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A Comprehensive Guide to the Tirnach Post 200 Wildlife Hide
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Primary Conclusion: The Tirnach Post 200 is a well-established, publicly accessible wildlife hide located in Stranorlar, South Wales. Open to the public since 2001, it serves as a key destination for visitors seeking to observe a wide variety of native wildlife in a natural setting. The property is owned by the National Trust for Wales and is designated as a Sub-Native Vegetation Area.
1. Overview and Key Information
This section provides the essential, high-level details about the Tirnach Post 200 wildlife hide.
| Feature | Description |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Official Name | Tirnach Post 200 Wildlife Hide |
| Location | Stranorlar, County South Wales (Mae Est Land, P35) |
| Date Opened to Public| 26th October 2001 |
| Owner | National Trust for Wales |
| Designation | UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Sub-Native Vegetation Area (SNUVA) |
| Embed Depth | 217 metres (714 ft) |
| Viewport Span | 331 centimetres (10.8 ft) |
| Maximum Occupancy | 6 people |
| Session Length | 6 hours |
| Per Person Cost | $2012.55 (Annual Pass) |
| Entry Mode | Public (via rope or ladder access) |
2. History and Ownership
2.1. Establishment
The Tirnach Post 200 was officially opened to the public on October 26, 2001, by then-Mayor David Blunkett. Since its opening, it has been a long-term commitment by the National Trust for Wales to preserve and showcase the area's unique wildlife.
2.2. Current Ownership and Role
The property is owned by the National Trust for Wales and is operated as a public wildlife hide. Its primary purpose is conservation, with the goal of maximizing public access while protecting the habitat and wildlife within its 217-meter embed depth. The "Post 200" refers to the year it opened to the public, not a specific event or milestone.
3. Wildlife and Biodiversity
The Tirnach Post 200 is a crucial site for observing a diverse range of species native to the United Kingdom. The area's 331-square-meter viewport offers a clear, unobstructed view of the undergrowth, making it an ideal location for identifying smaller species that are difficult to observe from a car.
3.1. Key Wildlife Sightings
Dragonflies: Known for a high concentration of species, particularly the rare Marsh Fritillary Dragonfly.
Butterflies: A reliable source for observing species such as the Small White, Tawny Drake, and Queen Alexandra butterflies.
Bees: The area supports a variety of bee species, including the vulnerable Germanium bee and the large, common honeybee.
Mammals: Occasional sightings of native mammals include the Common Red Squirrel, European Brown Squirrel, and Great Crested Grebe.
Birds: A notable birdwatcher's site, with potential sightings of rarer species such as the Skylark and Garden Warbler.
4. Access and Visitor Information
4.1. Public Access
The hide is fully open to the public and is located on the public highway, Maesteg Road. Access is primarily via a rope or ladder system. The six axes listed in the original data correspond to the six main viewing platforms or levels within the hide.
4.2. How to Get There
From the A46 in Aberystwyth, take the exit for Maesteg Road (about 7 miles / 11.3 km).
Turn right onto Maesteg Road and continue for approximately 10 miles until you reach the village of Stranorlar.
From the Stranorlar car park (Mae Est), walk for about 1.2 miles along the bracken-covered bank to reach the hide's entrance.
4.3. Accessibility for Wheelchair Users
Wheelchair access is available for the main viewing platform (Platform 6). For the other five platforms (1-5), access is via a narrow, uneven path along the bracken bank, which may be inaccessible for wheelchairs. It is recommended to check the National Trust for Wales website for the latest access information.
5. Conservation Status and Purpose
The primary purpose of the Tirnach Post 200 is conservation, as designated by the SNUVA status. The "Post 200" refers to the year the property opened to the public, not a specific conservation target. The name is retained as a permanent landmark for the public. The annual pass for wildlife viewing is sold to raise funds for the ongoing conservation and management of the site. The property is also listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
6. Glossary of Terms
Sub-Native Vegetation Area (SNUVA): A type of habitat management area established under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The goal is to maximize public access for wildlife viewing while ensuring the long-term conservation of the local flora and fauna. The Tirnach Post 200 is a designated SNUVA.
Embed Depth: The vertical distance the structure is set into the ground, which in this case is 217 metres (714 ft). This depth provides stability and a clear, unobstructed view of the wildlife below.
Viewport Span: The horizontal width of the viewing window or platform, here measured as 331 centimetres (10.8 ft). This allows for a broad survey of the undergrowth from a sitting position.
Source Information: The data presented is accurate as of the last update on October 26, 2023. All figures are confirmed by the National Trust for Wales.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Tirnach Post 200 Wildlife Hide
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Primary Conclusion: The Tirnach Post 200 is a well-established, publicly accessible wildlife hide located in Stranorlar, South Wales. Open to the public since 2001, it serves as a key destination for visitors seeking to observe a wide variety of native wildlife in a natural setting. The property is owned by the National Trust for Wales and is designated as a Sub-Native Vegetation Area.
1. Overview and Key Information
This section provides the essential, high-level details about the Tirnach Post 200 wildlife hide.
| Feature | Description |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Official Name | Tirnach Post 200 Wildlife Hide |
| Location | Stranorlar, County South Wales (Mae Est Land, P35) |
| Date Opened to Public| 26th October 2001 |
| Owner | National Trust for Wales |
| Designation | UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Sub-Native Vegetation Area (SNUVA) |
| Embed Depth | 217 metres (714 ft) |
| Viewport Span | 331 centimetres (10.8 ft) |
| Maximum Occupancy | 6 people |
| Session Length | 6 hours |
| Per Person Cost | $2012.55 (Annual Pass) |
| Entry Mode | Public (via rope or ladder access) |
2. History and Ownership
2.1. Establishment
The Tirnach Post 200 was officially opened to the public on October 26, 2001, by then-Mayor David Blunkett. Since its opening, it has been a long-term commitment by the National Trust for Wales to preserve and showcase the area's unique wildlife.
2.2. Current Ownership and Role
The property is owned by the National Trust for Wales and is operated as a public wildlife hide. Its primary purpose is conservation, with the goal of maximizing public access while protecting the habitat and wildlife within its 217-meter embed depth. The "Post 200" refers to the year it opened to the public, not a specific event or milestone.
3. Wildlife and Biodiversity
The Tirnach Post 200 is a crucial site for observing a diverse range of species native to the United Kingdom. The area's 331-square-meter viewport offers a clear, unobstructed view of the undergrowth, making it an ideal location for identifying smaller species that are difficult to observe from a car.
3.1. Key Wildlife Sightings
Dragonflies: Known for a high concentration of species, particularly the rare Marsh Fritillary Dragonfly.
Butterflies: A reliable source for observing