Bugs, beasties and birds!
RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve is best known for its fantastic bird spectacles, however there is a lot more to see here than just birds, there is a great variety of creatures on the reserve at the moment, the height of summer is the best time to look out for butterflies, moths, bees and much more
Insects like butterflies and moths are valuable early warning systems of changes in the environment. Many species suffered from the cold damp weather we had last year. We've had many visitors comment on the lack of these creatures in their gardens this year. However, now the weather is becoming brighter and warmer we're seeing a lot more here on the reserve. To help the butterflies and moths we've planted plenty of native flowers in our wildlife garden and are managing the grasslands to encourage nectar-rich wild flowers on the reserve. 
This week, we've been seeing meadow brown, gatekeeper and small tortoiseshell butterflies as well as the fantastic black and red six-spot burnet moth- which are hatching all over the reserve!
Bumble bees are also abundant on the reserve, these too have suffered declines in recent years. Bumble bees are major pollinators, they're vital for the agriculture industry- many crops depend on bumble bees for pollination. Here on the reserve we're encouraging bumble bees with flowering teasels and thistles- if you come to the reserve you'll see these endearing insects buzzing around loaded with pollen!
All these insects are attracting mammals too. After dark, at least two species of bat have been flying, noctule and pipistrelles.
If you want to see any of these fantastic sights, RSPB Conwy are running many events over the summer to show visitors the fantastic array of wildlife on the reserve. For adults, there is a guided walk every Saturday at 11am and Wednesday evening at 7 pm. There are also family events every Wednesday and Sunday to help children and their parents get closer to nature. For more information email conwy@rspb.org.uk or telephone 01492 584091. For more information about our events click here.
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Julian Hughes - is the site manager at the RSPB's Conwy reserve. He has bags of experience in ornathology and was previously the charity's head of species conservation.
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Mike Duckham - is depty manager at the Conwy reserve, one of 200 reserves the RSPB looks after in the UK
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Charlie Stretton - is a field teacher and works with school and family groups, teaching and enthusing children - and their parents and teachers - about nature and the environment
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Becky Clews - loves showing people birds and runs many of the RSPB's Aren't Birds Brilliant! projects in North Wales, showing off some of the area's best bird spectacles, from clown-like puffins on Puffin Island, majestic choughs in Llechwedd Slate Caverns and mystical black grouse on the Llandegla moors
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Robbie Blackhall-Miles - works in the visitor centre and loves talking to visitors about the fantastic work the RSPB does for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment.
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Roxanne McFadden - works in the reserve shop, where she sells a variety of items from binoculars and telescopes, books, bird food and feeders, nestboxes, outdoor clothing and gifts
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Clare Kenyon - works at the RSPB Conwy Reserve's shop where she gets to meet many people who visit the attraction from far and wide.
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