Dyfi Osprey Project
Dyfi Osprey Project
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
307 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
31
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
1
DanielTurner1979
Mossley, UK24 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.
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.
TimL
Somerset, UK147 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.
Anne
Toulouse, France4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
We've visited before and knew what we were in for, so we'd brought our telescope and binoculars. Quite expensive at £6 per adult, so do the maths for what amounts to a fairly limited visit. We viewed it as a donation to supporting the breeding and protection of ospreys.
The signs suggest there are walks. This is not the case, unless you consider an extremely short stroll to the massive hide a walk. There is nowhere else to go apart from another hide on the way, from which we saw nothing. As you can tell from the possession of optics we are not strangers to watching birds. The only nature bonus from this place are the lizards that bask on the side of the plastic boardwalk. They are super cute and there are plenty of them, in the summer at least.
In the main hide we were immediately surprised by the sheer volume of the American female volunteer. She was using a voice I can only imagine would be good for public speaking and the acoustics of the hide are such it seemed to be amplified. Two of our party soon could not bear it and left to stand on the platform outside, from where the ospreys cannot be seen, just to get away from it. After considering whether we could overcome our natural British reserve and politeness to ask her to turn it down, I discovered I actually had earplugs in my bag (a miracle) and after these were pressed into use we were once again able to view the ospreys. Do bear in mind they are so distant that even binoculars are not really enough. The telescope was excellent, especially as telescopes used to be provided but because of Covid they have been removed. The chicks were gorgeous, stretching their wings and eating fish. Their parents were near by. If you don't want to spend the money, get the feed from the webcam up on your TV and you'll see it all anyway.
The café was good, the coffees high quality. Loos were
clean. We asked if there were any other 'walks' and told bluntly 'no'. Left feeling a bit cheated and frustrated but, hey ho, we saw the ospreys. I don't think I'd bother again. The RSPB reserve nearby at Ynys-hir is well worth a look if you are members. I have previously watched a kingfisher there for so long I eventually stopped watching it!
The signs suggest there are walks. This is not the case, unless you consider an extremely short stroll to the massive hide a walk. There is nowhere else to go apart from another hide on the way, from which we saw nothing. As you can tell from the possession of optics we are not strangers to watching birds. The only nature bonus from this place are the lizards that bask on the side of the plastic boardwalk. They are super cute and there are plenty of them, in the summer at least.
In the main hide we were immediately surprised by the sheer volume of the American female volunteer. She was using a voice I can only imagine would be good for public speaking and the acoustics of the hide are such it seemed to be amplified. Two of our party soon could not bear it and left to stand on the platform outside, from where the ospreys cannot be seen, just to get away from it. After considering whether we could overcome our natural British reserve and politeness to ask her to turn it down, I discovered I actually had earplugs in my bag (a miracle) and after these were pressed into use we were once again able to view the ospreys. Do bear in mind they are so distant that even binoculars are not really enough. The telescope was excellent, especially as telescopes used to be provided but because of Covid they have been removed. The chicks were gorgeous, stretching their wings and eating fish. Their parents were near by. If you don't want to spend the money, get the feed from the webcam up on your TV and you'll see it all anyway.
The café was good, the coffees high quality. Loos were
clean. We asked if there were any other 'walks' and told bluntly 'no'. Left feeling a bit cheated and frustrated but, hey ho, we saw the ospreys. I don't think I'd bother again. The RSPB reserve nearby at Ynys-hir is well worth a look if you are members. I have previously watched a kingfisher there for so long I eventually stopped watching it!
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Y Gwir
Machynlleth, UK93 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.
Pwy
Wales118 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
This place between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth deserved five stars before the new visitors centre was opened; I’d like to give more now.
There are two precious small osprey chicks to see , having survived recent storms, and now a heat wave.
The nest and adults can be seen with binoculars from the observatory, and the chicks on webcams The observatory can be reached on a boardwalk, passing flowers and singing warblers
The new visitors centre is very well designed with the use of recycled materials and solar power. The staff, most of whom are volunteers, are friendly and knowledgable. There’s also a lovely little cafe
At present visitor numbers are restricted, book online for a two hour slot. It’s well worth £6/adult.
