Pen y Bryn (The Bandstand)
Pen y Bryn is a hill in the centre of Aberdovey and is claimed to be the site of a 12th century earthwork fortification. It’s prominent position and commanding aspect over the estuary and Cardigan Bay meant that for generations of seafarers and local fisherman, Pen y Bryn served as a lookout in bad weather for the families of returning sailors.
As Aberdovey developed into one of North Wales most popular tourist destinations, the village expanded around Pen y Bryn, which now stands as an oasis in a thriving and bustling community.
The site had been neglected because of restricted public access for 24 years, but Aberdovey Community Council took the initiative in 2014 and, together with Outward Bound and a team of over 20 students from the Centre embarked on a programme of clearance and species identification with guidance and assistance from Aberdovey resident, prominent zoologist and pre-eminent otter specialist, Dr Libby Andrews and Mr Ray Woods, a specialist in lichens. The Outward Bound students work on the site formed an integral part of their ‘Explorer’ John Muir Award, an environmental award scheme focused on wild places, encouraging awareness and responsibility for our natural environment.
The footpath restriction problem was resolved in 2016 and Pen y Bryn Nature Reserve now comprises part of a circular ‘village walk’.
In the long term it is hoped that the current observation structure, known locally as ‘The Bandstand’ may be replaced with a more sympathetic structure using timber and slate, and an information plaque be erected.
Pen y Bryn (The Bandstand)
Pen y Bryn is a hill in the centre of Aberdovey and is claimed to be the site of a 12th century earthwork fortification. It’s prominent position and commanding aspect over the estuary and Cardigan Bay meant that for generations of seafarers and local fisherman, Pen y Bryn served as a lookout in bad weather for the families of returning sailors.
As Aberdovey developed into one of North Wales most popular tourist destinations, the village expanded around Pen y Bryn, which now stands as an oasis in a thriving and bustling community.
The site had been neglected because of restricted public access for 24 years, but Aberdovey Community Council took the initiative in 2014 and, together with Outward Bound and a team of over 20 students from the Centre embarked on a programme of clearance and species identification with guidance and assistance from Aberdovey resident, prominent zoologist and pre-eminent otter specialist, Dr Libby Andrews and Mr Ray Woods, a specialist in lichens. The Outward Bound students work on the site formed an integral part of their ‘Explorer’ John Muir Award, an environmental award scheme focused on wild places, encouraging awareness and responsibility for our natural environment.
The footpath restriction problem was resolved in 2016 and Pen y Bryn Nature Reserve now comprises part of a circular ‘village walk’.
In the long term it is hoped that the current observation structure, known locally as ‘the bandstand’ may be replaced with a more sympathetic structure using timber and slate, and an information plaque be erected.
Pen y Bryn (The Bandstand)
Aberdovey
Pen y Bryn
(The Bandstand)
Pen y Bryn is a hill in the centre of Aberdovey and is claimed to be the site of a 12th century earthwork fortification. It’s prominent position and commanding aspect over the estuary and Cardigan Bay meant that for generations of seafarers and local fisherman, Pen y Bryn served as a lookout in bad weather for the families of returning sailors.
As Aberdovey developed into one of North Wales most popular tourist destinations, the village expanded around Pen y Bryn, which now stands as an oasis in a thriving and bustling community.
The site had been neglected because of restricted public access for 24 years, but Aberdovey Community Council took the initiative in 2014 and, together with Outward Bound and a team of over 20 students from the Centre embarked on a programme of clearance and species identification with guidance and assistance from Aberdovey resident, prominent zoologist and pre-eminent otter specialist, Dr Libby Andrews and Mr Ray Woods, a specialist in lichens. The Outward Bound students work on the site formed an integral part of their ‘Explorer’ John Muir Award, an environmental award scheme focused on wild places, encouraging awareness and responsibility for our natural environment.
The footpath restriction problem was resolved in 2016 and Pen y Bryn Nature Reserve now comprises part of a circular ‘village walk’.
In the long term it is hoped that the current observation structure, known locally as ‘the bandstand’ may be replaced with a more sympathetic structure using timber and slate, and an information plaque be erected.
Pen y Bryn (The Bandstand)
Aberdovey
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