Our Projects
It is difficult to pinpoint one feature that gives Llŷn its individual and unique identity. Rugged cliffs, hillsides clad in gorse and heather, narrow country lanes with whitewashed stone cottages, all of these factors combine to help make Llŷn a special place. The AONB unit have been working on projects to help maintain Llŷn’s unique identity.
Click on the links below to find out more about each project.
Traditional Fingerposts
Milestones
Traditional Village Signs
Wells
Traditional Fingerposts
A recent survey identified 8 original cast iron fingerposts on Llŷn in various states of repair. These date back to the beginning of the last century and were first installed following the 1903 Motor Car Act. Over a hundred years of guiding generations of travellers through the region had taken its toll on the old fingerposts, which had sadly fallen into disrepair.
The AONB unit carried out a detailed survey of the signposts and called in the expertise of Signpost Restoration Ltd from Cumbria to restore them to their former glory.
The original signs were forged by three different companies:
JH Williams and Sons of Porthmadog; Jones and Davies of Flint and The Royal Label Factory of Stratford upon Avon.
The fully restored signposts can now be seen at Abererch; Beudy Bigin, Botwnnog; Llanengan; Nanhoron; Penygroeslon; Sarn Bach and Sarn Mellteyrn.
In a related project, Llanengan Community Council have commissioned two traditional style fingerposts which have been located at Mynytho and Abersoch.
Milestones
In 2004 the AONB Unit undertook a pilot project to restore and maintain a number of milestones on the peninsula. The stones are an important part of the history and culture of Llŷn, dating back to the early days of the area’s roads, when people walked, rode and travelled by horse and cart.
In contrast to many areas a large number of milestones in Llŷn have survived and can still be seen in their original locations today, mainly due to the limited number of infrastructure improvements such as road widening.
The project focused on the B4115 between Efailnewydd and Nanhoron with the aim of restoring the milestones, and ensuring they remain an important feature of this rural road.
Two types of milestone are found seen on this road - the slate milestones dating from the beginning of the last century and earlier ones made of stone (sandstone or granite).
The condition of the milestones varied, some are in very good condition, whilst others are fairly sound but unfortunately some were damaged or had been completely destroyed.
The first step of the pilot project was to conduct a survey of the stones, their condition and location. It was then decided where new milestones were needed and where the original stones could be taken for repair and restoration. The only work required on the early milestones was to cut back and clear around them and repaint the letters and numbers.
A number of the slate milestones were lifted carefully to facilitate the cleaning and restorative work and new ones were prepared where the original were too badly damaged. The milestones were placed back in their exact original locations. The final part of the project was to set about cleaning and repainting the early stone milestones. Ian Jolly from the British Milestone Society http://www.milestone-society.co.uk/ helped us enormously with this part of the project.
Traditional Village Signs
Originally installed by the old County Council during the 1950’s and 60’s, the black and white signs that mark the towns and villages of the Llŷn contribute towards the unique character of the area. This is why we undertook the work of restoring them to their original condition rather than replacing them with modern signs.
The signs which are made in cast from dense aluminium, had weathered over the years, suffering more than a few bumps and scrapes, and were in need of restoration.
The first part of the scheme involved restoring the signs at the village of Botwnnog and then continued by restoring signs for Rhydyclafdy, Efailnewydd, Tudweiliog, Pistyll, Aberdaron and Trefor. In some cases new signs to match the originals were produced.
Llŷn boasts a large number of fresh water wells, many of the wells have religious links and contribute greatly to the area’s character and culture, some are believed to possess healing properties.
The AONB Unit undertook a project to catalogue the history, location and condition of individual wells in 2005. The research also suggested improvements to some of the wells, and recommended raising awareness about them.
One of the most important wells in the area is Ffynnon Fyw, Mynytho (near Hebron Chapel). Myrddin Fardd, a local antiquarian refers to it in his volume Llên Gwerin Sir Gaernarfon (1908), where it is described as ‘an exceptional well, enclosed by walls 6 or 7 ft. high, with steps leading down to stone seats surrounding two basins within.’
Work on this well was given priority due to its historical importance, its distinctive architecture and its prominent location. When the workmen arrived the well was seen to be overgrown with bramble and gorse and the walls were deteriorating. Soon after work began on the clear-up, the glory of the well became apparent.
By now several other wells in the area have benefited from some clearing and restoration work, these include Ffynnon Aelrhiw in Rhiw, Ffynnon Saint in Aberdaron, Ffynnon Sarff in Mynytho, and Ffynnon Aelhaearn in Llanaelhaearn.