Nefyn, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
Nefyn Holidays welcomes annual bookings from researchers based at Swansea University. Jo spoke to the lead technician who returns to his regular house located on Wern y Wylan in August.
Can you tell me more about the research you are doing on the Llyn?
Swansea University has hosted research projects in North Wales for 10 years. The current project is called Seagrass Ocean Rescue which is a restoration process.
Seagrass is a marine plant which provides a nursery habitat for cod, plaice, lobsters, and prawns. Maintaining the habitat has a knock-on effect for the fisheries. Seagrass also permanently stores carbon which helps to combat climate change.
92% of seagrass has been lost around the UK due to water activities and poor water management. The project will plant 5 million seeds with new planting across 10 hectares on Llyn and Anglesey. This will help to restore seagrass levels in our waters.
Why is Portdinllaen so important to the project?
There is a 28 hectares seagrass meadow which can be seen in low tide at the Ty Coch. The meadow stretches around Oyster Rock.
In August we will be collecting seed pods. We collect whole leaves which we take to a process unit in Bridgend. When the leaves rot, the seeds fall from the pods. The seeds are collected and cold stored. From January -April 2025 we will be planting the seeds around the south of the Llyn and Anglesey.
As researchers, how are you received in Porthdinllaen?
We are a big team of 20 including divers and a big landing craft so we can’t be missed by holidaymakers! Local engagement with people who live, work, and enjoy the Llyn is important to us. We have volunteers who talk about our project to anyone who asks questions. Generally, everyone is supportive and understands our work.
Why do you book the particular property Nefyn Holidays has?
The most important thing is location. We need proximity to roads and beaches. Our work is linked to tides so it’s common for us to be out collecting seed pods at 2am.
Do you have the chance to relax and explore the area?
No, unfortunately! We visit for a week with no days off. We enjoy food from the Ty Coch which warms us up on the boat. The pizzas from the garage (Siop Pitstop ‘Penny Petroleum’) are very good too!
More information about the project can be found by visiting https://www.projectseagrass.org/sor-north-wales/ which includes details of how to get in touch if you are interested in volunteering.