Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve
![Grasslands on the moor](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Mynydd_Hiraethog._Denbigh_Moors_-_geograph.org.uk_-_379135.jpg/330px-Mynydd_Hiraethog._Denbigh_Moors_-_geograph.org.uk_-_379135.jpg)
Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve, located in the moorland above the town of
With plant life dominated by heather and bilberry, the reserve provides important habitat for ground-nesting birds.[1] Birds found in the area include the Northern wheatear, and some black grouse.[4] The reserve is classified as a Category IV site by the International Union for Conservation of Nature,[3] meaning that the area regularly needs active interventions to support particular species.[5] Conservation efforts focus on increasing black grouse populations.[4] In addition to these ground-nesting birds, the reserve is home to merlins and other small birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, kestrels, and hen harriers.[4]
The reserve is open to the public, but has no facilities; except for one bridle path, it is difficult to traverse on foot.[4] The nearest roads are the A543 and the B4501, with access via the Brenig Visitor Centre off the B4501.[4]
The name "Hafod Elwy" references a hafod, or Welsh summer farmhouse. According to local folktales, captured in a ballad, Hafod Elwy was home to a man named Ffowc Owen in the 1770s, who could not marry his true love and froze to death on the moor.[6][7] A memorial cairn for Owen is said to be present on the moor.[6]
References
- ^ a b c d "Hafod Elwy". Landscape & Wildlife. Countryside Council for Wales. Archived from the original on 25 November 2010. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
- ^ "Protected Sites in Denbighshire" (PDF). Denbighshire County Council. August 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
- ^ a b "Hafod Elwy Moor". Protected Planet. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Hafod Elwy Moor, Llyn Brenig, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales". www.first-nature.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ "Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area". IUCN. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ ISBN 0752451871.
- ^ Gwyndaf, Robin (1989). Chwedlau Gwerin Cymru. National Museum Wales.