About the reserve

This reserve is small in size but full of variety. As you walk inland from the shore you can see new habitats being created with each step – over time, in-blown sand has become stabilised by vegetation; eventually even becoming fixed enough for trees to grow.  Similarly, as the ground becomes more stable and the influence of salt diminishes, the plant communities change; creating six or seven different recognised habitats within the one reserve. This patchwork allows for a much wider range of species than would be present in just the harsh foredune environment.

Today’s coastal developments mean that complete dune systems are becoming a rarer sight, making Morfa Bychan all the more special. A summer visit is accompanied by the soundtrack of lapping waves, children playing and the attention-grabbing calls and aerial displays of skylark and meadow pipit who nest within the dunes.

Welsh blacks

Work here is focused on keeping the mixture of habitats healthy and allowing the foredunes to remain dynamic; naturally able to shift and change. Welsh black cattle graze the site in winter to keep the open areas free of scrub, whilst the willow woodland is manually cut to maintain its current position and stop its spread.  In each case, the Wildlife Trust aim to prevent these robust plants from encroaching into the newer areas of dune habitat, ensuring that the site’s rare suite of dune environments is not lost.

Directions

From the centre of Porthmadog, head South West along the road signposted for Porthmadog golf course and Morfa Bychan. Park in the village and walk across the golf course, past the green-keeper’s shed to the stile in the North East corner of the reserve (SH 548 369). You can also approach the reserve from the shore after parking in the car park at the end of the road signposted to the beach (SH 543 365).