Nature reserves
There are a variety of nature reserves and green spaces you can visit within Bridgend County Borough.
The council manages the following five nature reserves in the county borough: Bedford Park, Craig y Parcau, Frog Pond Wood, Lock's Common and Tremains Wood.
Bedford Park
Green space with a mixture of habitats and ruins of the 18th century ironworks. The Site of Interest for Nature Conservation has a mixture of habitats.
Craig-y-Parcau
Craig-y-Parcau is an oak and ash woodland on a steep slope of the Ogmore River. It is a haven for wildlife with several footpaths.
Frog Pond Wood
The wood is mainly mixed oak/ash woodland, with a pond and some wetland areas.
Locks Common
Locks common begins at the end-point of Porthcawl promenade, and continues through to Rest Bay. This varied reserve supports a huge variety of birds, butterflies and wildflowers.
Tremains Wood
Tremains Wood is a lowland mixed broadleaf woodland in Brackla. The pathways are waymarked with ‘robin arrows’ and a series of interpretation panels will help you identify trees, flowers and wildlife species.
Parks and gardens
Parks and gardens maintained by the council include:
- Aberfields/Planka
- Maesteg Welfare Park
- Parc Calon Lan
- Wilderness Lakes
You can view park maps and a series of short, gentle and easy-to-follow walks in our Well-being on your Doorstop leaflet:
Other nature reserves and green spaces
There are also a variety of non-council managed nature reserves and green spaces across the county borough:
The Spirit of Llynfi Woodland
Managed by Natural Resources Wales - The landscape includes ponds, marshland and heathland and there are panoramic views.
Kenfig Nature Reserve
Managed by Kenfig Corporation Trust - One of Wales's top sand-dune reserves, with plants like wild fen orchids, birds and insects depending on this habitat for their survival.
Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve
Managed by Natural Resources Wales - Set on the South Wales coast, the nature reserve is home to the highest dune in Wales, known as the Big Dipper.
Bryngarw Country Park
Managed by Awen - With over 100 acres of meadows, gardens and mature woodlands, Bryngarw Country Park is a magical place to visit.
Parc Slip Nature Reserve
Managed by the Wildlife Trust - The nature reserve is home to a variety of habitats and wildlife. It is a safe area for families to enjoy nature, with traffic-free cycle tracks and tracks for dog walking.