There are two precious small osprey chicks to see , having survived recent storms, and now a heat wave.
The nest and adults can be seen with binoculars from the observatory, and the chicks on webcams The observatory can be reached on a boardwalk, passing flowers and singing warblers
The new visitors centre is very well designed with the use of recycled materials and solar power. The staff, most of whom are volunteers, are friendly and knowledgable. There’s also a lovely little cafe
At present visitor numbers are restricted, book online for a two hour slot. It’s well worth £6/adult.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin H
United Kingdom18 contributions
Jul 2021
I have visited Dyfi Osprey Project many times since it was established a decade ago. It has always grown and developed, but in a good and positive way. It has now reached a standard which is truly astonishing and beyond anything which could ever have been envisaged when a pair of male ospreys started handing around a bog all those years ago.
The new Visitor Centre is amazing, and especially when the weather is wet (not uncommon!) it makes a trip much better - we visited during intermittent downpours, and the heavy rain didn't spoil anything as you can easily spend an hour or more in the Visitor Centre. The attention to detail is remarkable throughout.
The new Visitor Centre is amazing, and especially when the weather is wet (not uncommon!) it makes a trip much better - we visited during intermittent downpours, and the heavy rain didn't spoil anything as you can easily spend an hour or more in the Visitor Centre. The attention to detail is remarkable throughout.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger B
Aberystwyth, UK263 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.
Fletch_7
Burntwood, UK19 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We spent 3 hours here with family and really enjoyed it. A beautiful visitor centre and knowledgeable and friendly volunteers. They told us lots about the ospreys and the project and it was lovely to hear about how successful they have been.
The boardwalk to the observatory took us 30 minutes but we were with small children. We stopped to read the information provided as well. If you have your own binoculars take them, or you will only be able to view the osprey on the live feed on a TV screen. This is great though.
We had refreshments afterwards and the cafe was lovely. Clean toilets. Large car park. £6 entry which if you were without children meaning you are not as slow, so don’t spend as long there, you might feel is a little steep. But it’s a donation to a fantastic project and I am glad to have contributed. Throughly enjoyed it, the whole family did.
The boardwalk to the observatory took us 30 minutes but we were with small children. We stopped to read the information provided as well. If you have your own binoculars take them, or you will only be able to view the osprey on the live feed on a TV screen. This is great though.
We had refreshments afterwards and the cafe was lovely. Clean toilets. Large car park. £6 entry which if you were without children meaning you are not as slow, so don’t spend as long there, you might feel is a little steep. But it’s a donation to a fantastic project and I am glad to have contributed. Throughly enjoyed it, the whole family did.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie B
London, UK436 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.
Silvergnome
Birmingham, UK61 contributions
Can we bring a dog?
Rac137jen
Birmingham, UK72 contributions
Dogs not allowed unless support dogs. They are closed now until easter and having a complete new rebuild.
Eliana2006
Bristol, UK109 contributions
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
Jilly2903
Llan Ffestiniog, UK1,931 contributions
Their website states that it closed last Friday 7.9.18.
Jilly2903
Llan Ffestiniog, UK1,931 contributions
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.
is November a good time to visit?
Derek T
Newtown, UK83 contributions
The female will have left possible the young ones the male is the last to go probably best to go next year
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
seahappy
Anglesey, UK389 contributions
Ospreys will not be there then, but it's still a beautiful walk and plenty of other birds and wildlife to see.
Dyfi Osprey Project (Derwenlas) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dyfi Osprey Project
- Dyfi Osprey Project is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Dyfi Osprey Project:
- (2.09 mi) Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms
- (5.86 mi) The Lookout Aberdovey
- (5.89 mi) Awel y Mor
- (6.21 mi) The Old Vicarage, Corris
- (7.69 mi) Dolffanog Fawr
- Restaurants near Dyfi Osprey Project:
- (1.07 mi) The Black Lion Inn
- (1.26 mi) Glan yr Afon / Riverside
- (2.08 mi) Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms
- (3.02 mi) Number Twenty One
- (8.01 mi) Libanus 1877