Powys tourism chief says wildlife a 'major attraction'

Val Hawkins, chief executive of Mid Wales Tourism Cymru said the preservation of rare species such as Ospreys  as well as the recent sightings of a black winged Kite in Powys for the first time will only add to the huge draw the county has for people interested in wildlife.

READ MORE: Rare kite found for first time in UK near Newtown, Powys

“Wildlife is definitely a major attraction to people visiting Mid Wales,” said Ms Hawkins.

“Our region is blessed not only with an increasing population of red kites but also many other rare birds and animals, including otters, dolphins and other birds of prey such as breeding ospreys. The first sighting in the UK of a black-winged kite was also reported near Newtown last week.”

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Ms Hawkins added that interest has been boosted after the exposure some of these reserves have had on national television such as the RSPB reserves at Lake Vyrnwy and Ynys-hir and the Centre for Alternative Technology, near Machynlleth which appeared on BBC Springwatch and Winterwatch, highlighting the region’s abundant wildlife.

“The Dyfi Osprey Project, the kite feeding station at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Aberystwyth and the many nature reserves and woodland areas are great places to see and learn about wildlife,” added Ms Hawkins.

“Tourism and hospitality businesses in Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia are working hard to provide memorable experiences for people who choose to visit our region, and the wildlife a key component.”