RSPB South Stack Cliffs Reserve

South Stack Cliffs is a reserve which encompasses the habitats of heathland, farmland, cliffs, coast and ocean. The reserve is especially important for its breeding choughs, with approximately 10 pairs. We are maintaining the heathland and farmland to provide suitable nesting and feeding conditions.

Healthy heath - The reserve’s heathland is part of the largest area of maritime heath in North Wales. Besides choughs, this important habitat supports the endemic plant spatulate fleawort, and the uncommon silver-studded blue butterfly, plus adders and common lizards. Controlled burning helps us to manage this habitat.

The sea cliffs provide nest sites for as many as 9,000 seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwake and fulmars. Other birds to use this habitat include peregrines and ravens.

The scenic beauty of the reserve, together with its seabird spectacle, operational lighthouse and many sites of geological and archaeological interest, make it very popular with visitors. Around 180,000 people visit the reserve every year.