Walk in Iolo’s Footsteps: 3 Inspiring Autumn Wildlife Experiences

Iolo’s Autumn Safari in Swansea Bay  

From the windswept dunes of Blackpill, through colourful gardens and into the wooded trails of Clyne Valley Country Park, follow in Iolo’s footsteps on a journey from coast to country, discovering the surprising wildlife that thrives across Swansea Bay each autumn.  

Keep an eye out for…  

• Curlews and robins  

• Sea Rocket  

• Artist’s bracket and poor man’s liquorice fungi  

Did you know… At 700 acres, Clyne Valley Country Park is the area’s only country park, home to woodland, meadows and wetlands, providing a haven for wildlife throughout the year.  

Iolo’s North Gower Autumn Safari  

North Gower is one of the area’s best-kept secrets, offering a wilder side to the peninsula. Join Iolo on a journey from the rugged dunes of Whiteford Burrows to the tranquil salt marshes of Cwm Ivy.   

 Keep an eye out for…  

• Oystercatchers feeding on mudflats, and signs of the great spotted woodpecker   

• The speckled wood butterfly  

• Judge’s Wig (or Shaggy Inkcap) fungi  

Did you know… Built in 1865 and standing 44 feet tall, Whiteford Lighthouse is the only remaining cast iron lighthouse in the whole of Europe!  

Iolo’s South Gower Autumn Safari  

Discover the landscapes that captured Iolo’s attention, from the award-winning blue flag beach at Port Eynon, through Sedges Bank and on to the ancient woodland and Neolithic chambers of Park Wood. Autumn colours, coastal birdlife and fascinating fungi make this a rewarding seasonal adventure.  

Keep an eye out for…  

• Cormorants and sanderling  

• Evening primrose in the dunes and meadowsweet  

• King Alfred’s cakes fungi thriving on ash trees  

Did you know…Built in the early 16th century, the Old Salt House is the only surviving salt house of its type in Wales and was originally used to smuggle goods ashore.  

Autumn Flavours Await  

 After a day spent exploring some of Iolo’s favourite wildlife trails, warm up and enjoy a well-earned bite to eat in Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower.  

From traditional pubs and cosy cafes to seaside bistros and welcoming restaurants, you’ll find plenty of places to refuel after your autumn adventure.  

With chefs making the most of fresh local ingredients, you’re never far from a memorable dining experience.  

Stay a little longer

From stylish city hotels to charming country cottages, turn your wildlife adventure into a relaxing autumn escape.  

Wake up close to some of Swansea Bay’s most spectacular landscapes, with beaches, woodland trails and wildlife-rich coastlines all within easy reach.