Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve

{{Short description|Nature reserve in Wales}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

File:Mynydd Hiraethog. Denbigh Moors - geograph.org.uk - 379135.jpg and Llyn Alwen|alt=Grasslands on the moor]]

Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve, located in the moorland above the town of Denbigh in Denbighshire, North Wales, is part of the Mynydd Hiraethog Site of Special Scientific Interest, formerly managed by the Countryside Council for Wales and now under the jurisdiction of Natural Resources Wales.{{cite news|title=Protected Sites in Denbighshire|url=https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/planning-and-building-regulations/planning/biodiversityrelated-items/dcc-protected-sites.pdf|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=Denbighshire County Council|date=August 2014}} Established in 1999, it comprises an {{convert|82|ha|acre|adj=on}} patch of upland moor lying between the lakes of Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/national-nature-reserves/nature-reserves-of-the-north-r/hafod-elwy-moor.aspx?lang=en |title=Hafod Elwy |website=Landscape & Wildlife |publisher=Countryside Council for Wales |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125220700/http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/national-nature-reserves/hafod-elwy-moor.aspx |archive-date=25 November 2010 |access-date=4 October 2009 }} A conifer forest planted by the Forestry Commission borders the moor to the south and east.

With plant life dominated by heather and bilberry, the reserve provides important habitat for ground-nesting birds. Birds found in the area include the Northern wheatear, and some black grouse.{{Cite web|url=https://www.first-nature.com/waleswildlife/n-nnr-hafodelwy.php|title=Hafod Elwy Moor, Llyn Brenig, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales|website=www.first-nature.com|access-date=2020-03-15}} The reserve is classified as a Category IV site by the International Union for Conservation of Nature,{{Cite web|url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/hafod-elwy-moor-national-nature-reserve|title=Hafod Elwy Moor|website=Protected Planet|access-date=2020-03-15}} meaning that the area regularly needs active interventions to support particular species.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about/protected-areas-categories/category-iv-habitatspecies-management-area|title=Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area|date=2016-03-14|website=IUCN|language=en|access-date=2020-03-15}} Conservation efforts focus on increasing black grouse populations. In addition to these ground-nesting birds, the reserve is home to merlins and other small birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, kestrels, and hen harriers.

The reserve is open to the public, but has no facilities; except for one bridle path, it is difficult to traverse on foot. The nearest roads are the A543 and the B4501, with access via the Brenig Visitor Centre off the B4501.

The name "Hafod Elwy" references a hafod, or Welsh summer farmhouse. According to local folktales, captured in a ballad, Hafod Elwy was home to a man named Ffowc Owen in the 1770s, who could not marry his true love and froze to death on the moor.{{Cite book|last=Collins|first=Fiona|title=Denbighshire Folk Tales|publisher=The History Press|year=2011|isbn=0752451871}}{{Cite book|last=Gwyndaf|first=Robin|title=Chwedlau Gwerin Cymru|publisher=National Museum Wales|year=1989}} A memorial cairn for Owen is said to be present on the moor.