Hafod Elwy National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Hafod Elwy NNR is an upland heather moor in south Denbighshire, lying between the lakes of Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen. It forms a part of one of the largest heather moors in Wales, and is bordered by forestry plantations to the south and east. Resident birds of prey on the NNR include merlins, which share their territory with peregrine falcons, hen harriers and kestrels, all of which hunt the many smaller birds that also make their homes on the moors. You may also see black grouse. Summer visitors like the northern wheatear start to arrive in March, nesting in holes in the open grasslands. Look out for them as they sit on exposed rocks. Typical plants at Hafod Elwy include bell heather, cross-leaved heath, bilberry, harebell and, in the wetter areas, hare’s-tail cottongrass, sundew and butterwort. Cross-leaved heath is the food plant for the large heath butterfly.
About the area
The north-east Wales county of Denbighshire shares a name – though not the same borders – with one of Wales’s thirteen historic counties. It includes the seaside holiday towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn; the medieval county town of Denbigh; and the tiny cathedral town of St Asaph.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Bryn Bella Guest House
Located in an elevated position on the outskirts of the village, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this elegant Victorian house provides a range of thoughtfully equipp...
Bodnant Caravan Park
This well maintained and stunningly attractive park is filled with flower beds, and the landscape includes trees and shrubberies. The statics are unobtrusively sited and the quality, sp...
Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel
Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel is Victorian country house hotel in well-maintained grounds alongside the River Conwy, at the end of a tree-lined drive. Views down the river can be enjo...
Royal Oak Hotel
Centrally situated in the village, the Royal Oak is an elegant, privately owned hotel that started life as a coaching inn and provides very comfortable bedrooms with smart, modern en su...
Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park
Bron Derw, once a dairy farm, is beautifully landscaped with stunning floral displays and is surrounded by hills. The park has been built to a very high standard and is fully matured. A...
Firgrove Country House B&B
Standing in immaculate mature gardens in a peaceful rural location, Firgrove Country House retains many original features, highlighted by quality decor and furnishings throughout. Bedro...
Hunters Hamlet Caravan Park
A warm welcome is assured at this long established, family-run working farm park adjacent to the owners' Georgian farmhouse. Well-spaced pitches, including 15 with water, electricity an...
Tyn Cornel Camping
A delightful riverside park with mountain views that is a popular base for those who enjoy kayaking and canoeing – The National White Water Centre is adjacent and there is a pleasant ri...
