SEA LIFE
It is difficult to think of an area with so many advantages for the wildlife that inhabits its interior, coastline and surrounding seas. A warm damp climate, remoteness from areas of high population or industrial pollution and very little intensive agriculture underpin favourable habitats for wildlife. These habitats range from ancient pasture, small areas of wooded swampland, high heath and moor-land, cliffs and rocky offshore islands.

The surrounding waters have a direct gulf-stream influence, with strong tidal streams bringing nutrients to the prolific undersea life. The rich seas support a thriving population of marine mammals and dense colonies of breeding seabirds that inhabit the cliffs and offshore islands in the spring and summer months.

The waters surrounding the Llyn Peninsula are home to a large population of sea mammals that thrive on the rich undersea life. In the summer, the warm currents bring dense shoals of Sand eels that form the staple diet for larger fish, such as the Mackerel, and the seabirds and the marine mammals of the area. In turn, the Mackerel falls prey to the larger marine mammals such as the Bottle-Nosed Dolphins.

The area is an important refuge for Grey Seals. They are larger and far more robust than their relatives, the Common Seal, an inhabitant of the eastern coasts of the United Kingdom. Large breeding colonies are located at both the St. Tudwal's archipelago and Bardsey Island, with smaller, isolated groups living along the northern coast, such as small number found near Porth Dinllaen.

The Harbour Porpoise is regularly seen some way offshore, but usually only singly or in very small numbers. Usually seen off Porth Ceiriad and on the way to Bardsey Island, a few miles out from Hell's Mouth. The Harbour Porpoise unfortunately seems to be under some form of environmental pressure and is though to be in decline worldwide.

More regular encounters are with Bottle-nosed Dolphins, although ver occasionally seen are the Common and Risso's Dolphins to the west of Bardsey Island and in Bardsey Sound. Pods of Bottle-nosed Dolphins are often encountered on trips out of Abersoch bay.

Whilst the Bottle-nosed Dolphins of Cardigan Bay do seem to be thriving, there is some concern that increased leisure boating activity in the area may put them under environmental pressure. The Marine Conservation Society has issued guidelines for boat users, and these are summarised below:

1. When encountering dolphins, if they approach the boat or bow-ride, maintain a slow speed and steady course until they are clear. They should never be chased or harassed in an attempt to make them bow-ride. When watching dolphins always let them decide what happens.

2. Keep your distance. Try not to go closer than 100m (200m if another boat is present) and remain stationary. Never drive head on to, move between, scatter, or separate dolphins. If unsure of their movements, slow down gradually, stop and put the engine into neutral.

3. Please spend no longer than 15 minutes with the animals and never try to feed, touch or swim with dolphins for both your safety and theirs.

AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
The whole countryside of Wales is important to its people. However, some parts are so precious that they are given special protection. The LLyn has miles of heritage coast, with large areas designated as Areas of Outstanding Beauty and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. These are important places for wildlife habitats, plants and animals, geological features and landforms - are the central core of the statutory conservation system in Wales.

So spectacular is the Llyn and its coastline that many thousands of acres have been protected by the National Trust, and vast tracts of land have been designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Areas of Special Scientific Interest. It is a haven for wild flowers and its indigenous wildlife attracts naturalists from far and wide - it even boasts its very own breed of sheep (Llyn Sheep)

The Llyn Heritage Coast runs 55 miles between Penrhyn Du, near St. Tudwal's Islands around the tip of Llyn and around the Aberdesach on the north coast. This status has been put in place to preserve the history, wildlife, geology and unique beauty this area has to offer.

Nowhere is far from the sea on the long, low peninsula of Llyn, which is famous for the unspoilt beauty of its coastline. The AONB, covering a quarter of the peninsula, is largely coastal, but extends inland to take in the volcanic domes which punctuate the plateau.

The Llyn Countryside Management Project was set up by Cyngor Dosbarth Dwyfor in 1985. Practical work is undertaken on public footpaths and protecting the landscape in order to safeguard the variety of wildlife, such as the chough depicted on their logo.