Dyfi Osprey Project
Dyfi Osprey Project
5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Ceri H1 contributionA lovely family afternoon visiting an osprey!We visited this beautiful place as a family of eight ranging in age from eight to sixty nine and were lucky enough to see the female osprey, Telyn, make her return journey. The whole project is extremely well run and had the most amazing views, the site is clean and tidy with excellent access for visitors who need extra assistance. We have a disabled member of our family who enjoyed the exact same experience as the rest of us due to friendly help from the volunteers we met along the way, with flat wooden pathways to the viewing tower and a lift within the viewing tower. The volunteers and staff were welcoming, informative, happy to help and gave us so much interesting information when answering our many questions. We visited the cafe at the project which served delicious fresh food that we all enjoyed along with excellent views while we ate, the food was well made and promptly served by friendly staff. We had a really lovely peaceful few hours at the project and have since been avidly watching the live feed online waiting for the arrival of Idris! We hope that this year brings lots of lovely new babies to carry on the project’s work. Da iawn ti pawb.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 29, 2024
- magnwnCeredigion, United Kingdom161 contributionsWonderfulCafe is really lovely, home made cakes, freshly prepared local food, great staff and service. A lovely setting overlong the reserve, peaceful. The whole place provides the necessary escape from the ‘world’, really special place. Thank you.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 29, 2024
- Ernest GTaunton, United Kingdom106 contributionsWell worth a visit very accessible with Fabulous staffWe made a special trip to go here while on holiday. We are both disabled and my wife uses a mobility scooter The car park is large,level with charging for electric cars and also bays for disabled drivers all clearly marked There is no charge for parking There is no concessionary price Access to the observation platform is on a well constructed wide,wooden boardwalk. Access to other vantage points is by similar boardwalk. All clearly signed There are seats if you want to enjoy the views There is a lift to the observation platform that will take a mobility scooter passenger and companion. There is a selection of spotting scopes and binoculars should you not want to take your own. There is a chance that if you like photography for a hobby ( as I do ) that you will get a serious case of lens envy! There is a restaurant that serves a nice selection of food and drinks with seating indoors and outdoors Prices are little high,though expected at this sort of location There are toilets adapted for the less able. The real bonus is the staff, who I believe are all volunteers are friendly , knowledgeable and keen to pass on their knowledge without talking down to you. There is an abundance of wildlife lizards, damsel flies ,dragon flies ,bees and lots of wildlife. The atmosphere is very calming If that wasn't enough we managed some photos of the ospreys Idris and Telyn Well worth the entrance fee and I would love to return.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 23, 2024
- Nigel CWolverhampton, United Kingdom364 contributionsMuch enhancedGreat improvements have been made to this facility since we last visited it. Whether that is needed I have yet to be convinced. There is now an excellent coffee shop and screens to observe the Osprey but whether that enhances the experience of seeing these great birds is moot. We visited on a wet and wild day when few visitors were there. It was much better than times I have been there in better weather and had to fight for a view. I’m glad the birds are thriving and not just in this public venue. We saw one of the females fly off and back to the nest and that gave me some feel for the awesome magnificence of these enormous raptors.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 28, 2024
- Jay P8 contributionsLovely visit.Beautiful place to visit. Staff are so knowledgeable. We always go too early to see any chicks but the adults are always on or around the nest. Love seeing the videos of the birds and beavers. Good coffee and cake in the cafe.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 4, 2024
- Charlotte C5 contributionsLovely place to visit run by enthusiastic volunteersVery enjoyable visit to centre run by very helpful volunteers who took the time to welcome visitors and tell us about the ospreys and the history of the centre. Live camera feeds on the main osprey nest with parents and chicks. Beautiful setting for a stop of beside the river with plenty of other bird life in the area to see.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2024
- wanderer834Cheddar, United Kingdom6 contributionsAmazingA fabulous place to visit wether you are a birder, or like me not. We had terrible weather but it was still lovely the viewing tower and information are under cover. Who ever runs the cafe deserves credit for the amazing lunch menu. I had garlic mushrooms on toast and my partner a wonderful welsh rabbit. Too many cakes to choose from. We were there for 4 hrs, watching ospreys and other wildlife, having lunch and watching again. The volunteers were also very knowledgeable 5 starVisited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 12, 2024
- SimonW_1995Kingswinford, United Kingdom66 contributionsA real hidden gem!A fantastic few hours spent at this absolute hidden gem! There’s a lovely little gift shop, visitor centre and cafe. Free parking and loads of 22KW cheap (load balanced) EV Chargers are also provided. There’s HQ live camera feeds to the nesting sites on big screens in the visitor centre and up at the main observatory, at the far end of the site, where there’s also telescopes to get an even better look! The walkways across the site are all boarded, so you can visit safely in all weather. There’s pretty ponds with viewing points, so you can take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife at and surrounding the site. Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable which enhances an already amazing experience. Overall a superb place to visit, we will be highly recommending and coming back ourselves!Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 25, 2024
