The Phoenix Hide rises from the ashes.

 

This time last year birders throughout South Wales, Bristol and further afield were devastated to learn that there had been a big grass fire at Goldcliff Lagoons and despite valiant efforts by our fire service to extinguish the flames the Avocet Hide.  (aka the Seawall Hide) had been completely destroyed by fire.

Aerial view of the fire damage taken in August 2025.

Since last August the Gwent Ornithological Society, Friends of Goldcliff and the RSPB engaged with National Resource Wales in order to ensure that the hide was replaced. GOS's statement can be found here concerning the new hide. Earlier this year NRW informed us that they are planning to undertake work on replacing the Avocet Hide with a metal type container hide and also at a later date dismantle the two other existing hides with container replacements.

This was fantastic news and last week the new Avocet Hide which has quickly earned the name "The Phoenix Hide" was erected and installed.

I spent a couple of hours yesterday afternoon inside the Phoenix Hide and I must admit I am impressed. It is solidly built and should last for many years ahead. I am really looking forward to Becs Lagoon having some water in it soon so we can observe some autumn wader migrants from it. Already there are reports of a Wood Sandpiper being seen from the hide which is most encouraging.

Drone pictures taken yesterday at a distance from outside the reserve. Digital Zoom used for closer views.