Replace Kenfig's Bird Hide and Restore Access

Aim

Help us to rebuild Kenfig's bird hide and bring this all-weather nature observation and learning asset back into community use.

Help Bring Kenfig's Bird Hide Back

For many visitors, the bird hide at Kenfig National Nature Reserve provided a peaceful place to watch wildlife, take photographs, learn about nature and enjoy the reserve throughout the year.

Sadly, following repeated vandalism (https://tinyurl.com/kenfighide) and a subsequent safety inspection, the hide was condemned and permanently closed earlier this year. As a result, the reserve has lost its only sheltered wildlife viewing facility, leaving visitors, schools, volunteers and local birdwatchers without access to an important community asset.

The closure has generated significant disappointment among many of the reserve's regular users and highlighted just how valued the hide had become.

Why the Bird Hide Matters

The hide overlooks an important wetland habitat used by a wide variety of resident and migratory birds throughout the year.

It has traditionally supported:

• Wildlife observation
• Educational visits
• Birdwatching
• Photography
• Citizen science
• Volunteer-led monitoring
• Public engagement with nature

For many visitors, particularly during the autumn and winter months, it provided the only opportunity to observe wildlife in shelter and comfort.

The Replacement Project

But Kenfig Nature Trust is working to replace the hide with a new oak structure on the existing footprint!

The new hide will:

• Restore access to wildlife observation
• Include wheelchair-height viewing windows
• Improve accessibility
• Provide a safe and durable long-term facility
• Support education, volunteering and citizen science
• Remain available for future generations

The total project cost is approximately £35,000 to £40,000.

We have already secured a generous pledge of from Glamorgan Bird Club, we have ring fenced from historical donations specifically for the hide, and applications have been submitted to external grant funders to help meet the costs of rebuilding. Therefore, we are seeking donations to ensure we can complete the project funding pot.

In order to protect the investment, vandal proof internal boarding will beinstalled and, budget permitting, remote CCTV coverage to further discourage vandals, alongside interpretation materials.

How Your Donation Helps

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us restore this important facility and bring wildlife viewing back to Kenfig.

Together we can ensure that future visitors, school groups, volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts continue to experience and enjoy one of Wales's most important nature reserves.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

Everyone who donates and wishes to be recognised will have their name included on a permanent supporters' plaque within the new bird hide. Long after the project is complete, visitors, birdwatchers, volunteers and school groups will be able to see the community that came together to restore this much-loved facility and secure its future.

Every donation brings us closer to reopening this much-loved facility. Please donate today and help bring wildlife watching, learning and access to nature back to Kenfig.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made