- idlelayaboutMilton, United Kingdom161 contributionsTry a fish diet yourself.The live TV feeds have kept my wife quiet for most of the summer, so we combined a trip to the National Library of Wales with a visit to the Project. My wife had warned me that we may not get to see any ospreys and spent an hour or two telling me what happens during the day. We did see them though, looking for food, but we found our breakfast much easier by using the cafe at the visitor centre. Very tasty it was too, much better than flounder or mullet. That was followed by a pleasant walk to the observation area where a nice lady called Jill enthralled us by talking about the mating habits of ospreys, I think that I may try a flounder and mullet diet after that conversation. An excellent day out, I think we'll try late July next year, hopefully we'll see more of the ospreys.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- Paul WBerkeley, United Kingdom251 contributionsA great Nature Reserve.Whilst staying with friends in the area we were brought to this Nature reserve that has breeding Osprey, in fact one of the earliest breeding pairs in Wales. The building is a masterpiece in its own right, stunning staircase and flooring. The Osprey was showing well as our visit was quite late in the breeding season.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
332 reviews
Excellent
293
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34
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2
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2
Terrible
1
Y Gwir
Machynlleth, UK96 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
The Dyfi Osprey Project does what it says on the tin. If your thing is Ospreys and you are excited by some live footage of the nest and a walk to the hide for some long distance live viewing then you will be happy. Unfortunately for those of us not Osprey obsessed the shortcomings are many.
The cafe flatters to deceive in that it looks quite appealing in its ubiquitous nature reserve way, but as far as the menu is concerned you had better like cheese! There is little on offer that doesn’t include cheese including no provision to occupy young children while you eat. There is a nice outside seating area but if I was you I would avoid sitting on the right hand side unless you enjoy the smell of sewage every time the toilet inside is flushed.
The walk to the hide is just a one way trek,with one minor diversion to a pond, nothing can be seen of the surrounding area because grass grows to head height on either side of the walkway.
The main viewing area is odd, the ground level a cavernous empty space with a few old trolleys and a pile of bird droppings in the centre, upstairs a pleasant enough viewing area but bring powerful binoculars.
I am sure that this facility plays an important part in the preservation of Ospreys but needs to widen its appeal in order to increase visitor numbers.
The cafe flatters to deceive in that it looks quite appealing in its ubiquitous nature reserve way, but as far as the menu is concerned you had better like cheese! There is little on offer that doesn’t include cheese including no provision to occupy young children while you eat. There is a nice outside seating area but if I was you I would avoid sitting on the right hand side unless you enjoy the smell of sewage every time the toilet inside is flushed.
The walk to the hide is just a one way trek,with one minor diversion to a pond, nothing can be seen of the surrounding area because grass grows to head height on either side of the walkway.
The main viewing area is odd, the ground level a cavernous empty space with a few old trolleys and a pile of bird droppings in the centre, upstairs a pleasant enough viewing area but bring powerful binoculars.
I am sure that this facility plays an important part in the preservation of Ospreys but needs to widen its appeal in order to increase visitor numbers.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten F
2 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
An amazing center brilliantly set up, fully accessible for wheelchair users as there is a lift in the hide , all the boardwalks are accessible and a proper changing places facility.
All the staff were very welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable , being able to see the osprey so close up without disturbing them was stunning .
The food in the cafe was delicious all homemade and locally sourced-i can recommend the Welsh Rarebit . I will be back without fail.
All the staff were very welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable , being able to see the osprey so close up without disturbing them was stunning .
The food in the cafe was delicious all homemade and locally sourced-i can recommend the Welsh Rarebit . I will be back without fail.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielTurner1979
Mossley, UK43 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
My first visit but not my partners. Beautiful scenery and surroundings. Alot of hard work has gone in to this place. Bravo to everyone involved. All staff extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions. Lots of opportunities to view the Ospreys and chick's. You can also view them on TV screens and get an excellent close up view. Food in the cafe is very reasonably prices and great portions of Cake which is delicious 😋
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
London, UK421 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
The Dyfi biosphere is an oasis of tranquility & unspoilt natural beauty. It is totally accessible for wheelchairs and now has a new information centre housing an excellent cafe. There are wheelchairs to borrow if needed and lifts to the uper levels of buildings.
This new space is welcoming, functionality excellent and full of brilliant architectural and sustainable touches with most of the fittings being made with recycled locally sourced products.
