
Nature
From mountains to sea, through forests, rivers and lakes, our countryside is amongst the most beautiful in Britain. And there's no shortage of information about it on the web. Let us know if you've found any sites we've missed.
Coed Cymru
http://www.coedcymru.org.uk
Established in 1985 with the aim of bringing Welsh broadleaf woodlands into sustainable management. Site directs users to sources of help, publicises forthcoming events and even offers downloadable pictures - some dating from the 19th century.
Countryside Council for Wales
http://www.ccw.gov.uk
The CCW is the Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters. The site offers a wide selection of material ranging from grants to earth science, marine issues to agriculture, landscape and wildlife protection.
Environment Agency Wales
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Its aim is to protect and enhance the environment as well as making a contribution towards sustainable development. Site offers a search facility which can direct users to local material - and there's a children's section, including educational games.
Bio-diversity in Llyn
http://www.llyn.com/
An outstanding bilingual site with information on wild plants, insects, fungi, birds and marine life around the Llyn peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The site was set up to provide a resource for schools, as an easily accessible plant identifier with Welsh and English plant names, and as a snapshot of the local flora in 2005. Lots of pictures.
National Trust
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The National Trust has two special websites covering its role in the conservation of landscapes and Britains coastline - add /coastline or /environment to the website address.
RSPB Wales
http://www.rspb.co.uk
There is something for everyone in this site which offers a wealth of information about the organisation and its activities, with extensive resources covering nature reserves, bird watching and conservation. The Wildlife and Conservation section provides information on birds in the region, and tips for anyone who wants to become a birdwatcher, observe wildlife through the seasons or become a volunteer.
Tree For All
http://www.treeforall.org.uk/wales
Tree for All is the biggest children's tree planting campaign ever seen in Wales. You can use this bilingual site to find out more about the Woodland Trust (Coed Cadw), and its work protecting the trees of Wales. Information also on conservation, events, trails and ancient stories.
North Wales Wildlife Trust
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/northwales/
A voluntary organisation responsible for running over 30 nature reserves, carrying out surveys and offering advice and education. The website lists all their nature reserves and gives a description, map and directions for each one.
North Wales Geology Association
www.ampyx.org.uk
The group promotes interest in the region's rich geology. As well as details of officers and meetings, they're building up an A-Z of topics of the site. Suggested by Ken Howarth
The Badger Trust
http://www.nfbg.org.uk/Content/Home.asp
Contact details for Welsh badger groups, including one in Gwynedd, dedicated to the welfare and conservation of badgers.
Red squirrel conservation on Anglesey
http://www.redsquirrels.info
This bilingual site provides information on red squirrel conservation, reintroduction and ecology. Suggested by Craig Shuttleworth from Rachub
Snowdonia National Park Authority
http://www.eryri-npa.co.uk/
A lavishly designed and illustrated site detailing all aspects of the authority's work and giving information for visitors. Parts of the site are currently under construction.
Snowdonia Society
http://www.snowdonia-society.org.uk/
This charitable organisation is based at Ty Hyll (The Ugly House), near Betws-y-Coed, and works to protect the national park. Read about some of their campaigns and activities on the website.
Bodnant Garden
http://www.bodnantgarden.co.uk/
One of the most beautiful gardens in Britain, Bodnant is set on the slopes of the Conwy Valley, near Tal-y-Cafn. It is renowned for the displays of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and the laburnum arch, but there is much more and the website tells you what's in flower when.
Great British Gardens
http://www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/
This guide to gardens worth visiting includes about eight in North Wales, with details of location, opening times and accommodation in the area.
National Gardens Scheme
http://www.ngs.org.uk
Fans of the Yellow Book will love this website which gives you details of all gardens, mostly private, that open to the public for a few days each year under the charitable National Gardens Scheme. The Gardenfinder section allows you to search for gardens in your area and find opening times and directions - saves you buying the Yellow Book!
My Garden
http://www.mygarden.me.uk
This site is the doorway to a secret garden (somewhere near Criccieth). The very user-friendly design takes you on a pictorial journey through the garden as it's effected by the changing seasons. There is also accompanying text to the many pictures of flowers and shrubs - handy if you'd like to identify an unknown plant in your own garden.
Bardsey Island
http://www.bardsey.org/
There's everything from bird-watching to burials on this attractively-designed and comprehensive site for the Island of 20,000 Saints. Explore the history and wildlife, plan a holiday or a day trip - or just look at the pictures. Suggested by Ann Lewis-Waller of Bangor,
Butterfly Conservation
http://www.northwalesbutterflies.org.uk/
North Wales Branch of a UK charity concerned with saving butterflies, moths and their habitats. Guided walks, lectures, workshops and moth-trapping right across North Wales. Suggested by Jan Miller.
Moel y Ci Environmental Centre
http://www.moelyci.org/
Find out what's happening at this community enterprise in Tregarth where a farm is being used as the base for a wide range of projects, including wildlife diversity. Suggested by John Harold.
For websites on rural life click here.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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Do you know about another good website we've missed? Let us know if any of the above sites have expired or changed dramatically.
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