A wildlife centre near Porthmadog has launched an appeal to improve viewing facilities at the site.

Thousands of people visit Glaslyn every year to see ospreys and other wildlife in the Glaslyn Valley.

Ospreys have been breeding in the valley since 2004 and, during the spring and summer, visitors enjoy views of the birds and other wildlife from the Pont Croesor Visitor Centre.

People across the UK and around the world also follow live-streaming and social media platforms throughout the year.

To improve facilities for visitors, the charity wants to replace its ageing hide at Pont Croesor. The project will cost around £70,000 and the public appeal target is £35,000.

“Every pound will count and go some way to ensure visitors gain a better experience and enjoy seeing the full extent of the fantastic wildlife in the beautiful Glaslyn Valley,” a charity spokesperson said.

“Subject to reaching the funding target, the project aims to build the new hide early next year, well in time for the return of the ospreys in the spring of 2022.

“From the hide, visitors will have clear views of the Glaslyn osprey nest, home to Mrs G and her partner Aran.”

The spokesperson added: “Mrs G has been breeding here for 18 years. During that time 41 chicks of her chicks have fledged and at least six are known have returned to breed successfully in the UK.

“Mrs G is also grandmother to over 100 chicks and great grandmother to at least 10 more!”

Sadly, Aran was injured this year in a severe storm which led to the loss of three chicks on the nest as he was unable to fish and provide food for them at a critical time.

“His damaged wing appears to be healing now,” the spokesperson added, “and the project is looking ahead to 2022 and the pair’s safe return to, hopefully, enjoy another successful breeding season”.

“The new hide will also be an excellent vantage point for the nearby Pont Croesor (Friends of the Ospreys) nest where another pair of ospreys have successfully bred for the first time this year.

“From the new hide visitors will not only experience ospreys, but also red kites, hen and marsh harriers and peregrine falcons in the skies above. Kingfishers, swans, egrets and otters can often be seen along the river. There will also be enough space inside for the hide to be used in inclement weather by groups of local schoolchildren who visit us to learn about the Glaslyn ospreys and other wildlife.” For more information on how to donate, visit www.glaslynwildlife.co.uk/donate.

The centre at Pont Croesor is open to the public between 11am and 4pm every day until mid September. Entry is free.