RSPB Cymru have noted the success of an exclusion zone on a section of the ‘Range’, Penrhyn Mawr after Oystercatchers nested there for the first time in a decade. The ban on public access was enacted in order to try to prevent damage to the area’s landscape and limit the damage to nature caused by outdoor activities. The exclusion zone came to an end on Monday 15 September 2025.
Penrhyn Mawr sits within part of the Glannau Ynys Gybi Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on Anglesey. It is an important area for rare wildlife and Choughs, Peregrine Falcons, Grey Seals, and Silver-studded Blue butterflies are all to be found there.
The aim of the exclusion zone was to give these animals and others the chance to nest and rear young successfully during the spring and summer 6 month period. According to RSPB Cymru Amber-Listed seabirds returned and nested in areas that were previously used for outdoor and adventure activities. The last time this was documented as happening was 2013. Also Choughs which are on the Wales’ Red-List of Birds of Conservation Concern, were seen searching for new nesting sites in the area.
Some restrictions remain on access to Penrhyn Mawr with those who wish to take part in paid activities or to use the site for outdoor activities needing to ask for permission. No activity will receive permission before the end of October as there are Grey Seals using the shores for pupping, and access arrangements could change suddenly if rare species were to be observed in the area. There are no restrictions on those that wish to use the Wales Coastal Path or other designated footpaths.
In a statement Laura Kudelska, Senior Site Manager at RSPB South Stack, said:
“The six-month exclusion zone has provided a much-needed respite for wildlife to recover on the Range, and we’d like to thank activity providers and visitors for following the guidelines during this period. We’re looking forward to working closely with partners and activity providers over the next months to find a long-term and practical solution, that will allow people to enjoy the Range in a way that does not harm wildlife.”
Euros Jones, NRW’s Operations Manager for North West Wales, said:
“We would like to thank the providers for adhering to the exclusion zone while it was in place. The site is home to schedule 1 protected breeding birds such as Chough and Peregrine Falcons, seals and other rare wildlife including Silver-studded Blue butterflies and moving forward it is important to balance protecting nature and allowing recreation activity. We will continue to work with partners and activity providers on a long-term solution.”
Anglesey Council’s Visitor Economy and Coastal Areas Manager, Andy Godber, added:
“We recognise the importance of balancing wildlife protection and outdoor leisure activities and the challenges this brings. Whilst the lease we provide to the RSPB allows it to make decisions independently, we’re pleased to have seen positive dialogue between partners and activity providers during this interim period. Moving forward, we hope that a workable solution can be reached.”
Mary Tansell, representative of The National Coasteering Charter said:
“The National Coasteering Charter (NCC) is committed to keeping an open dialogue with stake holders and supporting members to enable future access to the site. As outdoor educators we are passionate about the environment we work in. Adventure activities are a fantastic opportunity to educate school children, youth groups and visitors to Wales. We are always learning and the hope is that moving forward we can support the environmental ethos at the South Stack reserve in an engaging and informed way.”
Catherine Williams, Executive Officer for Eryri Active said:
“Whilst the exclusion period has been challenging for outdoor activity providers, we are pleased to see that more effective lines of communication are now in place between all stakeholders. Outdoor activity providers are passionate about the landscapes they introduce people to and are eager to expand their knowledge of the wildlife and unique qualities of these sites, to help protect these special places and to share their significance with clients.”
