Wintering birds studied at Traeth Lafan

Thursday, 2 April 2026 16:22

By MônFM Newsroom

A study has been carried out in an effort to protect sensitive bird spieces at Traeth Lafan near Bangor.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said the survey was aimed at understanding how human activity may be disturbing wading birds at one of the most important coastal wildlife sites in the country.

Sensitive species such as oystercatcher and curlew have been using their traditional winter roosts less often in recent years.

The fieldwork saw a contractor recording how often birds used the roost, how often they were distubed and which activities were most likely to cause disturbance.

As well as vantage point observations, the study took in visitor surveys at the nearby car parks at Morfa Aber and Aber Ogwen.

Dewi Evans, NRW's specialist officer on intertidal management, said: "Traeth Lafan is home to some of Wales’s most treasured wintering birds, including oystercatcher, curlew and other species that are part of our natural heritage."

"This survey will strengthen our understanding of the pressures they face and the evidence collected will help us make decisions that safeguard this special place for the future."

The evidence gathered from the survey - funded through a Welsh Government scheme - will support wider efforts to protect wintering birds relying on Traeth Lafan.