YNYS HIR RESERVE

 View to the east                     The Dyfi estuary.

Ynys Hir R.S.P.B. reserve lies at the mouth of the Dyfi estuary in West Wales . It is accessible off the A487 Machynlleth to Aberystwyth road, signposted to the west in the village of Furnace (SN684952)about 6 miles south of Machynlleth. Follow the track up to the reserve and parking is available at the visitor centre.

The reserve itself is open daily but the reserve centre is open every day bar FRIDAY. (I was unable to ascertain this information from the usual sources until I recently visited on a Friday whilst on holiday)

Ynys Hir means 'Long Island' a name which referred to the ridge that extends across the lower part of the reserve. The reserve consists of a variety of habitats comprising open estuary, salt marsh, woodland, farmland and bracken covered hills, the latter being to the east of the main road above Furnace village.

The history of Ynys Hir is connected with the Lead and Silver Industries which, in the seventeenth century, built a smeltery at what is now Furnace. During the reign of Charles 1 Ynys Hir was a royal mint. In the eighteenth century the mining fell into recession and the mills were used as an Iron furnace, ore being brought into Aberdyfi and transported by barge across the estuary from the North West as there were still plenty of trees to produce charcoal for the industry. Eventually the foundries petered out leaving an area bereft of trees. Only on the private estates, of which Ynys Hir was one, were there trees planted in any quantity. Both the charcoal barn and Furnace survive today to be preserved as ancient monument. In 1970 the owner of the estate, who had created a private nature sanctuary, died and the estate was purchased by the R.S.P.B.

The estuary is internationally important for its wintering wildfowl, notably the flock of Greenland White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons flavirostris) . Also , in winter, thousands of Wigeon are present with many waders. In spring breeding Red-breasted Merganser and Shelduck appear.The range of species is high as one would expect from such diverse habitats. In the hills overlooking the village can be found Wheatear, Whinchat, Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Yellowhammer and Nightjar, whilst along the streams can be found Dipper, Grey Wagtail, and Common Sandpiper. The farmlands are breeding areas for Lapwing, Curlew, and Thrushes whilst in the woodlands one can find Tits, Finches, Thrushes, Warblers, Flycatchers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Redstart and all three species of British Woodpecker while Tawny Owls call at night . Buzzards are regular soaring above and Red Kite, Merlin and Peregrine occasionally can be seen.

Other wildlife that can be seen consists of a large range of butterflies including Grayling, Green Hairstreak, and 5 species of Fritillary. Mammals present are mainly nocturnal including Polecat, Dormice and Otters can occasionally be seen in the streams.