Refuge

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Cardiganshire

Wales

Refuge

Aberdovey beach A coastal defence pillbox can just be seen in the dunes. — Aberdovey beach Credit: Dave Croker

Refuge, located in Cardiganshire, is a picturesque coastal marsh and saltings area that spans over a vast expanse of land. This unique and diverse ecosystem is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

The marshland of Refuge is characterized by its intricate network of saltwater channels, mudflats, and tidal creeks. These channels are heavily influenced by the tides, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. The area is home to a plethora of plant species, including saltmarsh grasses, sea lavender, and various types of reeds. These plants provide a vital habitat for numerous bird species, which flock to the area to feed and nest.

Refuge is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), reflecting its importance as a conservation area. It is particularly significant for its bird populations, attracting a wide range of species throughout the year. Common sightings include herons, sandpipers, curlews, and oystercatchers. The marshes also serve as an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Aside from its ecological significance, Refuge also holds historical and cultural value. Traces of human activity, such as ancient burial mounds and remnants of settlement, have been discovered in the area, adding to its allure.

Visitors to Refuge can enjoy a variety of activities, including birdwatching, nature walks, and photography. The area is accessible via designated footpaths and hides, allowing visitors to observe the wildlife without causing disturbance. Its serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make Refuge a true gem of Cardiganshire's coastline.

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Refuge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.537008/-4.0486025 or Grid Reference SN6195. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Aberdovey beach

A coastal defence pillbox can just be seen in the dunes.

Dave Croker

Sand Dunes at Aberdovey

This square consists of just dunes and sand, much of which is covered at high tide. Looking approximately south, towards Ynyslas across the Dovey Estuary.

John Lucas

Tracks in the sand

A beach patrol had recently passed this way. The view is across the Dyfi Estuary towards Ynyslas.

John Lucas

Looking along the sand bar

The shifting sands bear little resemblance to the map. I believed I was in the square.

Alison Rawson

Looking out to sea

Standing on the edge of the bar, the shifting sands bear little resemblance to the map.

Alison Rawson

NW towards Aberdovey Bar

Just about on the edge of the bar at Ynyslas, looking towards a group of anglers on Aberdovey Bar. The tide needed to go out quite a bit more to expose much of the sandbank at Ynyslas.

Richard Law

South across Ynyslas Bar just before low tide

Given time to wait for the tide to go out further, I'd have walked to the far side of the bar. As it was, rain was a-coming, and the light was dying, so this was as far out as the dog and I could get. The sandbank was littered with clumps of weed.

Richard Law

Tidal channel at Ynyslas

A retreating tide off the point at Ynyslas reveals shallow channels between the sandbanks; fording them takes you out to Ynyslas bar, where if you wait long enough a large area of sand is exposed. The light was going, so we didn't hang around too long.

Richard Law

Cambrian coast railway line west of Aberdyfi

Nigel Brown

Track over Aberdyfi golf course

Giving access to the dunes.

Nigel Brown

Aberdyfi beach

Aberdyfi beach including I think the Trefeddian hotel in the distance.

Phillip Perry

The Trefeddian Hotel

A landmark hotel on the road just south of Aberdovey; the current building sits on the site of a Victorian predecessor, and to a certain extent echoes the architectural style of that predecessor.

Richard Law

Pillbox at the dune front

A WWII pillbox on the edge of the dunes north of Aberdovey; this one is effectively complete, but there are the remains of 2 or 3 more along the beach further north, all of which appear to have been blown up, in an effort to destroy them.

Richard Law

Incoming tide on Aberdovey beach

Richard Law

Across the incoming tide to a small sandbank

The current sand layout in the Dyfi estuary (Aug 2011) leaves a low sandbank exposed offshore as the tide flows. It attracts a population of gulls and wading birds, until the waves eventually drown it and they are forced elsewhere. In the distance, the dunes and beach of Ynyslas and Twni Bâch.

Richard Law

Dune bedding at Aberdovey

It's not uncommon to find ancient dune bedding preserved in sandstone rocks, especially throughout the Midlands; this is the bedding process in action in modern dunes.

Richard Law