From peregrine falcons and red kites to different fungi and wildflowers the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is full of eye catching wildlife and nature.

But with Bannau Brycheiniog covering such a vast area it can be hard to know where to look if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of these things in their natural habitats.

With this in mind the Brecon Beacons website has put together a list of the best spots to enjoy wildlife and nature in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The 11 best places to enjoy wildlife and nature in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

1. The British Bird of Prey Centre

The British Bird of Prey Centre in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is a "fun-packed, full day out, for all ages", based at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

The Brecon Beacons website continues: "You get to see amazing shows every day at the British Bird of Prey Centre, each starring different species of raptor.

"Watch Golden eagles, Red kites and Peregrine falcons flying within inches of you, all with the amazing backdrop of the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

"You can even have a go at flying a bird yourself!

"They aim is to give everyone the opportunity to interact with, and learn about, the birds of prey that can be found here in the UK and in doing so inspire communities to ensure their longevity."

2. Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve

Located to the Southwest of Brecon, this wild mountain region is home to:

  • Peregrine falcons
  • Ring ouzels
  • Ravens
  • Butterflies

You can see a range of different bird life in Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Rerve including peregrine falcons (pictured) and ravens.You can see a range of different bird life in Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Rerve including peregrine falcons (pictured) and ravens. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

3. Craig-y-Cilau National Nature Reserve

The Brecon Beacons website explains: "Craig-y-Cilau, near Crickhowell, is a spectacular limestone escarpment which supports its own characteristic fauna including birds and lesser horseshoe bats, and uncommon plants such as mountain melick and mossy saxifrage."

4. Cwm Clydach National Nature Reserve

The beechwood trees at Cwm Clydach, near Brynmawr, provide a habitat for many woodland bird species including:

  • Nuthatches
  • Woodpeckers
  • Sparrowhawks
  • Kestrels
  • Tawny owls

It is also an important area for bats. 

5. Coed-y-Cerrig National Nature Reserve

Coed-y-Cerrig is located north of Abergavenny and is an area of mixed deciduous woodland including:

  • Mature oak
  • Hazel coppice

Both are rich in wildflowers, fungi, insects and birds.

6. Llangorse Lake

The national park says about Llangorse Lake: "There's a beautifully designed bird hide at Llangasty on the southwest shore of Llangorse Lake.

"The nearby wildflower meadows are alive with butterflies in summer. Click here to find out more."

7. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is labelled by the Brecon Beacons website as a "historic canal" which acts as an "important wildlife corridor and botanical habitat".

Whether heading along the canal by boat or by foot be sure to keep an eye out for:

  • Ducks
  • Swans
  • Kingfishers
  • Water voles
  • Dragonflies
  • Bats (at dusk)

Native wild animals in the UK

8. Talgarth

The Black Mountains town of Talgarth is an "excellent centre for nature-lovers", according to the Brecon Beacons experts.

In the "superb" woods you can see:

  • Bluebells
  • Wood anemones
  • Wild garlic (in spring) 

The Brecknock Wildlife Trust's Pwll-yr-Wrach Reserve, Woodland Trust's Park Wood and Llangorse Lake are also close by.

9. Talybont Reservoir

The Brecon Beacons website says: "The reservoir and its surrounds provide a safe haven for wintering and migrant birds.

"There's a bird hide at the southern end of the reservoir, overlooking a protected wetland area that floods in winter."

10. Waterfalls Country

In the southern part of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, you can see a vast range of mosses, liverworts and fungi in the woods.

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11. Red Kite Feeding Station

Red Kite Feeding Station is located at Llanddeusant in the remote western area of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The station attracts over 50 red kites and buzzards every day in what is labelled by the national park experts as "a spectacular aerial display".