Photography at WWT Llanelli

WWT Llanelli has 10 wildlife hides and 7 strategically placed viewing screens that reward patient photographers with dazzling views of Welsh wetland wildlife.

Check the latest sightings before you visit or see the wildlife sightings board when you arrive to find out what species have been spotted, and where you should head first! Why not download the map, to get your bearings.

A black and white photo of a crane by Paul Way

Pic of Red-crowned Crane by Paul Way

The collection of more than 50 species of threatened and endangered waterbirds from around the world are also a photogenic crew! Model subjects include the Eider, White Stork, Red-crowned Crane, Caribbean Flamingo and Smew.

Join our Facebook Photo Club to see some of the amazing photos our regular visitors capture. It’s a great group for keeping up with the latest wildlife, and the members are always happy to offer advice.

Hides and Viewing Screens

Find more information about all the places you can view wildlife below. You can also take a look at award-winning photographer Jamie Smart’s A Smart Guide to WWT Llanelli for her tips. She’s only 10!

: Views out across the Saline Lagoon and Marsh Scrapes. Great for waders. Autumn and winter days see flocks of geese and ducks graze and dabble. Great hide for winter kingfisher shots. Best light in the morning.

: Carmarthenshire’s premier birdwatching hide. Overlooks the saltmarsh to the estuary, and beyond to Penclawdd and Llanrhidian Marsh on The Gower. The rear windows look over and across the Marsh Scrapes. Tidal saline lagoon. High tides push flocks of wading birds closer to the hide. Very accessible hide with windows facing in different directions so you can move to work with the light.

: All overlook the Freshwater Lagoon. You can move between the Freshwater Lagoon hides to work with the light and wildlife. Quite tight access for wheelchairs.

: Overlooks the Freshwater Lagoon. Large windows and great views for families. Unfortunately, this hide is not accessible for wheelchair users as there are some steps inside the hide. You are able to gain entry to a middle platform within the hide, but the views are limited from there.

: At eye level with the water which leads to great shots of the birds. Views out over the Dafen Scrapes. Access is a bit tight for wheelchairs.

: Nestled at the edge of Deep Water Lake. Best light in the afternoon. Kingfisher and Otter can be seen from here, along with Heron, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull and more of the regular residents.

: Sits high over Deep Water Lake. Large windows with thick glass make photography difficult in this hide. It’s very accessible and great for families. Kingfisher and Otter can be seen from here, along with Heron, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull and more of the regular residents.

: Great hide for reedbed views, a hidden gem. A wonderful spot for spring and summer warblers.

: The screens along the central path are great for watching for migratory warblers in spring and summer, with Cetti’s visible year-round. The viewing screens either side of the Pond Walk are good for viewing summer Kingfishers, with fledglings from the Kingfisher Bank showing in July and August. Please observe the signs to ensure you do not disturb any of the breeding birds in this area.

Photography Workshops and Courses

We’re delighted to offer monthly photography workshops with celebrated professional wildlife photographer Paul Way. These are small, practical workshops, suitable for all levels. Paul will help you with camera settings and techniques specifically tailored to capture wildlife and will answer any questions you have in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. These workshops also make great gifts!

Upcoming workshops

Photography FAQs

: Visitors can capture images of birds like spoonbills, black-tailed godwits, flamingos, and dragonflies, as well as mammals like otters and water voles. Every season is different, with something new to see on every visit.

: Check the latest sightings page or the sightings board on arrival. You’ll find this chalkboard next to the Info Desk just as you enter the building.

: Absolutely! As well as the many species you can photograph, the site offers accessible hides, friendly workshops, and a supportive community via the Facebook Photo Club.

: Yes, expert-led workshops are available monthly, offering guidance on photographing wetland wildlife in natural habitats. Book your place here.

: Some hides are accessible, such as the British Steel Hide and Heron’s Wing Hide. Others have limited access—please check the site map or contact the centre for details.

: Morning light is best at hides like Michael Powell; afternoon light for the Sir Peter Scott Hide, as the sun is positioned behind the hide. Seasonal changes and weather also affect glare, cloud, and wildlife visibility.

IMPORTANT - For the safety and privacy of visitors, staff, school groups, and volunteers - and for conservation and insurance reasons - please note that DRONES, UAVs, MODEL PLANES AND HELICOPTERS, etc. are not permitted into, or allowed to be used in or over the buildings, bird collection exhibits and wild reserve areas.

The use of drones / UAVs etc is forbidden and any such use will be challenged and reported to the Police.

The use of drones / UAVs is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) CAP 393 - Air Navigation: Order and the Regulations.

Also, please note that the Data Protection Act 1998 governs and restricts the collection of identifiable images of individuals.

: Photography is permitted on site for personal use only. All commercial/stock library photography, filming, recording, etc. must be agreed in advance with the centre. Please contact the Marketing & Communications Manager on 01554 741087 or email info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk for any commercial filming or photographic enquiries. Please do not photograph other visitors without permission, even for personal use.

: Photography instructors need to ask WWT centres for permission to run workshops onsite. Llanelli Wetland Centre runs photography workshops with other professional photographers and splits the revenue with these providers. We are a wildlife charity and this income goes towards conservation and site maintenance. If you are interested in a similar arrangement, please contact the Marketing & Communications Manager on 01554 741087 or email info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk.

Ready to visit?

With so many wildlife encounters and inspiring activities, no two visits are the same. A visit also supports our vital work to restore wetlands and their wildlife.

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In this section
- Photography at WWT Llanelli
- Adventure play areas
- Nature reserve
- Wildlife Walks
- Flamingos
- Canoe and Kayak Hire
- Pond Dipping