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Nature reserve embarks on journey to new name following community-led campaign

Spinnies Aberogwen Nature Reserve © Eirly Edwards - Behi

Last month, a public consultation was conducted regarding the proposed name change of the North Wales Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Tal y Bont, Bangor—from Spinnies Aberogwen to Llyn Celanedd. After carefully considering the feedback, our Trustees have reached a unanimous decision to recommend the name change.

Our trustees received over 165 campaign emails and more than 370 responses from members, supporters, and local residents regarding the proposed renaming of our nature reserve from Spinnies Aberogwen to Llyn Celanedd.

At their meeting in mid-August, the trustees carefully considered the wide range of views and were unanimous in their decision to proceed with the name change. They expressed their deep sense of privilege in supporting the restoration of a name that reflects the area's cultural and environmental heritage.

The trustees were satisfied that thorough academic research had been undertaken and acknowledged the strong support for the change from the Ogwen Valley History Society, the Welsh Place Names Society, Menter Iaith Gwynedd, local community councils, elected representatives, and respected scholars in Welsh language and Celtic studies.

We are at the start of our journey to revert to the old name. The next step is to submit the proposed name and supporting research to the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Place-names Standardisation Panel for consideration in September.

We'll issue further news updates on our website, or please join our mailing list for all the latest nature news, wildlife events, and special offers from North Wales Wildlife Trust.

An arial view of the Spinnnies nature reserve. The large shallow pool of the reserve is outlined with thick tree cover. The islands in the pool are covered with vegetation, and the bottom of the pool is shallow enough to be seen in places.

© Richard Walliker

A close up picture of a water rail. A smaller bird with a grey chest, black and brown streaked upper body, black and white barring on the flanks, a long red bill and pale pink legs.

Water rail at Spinnies Aberogwen Nature Reserve © Steve Ransome

A photo of the wooden beams found on the shoreline of the Spinnies Aberogwen Nature Reserve

Wooden beams of the Spinnies Aberogwen's shoreline @ Wendy Dossett

A kingfisher, with striking blue and orange feathers, sat on a branch, with a small fish held in it's beak. The branch is above water, everything is bathed in orange light and looks almost like a painting.

Kingfisher at Spinnies Aberogwen Nature Reserve © Gary Eisenhauer

FAQs

Thank you to everyone who shared their comments, consultation responses, and emails with us. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with our responses.

The reserve is widely known as The Spinnies, Aberogwen — could changing the name cause confusion or create a short-term challenge for marketing and recognition?

We understand that many people will continue to use familiar names for the reserve, such as Spinnies Aberogwen. However, we hope that over time, this fascinating historic name—Llyn Celanedd—will return to common use. Sharing the story behind the name offers a valuable opportunity to connect with more people and deepen appreciation of the area's heritage.

Updating signage does come with costs — could these funds be better allocated to conservation efforts?

We deeply value the donations and grants that support our conservation work. For the name change, we will aim to use funding specifically available for promoting the Welsh language, which can help cover the cost of new signage. Printed materials such as leaflets and booklets will only be updated when they are due for reprint, and the cost of updating digital information is minimal.

Historical evidence suggests that Llyn Celanedd may be the original name — but was it ever widely used by local people?

Yes, it was used in the local spoken language, particularly by fishermen. Llyn Celanedd referred to the final pool—one of over 120 along the Afon Ogwen—before it flows into Traeth Lafan.

Is Llyn Celanedd difficult for non-Welsh speakers to pronounce?

Welsh is phonetic, so words are typically pronounced as they are written, with a relatively consistent relationship between letters and sounds. Try saying this; Thlin Kel-an-ith and you’re not far off! 

In the bigger picture, aren’t there more pressing issues to focus on?

One of our top priorities is ‘bringing nature back’ to North Wales. Equally important is inspiring people to take action for nature, as this helps drive the societal changes needed for its recovery. We aim to strengthen the connection between people, place, and wildlife. Since the Welsh language is deeply tied to place, restoring its use in local names helps foster a stronger bond with the natural environment.

Why choose a name that translates to “Lake of the Dead”? This is a place full of life!

We didn’t select the name ourselves—it is the historic name of this site, dating back to when it was a meander on the Afon Ogwen. While the name does reference death, it reflects an important part of the area’s history and story. After all, death is a natural and integral part of life’s cycle.

About the reserve:

Spinnies Aberogwen Nature Reserve, as it is currently known, features a series of lagoons and surrounding habitat providing shelter and food for wildfowl, waders and smaller birds, especially during the autumn and spring migrations. 

The reserve is next to the estuary of the River Ogwen and the tidal mudflats known as Traeth Lafan, and the constant ebb and flow of the tides attract some amazing species including, on rare occasions, osprey. Tall, graceful stands of common reed provide sheltered nest sites for moorhen as well as an excellent place to watch grey heron and little egret hunting!  For much of the year, the brightly coloured kingfisher is a familiar and well-loved sight as it perches around the reserve and dives into the water in search of prey. Bird hides and feeders provide fantastic opportunities to enjoy the wildlife close at hand.

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