Ö÷²¥´óÐã

I was so pleased Autumnwatch was coming to Wales, and even more so when they said that they intended filming in mid-Wales. For six glorious days, we were based in the stunning in the southern foothills of , focusing on the sea trout, a fish that is held in higher regard than the salmon in many parts of western Britain. Being here also gave us a golden opportunity to explore this little known corner of mid-Wales.

This whole area is full to overflowing with beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife. As we were concentrating our filming on the rivers and streams, this is where we spent most of our time. These waters are crystal clear and unpolluted, and a walk along the riverbanks is usually rewarded with good views of dippers and grey wagtails. In winter, flocks of and feed on seeds in amongst the taller branches of the waterside alders and in spring, kingfishers dart by in a flash of blue and orange.

Otters are fairly common here and are regularly seen by fishermen and landowners, and all along its journey towards the sea, the Dysynni is crossed by several old stone bridges that act as excellent viewpoints to gaze down into the clear waters in search of fish.

Lake Tal-y-Llyn (photo by Tom Rowe)

Several of the mountainsides are cloaked in sessile oak woodlands, ancient, stunted trees that thrive on the poor, rocky soils of the Welsh uplands. Thanks to the high rainfall and clean air, these temperate rain forests are world renowned for their mosses, ferns and lichens.

They are also excellent places for birds, and in particular, two African migrants that arrive on our shores in late April: and . The males of both species are stunning, and a visit to these woods in May and June is well worthwhile, not only to see these two species, but also to experience the cacophony of an oak woodland dawn chorus.

As the river twists through the village of Abergynolwyn and turns towards the sea, it passes the unique Bird Rock, or ‘’ as it’s known in Welsh. For centuries, this huge crag has been home to Wales’ only inland colony of breeding , a throwback to the days when the sea lapped against the foot of the rock. Choughs also use the safety of the sheer cliffs to nest and roost, as do their more common cousins, ravens and jackdaws.

Our week in this magical valley gave the Autumnwatch team a brief glimpse of its scenery and wildlife but we merely scratched the surface. A more leisurely visit will reveal so much more and when you throw castles, a steam railway, mountaineering, great hotels, good fishing and a warm welcome into the mix, it really is a great place to visit.

Watch Iolo revealing the surprising and mysterious life of the sea trout on Autumnwatch, Ö÷²¥´óÐã Two on Thursday 18 November at 8.30pm.