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A series of lagoons in Gwynedd are to be returned to their historic Welsh name, following a public consultation. The nature reserve near Tal-y-bont, Bangor , has been known as Spinnies Aberogwen in recent years, but the North Wales Wildlife Trust is now moving ahead with plans to revert the area back to its original name, Llyn Celanedd. This will be done in a phased approach, with changes made as signage is replaced, in order to minimise costs. The decision aligns with the Trust's existing policy that, where a property is known by an English name, it will endeavour to determine whether an alternative Welsh name exists and would be more appropriate. Historical literature and geographical information suggest that 'Llyn Celanedd' was the last pool within the winding course of the Afon Ogwen before it was straightened in the early 19th century. The canalisation process discarded numerous items of environmental and cultural significance: the river mouth and a pool treasured by anglers; a link between land, river and sea; oyster beds – and the given name of this special site. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here 'Llyn Celanedd', translating to 'Pool of Dead Bodies', serves as a stark reminder of its historical significance. During the Middle Ages the deceased members of the Penrhyn aristocracy were transported by boat from Llyn Celanedd across the Menai Strait to a dedicated burial ground at Llanfaes on the Anglesey coast, reports North Wales Live. This cemetery, established nearly 800 years ago, was reserved for the Royal family of Gwynedd and other noble families within the kingdom. Among those interred were Siwan, wife of Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), and Elinor, wife of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last). Today, the pools provide a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl, kingfishers - and the birdwatchers who flock to observe them. The North Wales Wildlife Trust has expressed gratitude for the extensive support received from its members and supporters, neighbours, local individuals and organisations, as well as national bodies including Cymdeithas Enwau Lleoedd Cymru, Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd, Clwb Mynydda Cymru, Menter Iaith Gwynedd, Mudiad Meithrin, Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Dyfodol i r Iaith and the Welsh Language Commission. Chris Wynne, nature reserves manager at the North Wales Wildlife Trust, stated: "We are privileged to be able to support the reinstatement of an element of our local culture and heritage, especially a place name which captures the environmental history of our surroundings." Frances Cattanach, chief executive officer of North Wales Wildlife Trust, explained: "Our policy is that where a property has an English name, the Trust will endeavour to determine and use its Welsh name. We have been fortunate with this site, as research has uncovered the name 'Llyn Celanedd'." She added: "We will be adopting a phased approach to implement the name change to ensure funds are not unnecessarily spent. "We are extremely careful with our valued funds and changes to information boards, leaflets and other materials will be done as things need reprinting, or using funds which can only be used for Welsh language-related work."
