Following an extensive public consultation, North Wales Wildlife Trust has announced that its nature reserve near Tal-y-bont, Bangor, will now be known by its historic Welsh name, ‘Llyn Celanedd’, replacing the more recent title ‘Spinnies Aberogwen’.
The decision honours the site’s rich cultural heritage and aligns with the Trust’s policy of restoring traditional Welsh place names where appropriate. Supported by local residents, heritage groups, and national language organisations, the name reinstatement celebrates both the environmental and linguistic history of this treasured coastal landscape.
Following a recent public consultation, North Wales Wildlife Trust have decided to use the historic name ‘Llyn Celanedd’ instead of the more recent ‘Spinnies Aberogwen’ for its nature reserve near Tal-y-bont, Bangor.
The decision reflects the Trust’s pre-existing policy that, where a property is known by an English name, the Trust will endeavour to determine whether an alternative Welsh name exists and would be more appropriate.
North Wales Wildlife Trust have received wide-ranging support from its members and supporters, neighbours, local individuals and organisations, as well as national bodies including Cymdeithas Enwau Lleoedd Cymru, Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd, Clwb Mynydda Cymru, Menter Iaith Gwynedd, Mudiad Meithrin, Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Dyfodol i r Iaith and the Welsh Language Commission.
Historical literary and geographical information suggests that ‘Llyn Celanedd’ was the last pool within the winding course of the Afon Ogwen before it was straightened in the early nineteenth century. The canalisation process discarded numerous items of environmental and cultural significance: the river mouth and a pool treasured by anglers; a link between land, river and sea; oyster beds – and the given name of this special site.
Chris Wynne, Nature Reserves Manager, North Wales Wildlife Trust, said: “We are privileged to be able to support the reinstatement of an element of our local culture and heritage, especially a place name which captures the environmental history of our surroundings.”
The name ‘Llyn Celanedd’ translates to ‘Pool of Dead Bodies’, a striking reminder of its storied past. During the Middle Ages, the bodies of deceased members of the Penrhyn aristocratic family were carried by boat from Llyn Celanedd, across the Menai Strait, to a special burial ground at Llanfaes on the coast of Anglesey. Established around 800 years ago, this cemetery was reserved for members of the royal family of Gwynedd and other noble families of the kingdom. Among those laid to rest were Siwan, wife of Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), and Elinor, wife of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last).
The pools visible today provide a haven for waders, wildfowl, kingfishers — and the birdwatchers who come to enjoy them. Over time, this ever-changing landscape has seen a transformation: while we have lost some of the river and estuarine wildlife that once thrived here, new and much-loved species have taken their place. These changes are still unfolding, reminding us that this dynamic coastal habitat stands on the frontline of pollution and climate change.
Frances Cattanach, Chief Executive Officer, North Wales Wildlife Trust, said: “Our policy is that where a property has an English name, the Trust will endeavour to determine and use its Welsh name. We have been fortunate with this site, as research has uncovered the name ‘Llyn Celanedd’. We will be adopting a phased approach to implement the name change to ensure funds are not unnecessarily spent. We are extremely careful with our valued funds and changes to information boards, leaflets and other materials, will be done as things need reprinting, or using funds which can only be used for Welsh language-related work.”
Members of the public are encouraged to help the Welsh Government capture Welsh place names not yet recorded on digital maps by adding names to https://datamap.gov.wales/survey/wpnc/
