Morfa Dyffryn National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The extensive sand dune slacks of the Morfa Dyffryn NNR near Dyffryn Ardudwy are famous for their variety of wildlife. In spring and early summer the slacks are home to a dazzling array of wildflowers including orchids such as marsh helleborine, northern marsh and early marsh orchids. There are also colonies of the scarce green-flowered helleborine. The dunes also support significant populations of breeding birds, including whitethroat, skylark, wheatear and sedge warbler. Lapwings nest on the saltmarsh, while other rare bird species include chough and hen harrier, which roost in the small area of reed swamp. Among the passage wading birds that use the beach and estuary are sanderling, turnstone and ringed plover. Mammals include the brown hare, while the many creeks, swamps and ponds are home to water voles and otters. Great crested newts are found in the ponds on the adjacent Llanbedr Airfield. Fifteen invertebrate species that are nationally rare or scarce in the UK have been recorded here, including 36 butterfly species, such as the small copper, peacock, marsh fritillary and gatekeeper.

Location

Llandanwg

About the area

The county of Gwynedd is home to most of the Snowdonia National Park – including the wettest spot in Britain, an arête running up to Snowdon’s summit that receives an average annual rainfall of 4,473mm. With its mighty peaks, rivers and strong Welsh heritage (it has the highest proportion of Welsh-speakers in all of Wales), it’s always been an extremely popular place to visit and live.