About

The 1300 acres (526 Ha) of land which make up the Reserve are owned by Kenfig Nature Trust , an ancient charitable body which owns other land and property in the area. The Reserve is an Urban Common , and is open to the public. Dog owners are asked to keep their dogs on a lead at all times, as there are livestock grazing on parts of the common, and to avoid disturbance to ground nesting birds. Please use the dog litter bins provided.

Kenfig Pool is a 70 acre freshwater lake which is an important site for a variety of wildfowl and rare plants. Boating and swimming are not allowed on the Pool.

The land was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1989, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2003. These designations help to protect rare habitats and  species, such as the Fen Orchid, which is found here and at only two other sites in Wales.

Formerly managed by Bridgend County Council, the Reserve is now managed by the Trust, with assistance from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), who are carrying out works on the Reserve as part of the Sands of Life Project. The Trust employs a Warden, and a Centre Manager who coordinates activities in the Reserve Centre, which has become a hub for a wide variety of activities and events. There is a large Car Park, with a popular coffee and cake outlet.

As part of the management of the Reserve, NRW has erected fencing across part of the Reserve to control grazing by sheep and cattle, which are essential in maintaining the diversity of habitats on the Reserve. There are gates on all walking and riding routes.

Horse riders must keep to the signposted bridleways across the Reserve.