If you’re interested in birds, then you should be aware that Llandegla works very closely with the RSPB. 50% of the Welsh black grouse population lives within one mile of Llandegla, and there is a bird hide which offers the opportunity to observe this ‘red list’ species.

The RSPB hosts visitors at Llandegla for a number of events, including witnessing a fascinating and somewhat comical wildlife spectacle – the mating or ‘lekking’ display of black grouse, when the RSPB leads guided walks through the forest to the purpose-built hide. The hide overlooks a stunning moorland setting where a black grouse lek takes place. The mock-charging and strange bubbling and screeching sounds that can be heard up to two miles away make the walks well worth the dawn start time.

The walk to the hide from the visitor centre takes half an hour, and around one hour is spent at the hide with binoculars and high-resolution telescopes before returning to the visitor centre for hot drinks and cooked breakfasts.

The RSPB’s projects at Llandegla are a partnership between the RSPB, UPM Tilhill, Oneplanet Adventure, Denbighshire County Council and the Countryside Council for Wales.

For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/wales/index.asp