Beech Cottage, Waterwynch

Also within

Dyfed County Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Description

Description Bryn-y-gwin Isaf is of special interest as an important breeding roost of the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros. The building is a grade II listed early 19th century "Plas", situated 1.5 km west of Dolgellau overlooking the Afon Mawddach. In Britain, which is a European stronghold for this species, the lesser horseshoe bat is confined to Wales, the Welsh borders and south-west England. In Europe it has disappeared from most of its northern range since 1950 and colonies appear to be declining by up to 90%. The decline in numbers of this species has been caused by loss of breeding and hibernation sites. The site comprises the main house, which supports the nursery roost, and roof spaces of associated dwellings which are used as satellite and night roosts. The grounds and associated woodland, which are used as feeding habitat by lesser horseshoe bats, are also within the site. Bryn-y-gwin Isaf is used during the summer months by the bats in order to raise their young. Lesser horsehoe bats return annually to the same site and Bryn-y-gwin has been used for many years. Since 1994 it has been used by between 100 and 300 bats annually. In addition, Bryn-y-gwin also supports one of the largest breeding roosts of pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus bats in Britain. Over 1,000 bats of this species have been observed using the roof space of a building known as “The Tower”, which is adjacent to the main house. The roof space of the main house is also used as a breeding roost by a colony of brwon long-eared bats Plecotus auritus. Remarks: All bats are listed under Annex IV of the Habitats and Species Directive and protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and Schedule 2 of the Habitats Regulations 1994.

Species mentioned