National Trust – out and about in Gower this spring

At Bayview Oxwich we were delighted to see the Gower peninsula feature, not once, but twice, in their Spring 2025 magazine. The two articles illustrated the huge diversity packed into our compact peninsula. Visitors who stay with us at our luxury holiday rental properties can see so many different physical and cultural landscapes all within a 20-minute drive from Bayview Oxwich.

Birdsong
The first feature Birdsong invited people to get out and about in Gower and see signs of spring in Cwm Ivy, North Gower. Cwm Ivy is on the estuary side of Gower and contains a fascinating area of developing saltmarsh. This was originally how it used to be, though through the centuries the area was used as farmland and was a freshwater marsh, the sea held back by a wall.

In 2013, the wall was breached and in 2015 National Trust’s ‘Shifting Shore’ review led to the decision to allow nature take its course, and not try to hold back the tide, and allow the transformation of freshwater  to salt marsh.

In 2025 the result is a wonder to see: you’ll find Scurvey Grass, Samphire, Sea Blight, Thrift and Sea Spurrey which is a haven for birds. Drive 20-mins from Bayview Oxwich and you’ll find peace and tranquillity on the north side of Gower where you can observe: Egrets, Kingfishers, Skylarks, Lapwings and Curlew.  There are two bird hides at Cheriton and Monterey (on either side of the marsh) where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of our billed friends. Head there early to hear a wetland dawn chorus.

As seen on screen
With such a beautiful natural landscape, it’s no wonder the Gower peninsula is no stranger to the silver screen. National Trust magazine flagged up Gower’s starring role in the film industry, inviting its readers to walk in the footsteps of the stars at some of Gower’s top filming locations.

The magazine put the focus on Rhossili Bay, globally recognised for its Atlantic waves, its iconic Worm’s Head, and its 3-mile sweep of sandy beach. National Trust spotlighted some of the films that have been set here: Doctor Who (2006); Torchwood (2011); and The Winter King (2023) an ITVX series when the tidal island of Worm’s Head played the Isle of the Dead. Immerse yourself in this and much more – just a 15-minn drive from Bayview Oxwich.

Spring is a wonderful time in Gower. We’d love you to make your base here at Bayview. To discuss which of our luxury properties – retreats, cottages, apartments, and bungalows – would be the best option for you and your family or friends please call Wanda and the Team here at Bayview Oxwich who’ll be happy to talk you through!

Imagery: Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales and NB:Design