The Dingle

The Dingle is a nature reserve on Anglesey, just north of Llangefni in north Wales. Its Welsh name, Nant y Pandy, means ‘fulling mill brook’, recalling the wool plant that once stood in the valley. The reserve stretches for 25 acres and is split by the Afon Cefni, a river shaped by glaciers in the last ice age. The southern half is thickly wooded while the northern half opens into a clearing. The main entrance lies beside St Cyngar’s Church, where a car park stands. Wildlife thrives here, with red squirrels among the trees and boardwalks guiding visitors north to Llyn Cefni. The boardwalks run alongside the old Anglesey Central Railway tracks, now disused. In 2003 the reserve received £122,000 to improve access and add tree sculptures. These changes earned it the UK MAB Urban Wildlife Award for Excellence in 2004. Local tales even speak of pumas roaming the woods, though big cats have been banned from private ownership since the 1970s. Visitors follow paths that lead through quiet woodland and open meadows. The river runs clear beneath the boardwalks, and the air carries the scent of damp earth and pine. At the northern edge, Llyn Cefni reflects the sky and the surrounding trees. The reserve feels remote despite its proximity to Llangefni, offering a peaceful place to walk and watch wildlife.