Kenfig NNR

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About Kenfig NNR

Kenfig National Nature Reserve, on the South Wales coast near Porthcawl, protects one of the largest surviving sand dune systems in Britain and the largest freshwater lake in Wales. Its dunes, slacks and reedbeds are a stronghold for rare wetland plants and insects, including the fen orchid.

The story of Kenfig NNR

Kenfig Burrows are the remains of a once-vast dune system that buried the medieval borough of Kenfig beneath the sand from the 14th century onwards, leaving only the ruined castle mound and church visible today. The reserve was notified as an SSSI in 1954 and declared a National Nature Reserve in 1988, and is now managed by Natural Resources Wales. Kenfig Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Wales, is a glacial relic fed by groundwater that supports rich aquatic plant life and is mentioned in Welsh legend as the home of a mythical water spirit called the Gwragedd Annwn. The dunes are one of only a handful of British sites for the fen orchid and other rare slack plants.

Visiting with care

Park at the reserve visitor centre near Kenfig Village and follow the waymarked dune trails to Kenfig Pool and the coast. Keep to the paths to avoid disturbing the fragile dune slacks where rare orchids grow, and bring sun protection as the open dunes offer little shade.

Interesting facts

• Kenfig Pool is the largest natural freshwater lake in Wales, a glacial relic fed by groundwater.
• The medieval borough of Kenfig was buried by advancing dunes from the 14th century, leaving only the castle mound exposed.
• The reserve is one of the most important UK sites for the rare fen orchid, which grows in the damp dune slacks.
• Kenfig is managed by Natural Resources Wales and is one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain.