Bae'r Nant

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Bae'r Nant

Landing on Bardsey There was a transfer to a smaller boat for the landing. The crossing was by a larger fast catamaran, similar to the one used for trips out of Crinan to Jura, Scarab etc. The boat is heading for the inlet of
Cafn Enlli where there is a slip. — Landing on Bardsey Credit: Richard Webb

Bae'r Nant, also known as the Coastal Marsh or Saltings, is a beautiful natural area located in Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated along the coast, it covers a vast expanse of marshland and salt marshes, creating a diverse and unique ecosystem.

The Coastal Marsh is characterized by its flat and often muddy terrain, which is influenced by the tides of the nearby Irish Sea. The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including salt-tolerant grasses, shrubs, and reeds that thrive in the brackish conditions. These vegetation types provide an important habitat for numerous bird species, such as curlews, redshanks, and lapwings, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The landscape of Bae'r Nant is constantly changing due to the dynamic nature of the tide. During high tides, the marshes are submerged, creating a temporary estuary and attracting a range of marine life, including fish and crustaceans. As the tide recedes, it reveals intricate patterns of mud flats and channels, providing a feeding ground for wading birds.

The Coastal Marsh is not only a haven for wildlife but also a place of great natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, marshes, and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal location for walks, photography, and nature appreciation.

Bae'r Nant is also recognized for its ecological importance and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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Bae'r Nant Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.767622/-4.7868095 or Grid Reference SH1222. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Landing on Bardsey

There was a transfer to a smaller boat for the landing. The crossing was by a larger fast catamaran, similar to the one used for trips out of Crinan to Jura, Scarab etc. The boat is heading for the inlet of Cafn Enlli where there is a slip.

Richard Webb

View from Mynydd Enlli

The mountain on Ynys Enlli / Bardsey with a view to the south of the island. The small inlet of Cafn Enlli is visible in front of the bigger bay on the left. This is where boats land or leave from.

Richard Webb

The misty isle

The title might suggest the Isle of Skye, but this is Ynys Enlli [Bardsey] shrouded in sea mist on a warm September day.

Gordon Hatton

Bardsey Island from Pen y Cil

Bardsey Island is known as the Island of 20,000 saints whilst its Welsh name, Ynys Enlli, refers to it as the Island of Currents. The English name refers to bards or chieftains. Bardsey has a bird observatory, a lighthouse and was made a National Nature Reserve in 1986. In the midground the shallow rocky outcrop in the sea is Carreg Ddu or Black stone.

Colin Cheesman

The main - and only - road on Bardsey Island

Eirian Evans

Bardsey view

From the farm buildings towards the lighthouse

Eirian Evans

The Old School, Bardsey Island

The School House was originally the 'old chapel' building for islanders until a more formal school was established in 1875 for the twelve students on the island at the time.

Eirian Evans

Plas Bach, Ynys Enlli

These buildings are now used to house the tourists who come to Bardsey Island on vacation

Eirian Evans

Bardsey Abbey

The fragmentary remains of the thirteenth century Augustinian abbey who took over from the ancient Celtic foundation of the sixth century. Nearby a Celtic cross stands commemorating the now mostly Christian religious past and very numerous, 20,000, saints reputed to have been buried in or near the site.

Eirian Evans