At a glance
National Nature Reserve on south-west Anglesey — one of Britain's finest dune systems, home to red squirrels (Anglesey is the only place in Wales with a self-sustaining mainland red squirrel population), natterjack toads (best heard April–May evenings), and orchids (June–July). Gateway to Newborough Beach and Llanddwyn Island (3-mile beach walk). NRW managed; car park charge. Dogs on leads in squirrel areas. LL61 6RS.
About Newborough Warren
Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve encompasses one of the most important sand dune systems in Wales — approximately 700 hectares of dune grassland, dune slacks, and Newborough Forest (a large Corsican pine plantation, partially being restored to dune habitat) at the south-western tip of Anglesey. The reserve is managed by Natural Resources Wales and is the most biodiverse site on Anglesey for specialist wildlife.
Anglesey holds the only self-sustaining mainland red squirrel population in Wales — a conservation success that followed the systematic removal of grey squirrels from the island over several decades. Newborough Forest is one of the best sites to see red squirrels, particularly in autumn. The dune slacks support natterjack toads (best heard calling from breeding ponds on warm April and May evenings — a loud, mechanical churring sound) and several species of orchid (southern marsh orchid, bee orchid, and pyramidal orchid peak in June and July). Nationally important invertebrate communities inhabit the ancient dune grassland.
The reserve adjoins Newborough Beach and is the starting point for the classic 3-mile beach walk to Llanddwyn Island — a tidal peninsula with Celtic chapel ruins, two lighthouses, and views to Snowdonia. Car park charge; open at all times.
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Frequently asked questions
Anglesey hosts the only self-sustaining mainland population of red squirrels in Wales — a conservation success story that began in the 1990s when red squirrels had been virtually eliminated from the island by the invasive grey squirrel (introduced from North America in the late 19th century). Greys out-compete reds for food and carry the squirrelpox virus, to which they are immune but which is lethal to red squirrels. A systematic programme of grey squirrel control, coordinated by the Red Squirrel Trust Wales and Natural Resources Wales, removed the greys from Anglesey over a period of years and allowed the red squirrel population to recover. By the 2020s, Anglesey has a population of approximately 700 red squirrels — still small, but stable and growing. Newborough Forest (the plantation within the NNR) is one of the best sites on Anglesey to see red squirrels, particularly in autumn when they are foraging actively. Foel Farm Park (3 miles, LL61 6LQ) also has regular, reliable red squirrel sightings in a purpose-built viewing hide.
Natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita) are Britain's rarest amphibian — found only in a small number of locations around the British Isles, mostly in coastal dune systems and in some northern heath areas. They are distinguished from common toads by their smaller size, a distinctive yellow stripe down the back, and their breeding call — a loud, mechanical churring sound made by the males at the breeding ponds (dune slacks) on warm spring nights, audible from a considerable distance. Natterjack toads are nocturnal breeders and are best seen (and heard) at the Newborough Warren dune slacks in April and May on warm evenings. Natural Resources Wales manages the dune slacks specifically to benefit natterjacks and other dune-specialist species. Visitors should not disturb breeding toads or their spawn, and should stick to paths.
Newborough Warren supports several species of orchid, taking advantage of the calcareous dune grassland and the damp dune slack habitats. Southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) is the most abundant, forming impressive stands in the dune slacks in June and July. Early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata) flowers slightly earlier in spring. Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) — named for the remarkable resemblance of its flowers to a female bee — occurs in the drier dune grassland, usually peaking in June. Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) is also present in dune grassland areas. The peak orchid season is June and early July; conditions vary year to year. Natural Resources Wales manages the vegetation (including grazing by Carneddau ponies in some areas) to maintain the open, short grassland that orchids require.
The walk from Newborough car park to Llanddwyn Island is one of the classic coastal walks on Anglesey — approximately 3 miles each way, depending on the exact route taken. From the car park, a path leads through the southern section of Newborough Forest and then onto the beach, which is followed south-west to the peninsula/island of Llanddwyn. The beach section (approximately 2 miles) is on firm sand below the tide line or softer sand above — allow 45 minutes to 1 hour in each direction. Llanddwyn Island is only accessible on foot and is cut off from the main beach by the sea at high tide (though it rarely becomes completely isolated); check tide times before visiting and do not linger if the tide is rising. The island has the ruins of a Celtic chapel, two lighthouses, and dramatic coastal scenery with views to Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula.
Newborough Forest is a plantation of Corsican pine covering approximately 800 hectares on the landward side of the Newborough Warren dune system. It was planted by the Forestry Commission from the 1940s onwards as part of a post-war programme of commercial timber production on former dune land — a planting decision that was ecologically controversial, as the plantation shaded and stabilised dune habitats that the native species needed. In recent decades, Natural Resources Wales has been selectively felling sections of the plantation to restore dune habitat, reduce the dominance of pine, and improve conditions for red squirrels (which favour mixed habitats with hazel, oak, and other nut-bearing trees). The forest remains extensive and provides the woodland habitat that makes Newborough particularly good for red squirrel observation. Waymarked forest trails allow exploration on foot and by bicycle.