Ogmore Estuary Glamorgan

Site Location Details

Site Details

The B5424 follows the River Ogmore. You can park at Ogmore Castle SS882769, Portobello SS874763 or Ogmore-by-Sea SS863756. There are 2 SSSIs, one for the saltmarsh and the other for the rocks to the south of the river. Various habitats exist, including grazing at Ogmore Moor that sometimes floods, mixed woodland at Merthyr Mawr village and alongside the river. Downstream of Ogmore Castle there is a grassy island at a confluence called Ploran Mawr. There are also dunes, gorse, bracken and a sandy beach. Early mornings can be best, especially if the weather is fine as the area is a popular spot. Autumn and winter are best. In autumn Little Egret is possible as is Garganey; many gulls use the site and Little and Mediterranean are regular. Waders can also be plentiful and the site boasts Glamorgan's highest ever Little Stint count of 37. Occasionally there are Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper and Greenshank. Nearby at Dunraven Castle a pair of Chough have been regular in recent years although have yet to breed. They often also visit Ogmore. In winter there is a regular Goldeneye flock which exceeds 50, a double-figure flock of Little Grebe is also regular, and Merganser are also regular. Purple Sandpiper are often on the rocks South of the river mouth. Green Sandpipers sometimes winter upstream, and rarer gulls such as Ring-billed and Glaucous occur. One or two Water Pipits also winter. A good selection of passerines can be found in summer. Nearby Porthcawl is often good for seawatching. (Information courtesy of Glamorgan Bird Club)