Dyfi National Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dyfi National Nature Reserve |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Dyfi National Nature Reserve visitor centre
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 Dyfi National Nature Reserve
Location in Wales
Dyfi National Nature Reserve
Location in the United Kingdom
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| Official name: Cors Fochno & Dyfi | |
| Designated: | 5 January 1976 |
| Reference #: | 66 |
The Dyfi National Nature Reserve is a special place in Wales, managed by Natural Resources Wales. It is located about 7 miles (11 km) north of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. This reserve protects important natural areas around the Dyfi estuary.
It became a Nature Reserve in 1969. The reserve is made up of three main parts:
These areas are home to many different plants and animals.
Contents
What is the Dyfi National Nature Reserve?
A National Nature Reserve is a place that protects important wildlife and habitats. The Dyfi Reserve helps to look after the unique environment where the River Dyfi meets the sea. It is a great spot for nature lovers and scientists.
Ynyslas Sand Dunes: A Shifting Landscape
The Ynyslas Sand Dunes are a beautiful part of the reserve. These dunes are always changing shape because of the wind and sea. They are home to many special plants that can grow in sandy soil. You might see rare insects and birds here too. It's a fun place to explore and learn about how dunes form.
Dyfi Estuary Mudflats: A Bird's Paradise
The Dyfi Estuary Mudflats are wide, muddy areas that appear when the tide goes out. These mudflats are super important for birds. Many different types of wading birds come here to feed on the small creatures living in the mud. It's like a giant outdoor restaurant for birds, especially during migration seasons.
Cors Fochno: A Rare Peat Bog
Cors Fochno is a large, ancient peat bog. A peat bog is a wetland that has built up layers of dead plant material over thousands of years. This makes the soil very acidic and wet. It's a rare habitat that supports unique plants, like carnivorous plants, and insects. This bog is one of the best examples of a raised bog in the United Kingdom. It helps us understand how these special ecosystems work.
Why is the Dyfi Reserve Important?
The Dyfi National Nature Reserve is very important for several reasons. It protects rare habitats and species that might not survive elsewhere. It also helps scientists study how these environments change over time.
Ramsar Site: Global Recognition
The Dyfi Reserve, especially Cors Fochno and the Dyfi estuary, is recognized internationally as a Ramsar site. This means it's a wetland of global importance. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that helps protect wetlands around the world. This recognition shows how special the Dyfi Reserve truly is.
Protecting Wildlife and Plants
The reserve is a safe haven for many animals. You can find otters, ospreys, and many types of fish in the estuary. The dunes and bog also support rare insects, butterflies, and plants. Protecting these areas helps keep our planet healthy and full of diverse life.
