Dyfi Estuary Mudflats facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Designations
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| Official name: Cors Fochno & Dyfi | |
| Designated: | 5 January 1976 |
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| Reference #: | 66 |
The Dyfi Estuary Mudflats are areas of mud and sand. They are found where the River Dyfi meets the sea in Ceredigion, Wales. These mudflats are a very important part of the larger Dyfi National Nature Reserve. They provide a safe home and feeding ground for many different animals, especially birds.
Contents
Dyfi Estuary: A Special Place
The Dyfi Estuary is located where three counties meet: Ceredigion, Gwynedd, and Powys. This whole area is very special for wildlife. It is called a Special Protection Area (SPA). This means it is a protected place for wild birds under a rule called the EC Birds Directive.
What Makes the Estuary Special?
The Dyfi Estuary is not just mudflats. It has many different types of habitats. These include:
- Estuary: The wide mouth of the river where it meets the sea.
- Salt Marshes: Grassy areas near the water that are sometimes covered by tides.
- Sandbanks: Piles of sand under the water.
- Mudflats: Flat areas of mud, often seen at low tide.
- Peat Bogs: Wet, spongy areas of decayed plants.
- River Channels: The main paths of the river.
- Meanders and Creeks: Winding paths and small streams.
- Sand Dunes: Large hills of sand at the mouth of the estuary near Ynyslas.
Home for Wildlife
A big part of the western side of the estuary is looked after by the RSPB. This group works to protect birds and their homes. The Dyfi Estuary is a very important place for birds, especially in winter.
Winter Visitors
Many birds come to the Dyfi Estuary during the colder months. It is a well-known winter home for Greenland white-fronted geese. This area is the most southerly place in the UK where these geese regularly spend the winter.
Feeding Ground for Birds
The estuary is also a busy feeding spot for many other birds. Large numbers of birds come here to find food. These include:
These birds rely on the rich mudflats and waters of the Dyfi Estuary for their survival.
