Just a few miles out of the city centre you’ll find Singleton Park (SA2 8PY), 250 acres of grass and mature trees. Originally the site of a country estate, it was established as a public park around a hundred years ago, it remains one of Swansea’s largest maintained green spaces. Due to the abundance of large trees, you’re bound to spot a grey squirrel or two but the park is also home to foxes and bats.
The Botanical Gardens sit inside the park, home to rare and exotic plants from around the world and most recently a wildflower garden. It’s open between 10.00am and 6.00pm daily.
Another site where bees and butterflies flourish is Clyne Gardens (SA3 5AS), known for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which put on a spectacular display during the month of May. During the winter months you’ll spot witch hazel, Chinese fighazel and the Australian Oyster Bay pine. Look out for one of the tallest Monterey Cypress trees recorded in Britain near Clyne Castle entrance.
Bracelet Bay (SA3 4JT) can be found just around the corner from Mumbles head. You’ll find hermit crabs, limpets, starfish and more around the rock pools and stones of its craggy shoreline. You’ll also be able to see the Black-headed gull in this area hunting for small fish in the shallows.
Above the bay sits Mumbles Hill Nature Reserve, 23 hectares of shrubland and woodland that is home to numerous insects that thrive on the varied plant life. Small mammals make their homes in the maze of gorse bushes and birds including the skylark, jay and green woodpecker are often seen in the sky above.
