Afon Cefni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afon Cefni |
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 Location of the mouth
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| Native name | Afon Cefni |
| Country | Wales |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Llyn Cefni |
| River mouth | Irish Sea Malltraeth Sands 53°11′08″N 4°23′51″W / 53.185667°N 4.397433°W |
| Length | 16.9 km (10.5 mi) |
The Afon Cefni is a major river on the island of Anglesey, Wales. It flows for about 16.9 kilometers (10.5 miles). The river begins at Llyn Cefni, a lake in the middle of the island. From there, it travels south through Llangefni, which is the main town in the area.
After passing Llangefni, the river turns southwest. It flows through a flat area known as the Malltraeth Marshes. In 1824, parts of the river here were changed to be straighter, almost like a canal. This area is now a great place to see many different kinds of wetland birds.
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Journey of the River Cefni
The Afon Cefni starts its journey at Llyn Cefni, a lake in the heart of Anglesey. It then flows south, passing through the town of Llangefni. This town is important for the local area.
Through the Marshes
After Llangefni, the river turns southwest. It enters the Malltraeth Marshes, which are flat, wet lands. In 1824, the river's path here was made straighter. This created a long, canal-like section.
A special path for bikes follows this straight part of the river. It's a fun way to explore the marshes.
Reaching the Sea
The river eventually flows under a large railway bridge. This bridge carries the North Wales Coast Railway Line at Malltraeth Sands. It has nineteen arches and is quite impressive.
A bit further on, the A4080 crosses the river's mouth. This is near the village of Malltraeth. Finally, the Afon Cefni flows into the Irish Sea.
Wildlife Along the River
The Afon Cefni and its surrounding areas are home to many amazing animals. The Malltraeth Marshes are especially important for birds.
Birds of the Marshes
The marshes are part of a special nature reserve run by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Many wetland birds live here. These birds include various types of ducks, geese, and wading birds.
Larger birds like falcons, hawks, and harriers hunt in the marshes. They prey on the smaller wetland birds.
Estuary and Coastal Birds
Near where the river meets the sea, there's another RSPB reserve called Newborough Warren. The Malltraeth Pool, at the north end of the estuary, is a popular spot for waterbirds. They visit during their spring and autumn migrations.
Throughout the winter, many other wildfowl and waders can be seen on the estuary. Newborough Forest, on the southern shore, is a winter home for large groups of ravens. A small island and rocky area in the estuary are breeding grounds for shags and cormorants.
River Challenges
The river faces some challenges, especially concerning fish and eels.
Fish Migration
There is a dam at the Cefni water treatment works. This dam creates the Cefni reservoir. Unfortunately, it makes it very hard for fish and eels to move up and down the river. This blockage affects their natural migration. People have tried to get a special "fish pass" installed, but it has not happened yet.
Afon Cefni and Ships
The name "Afon Cefni" has also been used for ships.
Historical Ship
A ship was built in Glasgow in 1890 and named after the river. It was owned by a company from Menai Bridge.
Modern Tugboat
Today, there is a tugboat named 'Afon Cefni'. It is operated by Holyhead Towing. You can even track its movements online using Ship AIS websites.
