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South Wales

For the purposes of this page South Wales comprises (roughly) the preserved counties of Gwent, South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan and West Glamorgan and the old administrative county of Carmarthenshire.

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.

Wales

Wales

For bird books that cover specific regions see:

Anglesey
Mid-Wales
North Wales
South Wales
Pembrokeshire

Brecon Beacons

Jonathan Mullard

Collins

2014

"This is the first comprehensive book to be published about the wildlife of the Brecon Beacons, and a much-anticipated addition to the New Naturalist series. Although a large number of people visit the area every year, comparatively few are aware of the flora and fauna that exists in this seemingly wild and inhospitable mountain landscape and its surroundings. In his latest New Naturalist volume, Jonathan Mullard recognises that the Beacons, more so than many other landscapes, represent a possibility for change and the creation of a new countryside. This could and should be much richer in wildlife than the current landscape but one in which the essence of the mountains remain. To achieve this successfully there needs to be a wider appreciation of the present and potential distribution of species in the area and their interactions with people. The natural history of the Brecon Beacons is like most parts of the British Isles – inextricably linked to the activities of man across many thousand years. The author uses the evolving landscape and the effect that the associated changes have had on species and habitats as his core approach. He provides a detailed examination of the geology and scenery of the region and the integration of the archaeological and historic landscape with the natural landscape and its associated species. Covering the vast diversity of its mountains and moorlands, rivers and waterfalls, caves, woodlands, wetlands and farmland, he equally provides an overview of man's influence on the natural environment over the centuries and the ongoing conservation of the area."

Birdwatching Walks in Gwent

William Venables, Andrew Baker, David Brassey

2013

"Presented here are over 60 walks to help you explore Gwent's magnificent countryside and its birds. The routes were provided by 26 experienced birdwatchers, each with an intimate knowledge of their particular area. In this book they share with you the secrets that will enable you to get the best birding experience from your walk."

For more information see the Gwent Ornithological Society website.

The Birds of Gwent

Gwent Ornithological Society

2008

"The County Avifauna series provides detailed information on the range and status of bird species at county level. Each title includes a breakdown of rarity records, and there are introductory sections describing the area's ecology, climate, ornithological history and conservation record, as well as a gazeteer of the best sites to visit. Gwent contains a wide range of habitats in a relatively small area, including estuarine wetland in the south, valleys in the west, and uplands in the north, with heavily wooded areas in the Usk and Wye valleys. Major sites include the Newport Wetlands, which attracts visitors from throughout Wales and the west of England to its wet grassland, saline lagoons and freshwater reedbeds. Other important sites include Peterstone Wentlooge."

Birding In Glamorgan

Alan Rosney and Richard Smith

Glamorgan Bird Club

2009

Describes 53 birdwatching sites in the area with maps and lists of expected species.

The Birds of the Caerphilly Basin: a Personal Perspective

Neville J. Davies

2008

A summary of the Birds of Caerphilly and immediate surrounding area.

The Birds of Cardiff

David Gilmore

2006

"A full review of all the birds recorded in Cardiff from the earliest historical records to 2004."

Gower

Jonathan Mullard

Harper Collins

2006

"A definitive natural history of the Gower Peninsula, coinciding with its 50th anniversary as an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, from its heritage coast and its appeal to the naturalist, to the geology, geomorphology, conservation and ecological history of this diverse area."

The Birds of Bridgend

?

The Birds of Glamorgan

Clive Hurford and Peter Lansdown

1995

A review of all the birds recorded in the old county of Glamorgan.

An Atlas of Breeding Birds in West Glamorgan

D.K. Thomas

1992

The main sections of this book are: the natural environment of West Glamorgan; species accounts; additional species; references.

The Gwent atlas of Breeding Birds

Stephanie J. Tyler et al

1987

A Guide To Gower Birds

Harold E. Grenfell and Derek K. Thomas

Gower Ornithological Society and Glamorgan Naturalists' Trust

1982

The Birds of Gwent

Gwent Ornithological Society

"This book provides an up-to-date account of the birds of a welsh county, perhaps more familiarly known as Monmouthshire. Since the formation, in 1962, of the Pontypool Ornithological society, our knowledge of the bird life of this previously neglected region has increased enormously. The county contains a wide variety of habitats - from the shores of the Severn estuary in the south, to the uplands in the north - and this is reflected in the considerable diversity and interest of its avian fauna. The book is more than a systematic list, as it includes chapters on a wide variety of ornithological topics."

The Birds of Glamorgan

A. Heathcote, D. Griffin & H.L. Salmon

1967

A Handlist of the Birds of Carmarthenshire

G.C.S. Ingram & H.M. Salmon

1954

The Birds of Monmouthshire

G.C.S. Ingram & H.M. Salmon

1939

A Handlist of the Birds of Carmarthenshire

T.W. Barker

1905

The Birds of Glamorgan

R. Paterson et al

1900