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Special Areas of Conservation

Afon Tywi/ River Tywi

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country Wales
Unitary Authority West Wales and The Valleys
Centroid* SN687263
Latitude 51.92
Longitude -3.911388889
SAC EU Code UK0013010
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 375.83
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of Afon Tywi/ River Tywi SAC

General site character

  • Tidal rivers, Estuaries, Mud flats, Sand flats, Lagoons (including saltwork basins) (9%)
  • Salt marshes, Salt pastures, Salt steppes (2%)
  • Shingle, Sea cliffs, Islets (7%)
  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (62%)
  • Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens (6%)
  • Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana (4%)
  • Improved grassland (3%)
  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (7%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

Note When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 1103 Twaite shad Alosa fallax

    A large spawning population of twaite shad Alosa fallax occurs in the Tywi, south Wales, and is considered to be self-sustaining. Spawning sites occur throughout the lower reaches of the river between Carmarthen and Llangadog, with most spawning occurring downstream of Llandeilo. Water quality and quantity are considered adequate to maintain this internationally vulnerable species, and there are no impassable obstructions along the migration route, though one weir at Manorafon may be an obstacle during low flow conditions. The presence of Llyn Brianne reservoir at the headwaters provides the potential to manipulate river flows to aid shad migration.

  • 1355 Otter Lutra lutra

    The Afon Tywi is one of the best rivers in Wales for otters Lutra lutra. There are abundant signs of otters and they are regularly seen on the river. The water quality is generally good and there is an ample supply of food. There are suitable lying-up areas along the river bank, but there few known breeding sites on the main river, although cubs have been seen.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.