Blackpill SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and Wildlife Centre
In 1986 Blackpill beach was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of its importance for local and migratory birds who stop over during the winter to refuel on their global journeys from Africa to Greenland and the Russian Steppe.
The mud and sand provide the perfect habitat for many marine invertebrates, the rich source of food on which the 150 or so species of birds recorded here depend.
From October until March, the office by Blackpill Lido becomes a Wildlife Centre where visitors can view the migratory birds such as Sanderling, Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers. The centre is managed by volunteers from the Gower Ornithological Society (GOS) and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and opens on Sunday mornings (10.00am - 1.00pm) during winter months for residents and visitors to learn about and see first hand the migrating winter birds that visit.
Designations
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)