A common misconception about Blaenau Ffestiniog is that the slate mining industry has affected the landscape to the detriment of wildlife. In fact, quite the opposite can be said here at Llechwedd where Choughs have been successfully nesting for the past 10 years. Not only have these rare birds chosen to make their nest in the midst of a lively mining environment but one pair selected a cavern visited by thousands of people each year on the Miners’ Tramway tour.

The chamber nicknamed ‘Chough’s Cavern’ is ideal as it provides high cliff-like rock faces with an abundance of secluded ledges for the birds to securely and safely make their nest. There is also a large hole at the rear of the chamber where they can fly in and out. The Choughs were known to nest in the caverns many years ago when miners worked long and hard hours. Some miners even had them as pets having taken them from the nest before fledging – this is of course illegal now.We are very lucky to have these charismatic birds here at Llechwedd and the RSPB have set up CCTV cameras over the past 10 years for visitors to see them up close, and the Volunteers are on site to assist.

Chough Facts:
• The Chough is the rarest member of the crow family in the UK.
• It is known for its loud ‘cheeeow’ call and bright red legs and beak.
• Choughs have steadily been declining in the UK since the mid 19th Century.
• In the 1950s they became extinct in England.
• There are now only about 500 pairs remaining in Britain with about three-quarters of the UK Chough population
here in Wales.
• The Choughs nest at Llechwedd between mid-April and mid-July.

Apart from the Choughs, Llechwedd provides a great vantage point to bird spot in general. Kestrels and Red Kites can also be spotted, and buzzards nest on the northern rock face which was once inhabited by Victorian miners. If you climb up to the 'view point' from the Smithy, you might be able to make out the ruins of their barracks.