Dingle Nature Reserve

This 25 acre wooded valley is in Llangefni. It is a steep sided gorge formed by glacial meltwater during the last ice age and bisected by the River Cefni. Most of the reserve is ancient woodland, which is where Dingle comes from as it means 'steep wooded valley'. It took on this name in the 1830's. By some, locally, it is known as Nant y Pandy, "brook of the Fulling Mill", this refers to the old wool processing plant situated upstream. Another local name is Nant y Dilyw, meaning "Valley of the Deluge".

Bridge over the Cefni  Photo by Keith Williamson

The Dingle extends from Cae Pandy (Pandy Field) in the West to Pont Plas (Mansion Bridge in the East, with one of the oldest sections of woodland on Anglesey, Coed Plas (Mansion Wood) extending eastwards behind Llangefni Church. The part of the woodland in the Dingle is three quarters of a mile long and three quarters of a mile wide and rises to 200ft above sea level at its highest point.

Its ancient woodland is dominated by sessile oak, ash and wild cherry, and is a carpet of bluebells during May. Other parts are mainly sycamore and the occasional ash tree with an abundance of ferns and mosses and woodland flowers, such as wood anemones. While Coed Plas, behind the Church, was planted with sweet chestnut, beech and Scots pine, and has a carpet of wild daffodils in spring. Other flowers than can be found in the woodland during spring include primrose, wood anemone and lesser celandine.

There is a circular trail of 1.5 miles and at a leisurely pace will take around an hour to complete. It starts and finishes at the car park next to at St Cyngars Church in Langefni. There is a PDF guide which details this and points out 12 significant spots along it. For the first 7 points a wooden boardwalk has been created winding its way along the River Cefni, which allows access to this section of the reserve, at all times of the year. There are also bridges which cross the river at various points. For the occasional rest you could use one of the sculpted benches or picnic tables.

Dragonfly Sculpture Photo by Eirian Evans There are also various sculptures placed around the reserve and these include a huge dragonfly, giant seed pods and split oak timbers revealing the poem Nant y Pandy, by local poet Rolant o Fôn. Seed Pod Sculpture  Photo by Eirian Evans

Wildlife It is home to a variety of wildlife which can be seen throughout the year including: In the woodland Blue Tits Great Tits Ravens Buzzards Woodpeckers Adders Lizards Bats (8 out of 16 British species can be seen here at dusk) Tawny Owl can be heard, and often seen, in the woodland at night. On the river Moorhen Dragonflies Damselflies Herons Kingfisher Dipper Frogs Newts On the Broadwalk Grey wagtails Wrens

Dingle Entrance Photo by Eirian Evans

Other wildlife includes:

Many butterfly species, such as the Gatekeeper and the Speckled Wood, as well as moths. There are also hoverflies, bees and wasps, beetles, slugs and snails, spiders, woodlice, and many other small creatures. Fish like trout, roach and perch may be seen in Llyn Pwmp, and sea trout are occasional visitors, as are eels in the river. Mammals are much more elusive but foxes are present as are Bank vole and wood mice who leave signs of nibbled hazel nuts to show their presence.

The Old Mill Pond  Photo by Stephen Roddick

Location: Dingle Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey Grid Reference: SH456760 Ceremonial County: Anglesey Map Link: StreetMap  Aerial photo: Google Aerial  Getting there: From A55 take the exit for Llangefni taking the A5114 into the town centre and follow the brown tourist signs Access: The trail is suitable for wheelchair users and is possible with pushchairs. There are two car parks on the edge of the Dingle, one next to the church. Website: www.anglesey.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=1251 Other Useful Websites: PDF Guide to The Dingle    Visit Anglesey   Geograph Email: Address: The Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey Postcode: LL77 7QD Telephone: 01248 752428 Opening Times: All Year Charges: FREE but there may be parking charges in the car parks. Nearby Locations: Llangefni Windmill Other Location Pages: Other Relevant Pages: Anglesey Attractions    Anglesey Attractions Map Notes:

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Nature	Key:
Page Ref: Dingle_Nature_Reserve	Topic: Nature Reserves	Last Updated: 03/2012

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