Wildlife

A pictorial guide to the wildlife of Bala and Penllyn.

A wealth of wildlife and plants reside in Bala Lake and surrounding area. The lake is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a Ramsar wetlands site of international importance. The lake has 14 species of fish, including the Gwyniad, a species of whitefish which is unique to Bala Lake. The shoreline is the only location on mainland UK where this glutinous snail is found. Otters are present at Llyn Tegid throughout the year. The tributary rivers and streams also provide otters with a wealth of feeding and breeding habitats. The River Tryweryn is one of the few places in the UK where freshwater pearl mussels exist. The lamprey, a rare eel-like fish, is also found in the River Tryweryn.

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