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen ancient woodland, restore upland habitats and create the conditions needed for rare species such as Hen Harriers to flourish in the future.”

Cryer added that “none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our philanthropic donors and the incredible backing of everyone who contributed to the fundraising appeal.”

How did it happen?

RSPB Cymru funded the purchase through a philanthropic loan combined with a public fundraising appeal, which the charity said drew support from thousands of donors. Natural Resources Wales has separately funded summer surveys of Gallt-y-bere to map its habitats and species before restoration work begins.

The RSPB plans to restore ancient woodland, repair upland habitat, and enhance species-rich grassland that supports rare plants such as Whorled Caraway. It intends to work with local farming tenants on nature-friendly grazing that fits alongside the site’s restoration.

Why does it matter?

Joining the two halves of Gwenffrwd-Dinas gives wildlife a continuous corridor of woodland, heath and peatland to move through, rather than two isolated fragments. RSPB Cymru says the combined reserve is now large enough to potentially support breeding Hen Harriers, one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey, alongside its existing populations of Pied Flycatchers and Wood Warblers.

What were the key results?

• RSPB Cymru bought the 96-hectare Gallt-y-bere site, announced 8 July 2026
• Reconnects the Gwenffrwd and Dinas halves of the reserve for the first time in almost 60 years
• RSPB has managed land at Gwenffrwd-Dinas for more than 100 years
• Habitat includes rare Atlantic oak woodland (Celtic rainforest), ffridd and peat bog
• Site supports Pied Flycatchers, Cuckoos, Wood Warblers, Whinchats and Pine Martens
• Funded through a philanthropic loan and a public fundraising appeal backed by thousands of donors

What happens next?

Surveys this summer, funded by Natural Resources Wales, will help identify the habitats and species on the land. The results will inform future management. RSPB Cymru’s site manager says securing the land is a chance to strengthen ancient woodland and restore upland habitats. The purchase also creates opportunities to work closely with local farming tenants. The aim is to show that nature recovery and sustainable farming can go hand in hand. The charity says the reserve is now large enough to support breeding Hen Harriers. The birds are occasionally seen in the area, but there have been no recent breeding attempts.