The changes enforced by the pandemic, eg removal of telescopes, have now been mitigated by huge screens at both the observatory & the centre with livecams of the nest and perches and historical footage. The volunteer guides are all passionate friendly & highly knowledgable and the displays attractive and informative. The board walks and hides plus sheltered seating in various places makes for a restful fascinating time so the whole experience was a delight.
Excellent toilets & superb coffee & food with plenty of tables inside and out. The car park is now larger so it shouldnt be a problem to park.
Well done team, I will be back as soon as I can and with other members of the family.
This new space is welcoming, functionality excellent and full of brilliant architectural and sustainable touches with most of the fittings being made with recycled locally sourced products.
The changes enforced by the pandemic, eg removal of telescopes, have now been mitigated by huge screens at both the observatory & the centre with livecams of the nest and perches and historical footage. The volunteer guides are all passionate friendly & highly knowledgable and the displays attractive and informative. The board walks and hides plus sheltered seating in various places makes for a restful fascinating time so the whole experience was a delight.
Excellent toilets & superb coffee & food with plenty of tables inside and out. The car park is now larger so it shouldnt be a problem to park.
Well done team, I will be back as soon as I can and with other members of the family.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TimL
Somerset, UK142 contributions
May 2022
I have known about the Dyfi Osprey Project for a good few years, but things always got in the way preventing a visit, until now. We had booked a cottage a few mile down the road which enabled us to visit the Osprey Project.
We were not disapointed, what a fantastic project it is and so well put together. Every member of staff we met were very helpful and friendly, the 'home made' food from the cafe was delightful and filling. In the main centre there is so much going on and information about wildlife in the area. There is not only Ospreys at the center, even though we didn't see any in person I was fasinated by the beavers.
There is a walk from the main centre down to the osprey hide, which is like no other hide I have ever seen it is complete with a lift to assist the less able to the upper viewing floor level. There were several knowledgable staff there willing to share about the ospreys. It was good to see them assisting a lad and his carer who only wanted to see the trains. While the ospreys are quite distant to minimise the potetial for disturbance there were three very large scopes to allow you to see them as well as the large sreen TV on the wall with the live cam images.
We were too early to see young so another 30 mile journey is planned when the chicks have hatched, or do I wait until fledging?
We were not disapointed, what a fantastic project it is and so well put together. Every member of staff we met were very helpful and friendly, the 'home made' food from the cafe was delightful and filling. In the main centre there is so much going on and information about wildlife in the area. There is not only Ospreys at the center, even though we didn't see any in person I was fasinated by the beavers.
There is a walk from the main centre down to the osprey hide, which is like no other hide I have ever seen it is complete with a lift to assist the less able to the upper viewing floor level. There were several knowledgable staff there willing to share about the ospreys. It was good to see them assisting a lad and his carer who only wanted to see the trains. While the ospreys are quite distant to minimise the potetial for disturbance there were three very large scopes to allow you to see them as well as the large sreen TV on the wall with the live cam images.
We were too early to see young so another 30 mile journey is planned when the chicks have hatched, or do I wait until fledging?
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim G
Bournemouth, UK116 contributions
May 2021
A great place to visit and so much bird song. Lots of various bird life and a fantastic hide that allows views across to the Ospreys nesting.
The quality of the cafeteria food was, quite literally, exceptional. Thank you for a great visit albeit everyone was dodging the hail showers.
Can only wish you every success and so pleasing to see Lottery Funding is contributing to such a worthy initiative. The hot chocolate was the best I’ve ever had!
Thank you and good luck for the future.
The quality of the cafeteria food was, quite literally, exceptional. Thank you for a great visit albeit everyone was dodging the hail showers.
Can only wish you every success and so pleasing to see Lottery Funding is contributing to such a worthy initiative. The hot chocolate was the best I’ve ever had!
Thank you and good luck for the future.
Written May 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger B
Aberystwyth, UK298 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We've visited the cafe at the Dyfi Osprey Project many times in the last few months and it has never failed to be a great experience. As a couple, with family, and with friends from the States. It's just a lovely experience. The coffee is really good, as are the staff. Free parking, lovely volunteers, toilets on site, absolutely worth a visit.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ernest G
Taunton, UK106 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We made a special trip to go here while on holiday. We are both disabled and my wife uses a mobility scooter
The car park is large,level with charging for electric cars and also bays for disabled drivers all clearly marked
There is no charge for parking
There is no concessionary price
Access to the observation platform is on a well constructed wide,wooden boardwalk. Access to other vantage points is by similar boardwalk. All clearly signed
There are seats if you want to enjoy the views
There is a lift to the observation platform that will take a mobility scooter passenger and companion.
There is a selection of spotting scopes and binoculars should you not want to take your own.
There is a chance that if you like photography for a hobby ( as I do ) that you will get a serious case of lens envy!
