Further reading and background information on the Afon Conwy

Rivers: Afon ConwyFSC Rhyd-y-creuau Field CentreConwy EstuaryThis site is the mouth of theConwy, 55km from the source.The river here is an estuary withmudflats <strong>and</strong> salt marsh.The estuary is a kilometre widein places. The sediment hasbeen broken into smaller pieces<strong>and</strong> is now predominantly silts<strong>and</strong> fine estuarine muds.The town of Conwy overlooking the Conwy estuaryThe river itself takes its name fromthe castled town it passes on itsfinal stretch before it flows into theIrish sea.Looking upstream from the mouth of the Afon ConwyThe estuary area is an importanthabitat for wading birds with anRSBP reserve established in 1991 inconjunction with the worlds firstimmersed tube tunnel taking themain North Wales A55 directlyunder the estuary.The reserve area would have beenreclaimed <strong>and</strong> grazed had it not been forthe RSPB <strong>and</strong> the local council. Now it isa thriving wildlife haven.Summary:Length – 55 kmSource – Llyn Conwy, 450m aslMouth – Conwy estuaryMajor tribuataries – Afon Machno, AfonLledr, Afon LlugwyThe Conwy estuary seen from the Great Orme