A new £1.4m observatory at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve near Machynlleth will help drive more tourism investment into the local economy, according to Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.
The Dyfi Ospreys Observatory at the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s Dyfi Ospreys Project is home to one of only two pairs of breeding ospreys in Wales.
The reserve attracted more than 31,000 visitors last year and the addition of the two-storey observatory is expected to attract more people to the project and to see the ospreys.
The observatory, which was opened today (Thursday, 15th May), will add a new perspective to visitors’ experiences at the reserve, providing a 360 degree view.
“The Osprey project is well know not just locally or nationally but internationally,” said Mr George. “The work undertaken here is very important for the future of the osprey population and it also supports Montgomeryshire’s vital tourism sector.
“It carefully balances the need to protect our wildlife and environment while catering for the interest it brings through tourism. As a result, our local tourism industry benefits along with other local businesses.”
The first osprey chick to have been born in the Dyfi Valley in 400 years was hatched in 2011.
In April the reserve’s breeding pair of Ospreys, Monty and Glesni, returned from Africa. They have bred and the two eggs are expected to hatch next month.