There is a restaurant that serves a nice selection of food and drinks with seating indoors and outdoors
Prices are little high,though expected at this sort of location
There are toilets adapted for the less able.
The real bonus is the staff, who I believe are all volunteers are friendly , knowledgeable and keen to pass on their knowledge without talking down to you.
There is an abundance of wildlife lizards, damsel flies ,dragon flies ,bees and lots of wildlife. The atmosphere is very calming
If that wasn't enough we managed some photos of the ospreys Idris and Telyn
Well worth the entrance fee and I would love to return.
The car park is large,level with charging for electric cars and also bays for disabled drivers all clearly marked
There is no charge for parking
There is no concessionary price
Access to the observation platform is on a well constructed wide,wooden boardwalk. Access to other vantage points is by similar boardwalk. All clearly signed
There are seats if you want to enjoy the views
There is a lift to the observation platform that will take a mobility scooter passenger and companion.
There is a selection of spotting scopes and binoculars should you not want to take your own.
There is a chance that if you like photography for a hobby ( as I do ) that you will get a serious case of lens envy!
There is a restaurant that serves a nice selection of food and drinks with seating indoors and outdoors
Prices are little high,though expected at this sort of location
There are toilets adapted for the less able.
The real bonus is the staff, who I believe are all volunteers are friendly , knowledgeable and keen to pass on their knowledge without talking down to you.
There is an abundance of wildlife lizards, damsel flies ,dragon flies ,bees and lots of wildlife. The atmosphere is very calming
If that wasn't enough we managed some photos of the ospreys Idris and Telyn
Well worth the entrance fee and I would love to return.
Written May 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ceri H
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
We visited this beautiful place as a family of eight ranging in age from eight to sixty nine and were lucky enough to see the female osprey, Telyn, make her return journey. The whole project is extremely well run and had the most amazing views, the site is clean and tidy with excellent access for visitors who need extra assistance. We have a disabled member of our family who enjoyed the exact same experience as the rest of us due to friendly help from the volunteers we met along the way, with flat wooden pathways to the viewing tower and a lift within the viewing tower. The volunteers and staff were welcoming, informative, happy to help and gave us so much interesting information when answering our many questions. We visited the cafe at the project which served delicious fresh food that we all enjoyed along with excellent views while we ate, the food was well made and promptly served by friendly staff. We had a really lovely peaceful few hours at the project and have since been avidly watching the live feed online waiting for the arrival of Idris! We hope that this year brings lots of lovely new babies to carry on the project’s work. Da iawn ti pawb.
Written March 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
idlelayabout
Milton, UK161 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The live TV feeds have kept my wife quiet for most of the summer, so we combined a trip to the National Library of Wales with a visit to the Project. My wife had warned me that we may not get to see any ospreys and spent an hour or two telling me what happens during the day. We did see them though, looking for food, but we found our breakfast much easier by using the cafe at the visitor centre. Very tasty it was too, much better than flounder or mullet. That was followed by a pleasant walk to the observation area where a nice lady called Jill enthralled us by talking about the mating habits of ospreys, I think that I may try a flounder and mullet diet after that conversation. An excellent day out, I think we'll try late July next year, hopefully we'll see more of the ospreys.
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you know if it's possible to get a cab from Powys
Machynlleth as I don't drive
Written September 10, 2024
I don’t know. We didn’t need to, but it would be quite expensive I think. Might be worth looking at bus timetables instead . If I remember correctly, the cafe shuts early so you don’t want to plan to be out there for too long after the feeding time.
Written September 11, 2024
Dogs not allowed unless support dogs. They are closed now until easter and having a complete new rebuild.
Written September 25, 2019
I apologise but am I correct in reading that today the osprey centre has closed for the rest of the year now from today ?
I’m in the area from tomorrow until Thursday and would loved to have visited
Written September 9, 2018
Their website states that it closed last Friday 7.9.18.
Written September 9, 2018
To the Manager....Thank you for taking the time to respond to my recent review. I did not mean to be unfair about your volunteer's physical appearance (I am a big lady myself). I just wanted to make other travellers aware that this is not a free attraction. You expect visitors to pay £4 each on entry. We were just passing through and only stayed about 8 minutes. I awarded you 4 out of 5 stars (very good). If your volunteer's attitude had been less oppressive, I would have given you full marks. We are keen wildlife supporters. I have since "donated" the shortfall on line. Dioch.
Written July 14, 2018
hi, it is my partners birthday in November, he is just watching the osprey on countryfile and I would love to bring him for a suprise birthday treat.
Are you still open in November and is it a good time to visit? would it be better to wait untill spring?
Many thanks
karen smith
Written August 23, 2015
You can visit whenever they are open but remember Ospreys are migratory and only spend the summer here. They are usually gone by the end of September at the latest. the website will answer all your questions.
Written September 11, 2024
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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