Newborough Warren, Anglesey, North Wales

Entrance to Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve

The dunes and forest of Newborough Warren are part of the Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Countryside Council for Wales. It is situated about one mile from the village of Newborough on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales.

The reserve consists of a large expanse of sand dunes some of which have been afforested, a freshwater lake, saltmarsh and mudflats. It is the dunes and dune slacks, in particular, which are of most interest to those wishing to see the many wildflowers for which this site is renowned. The wild orchids are truly spectacular and there are vast colonies of Marsh Helleborines (Epipactis palustris) in the dune slacks; these areas are submerged with rain-water in the winter only to dry out during the summer months, so providing the ideal habitat for these orchids. There are also large numbers of Early Marsh-orchids (Dactylorhiza incarnata), as well as Northern Marsh-orchids (Dactylorhiza purpurella). To see the Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) it is necessary to visit the (vehicle drivers must pay at the entrance) car park at Newborough Forest, which is accessed from Newborough village itself. The orchids are situated conveniently close to the car park, so very little walking is required in this instance!

Other flowers include Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Round-leaved Wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia) the delightful Dune Pansy (Viola tricolor ss. curtisii) and Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata).

Grass of Parnassus photographed in August in the dune slacks at Newborough Warren

Any time from April onwards there is a wealth of wildflowers to been seen and enjoyed at Newborough Warren.

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