Cemmaes

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Many thanks the owners of Pen Y Geulan Hoilday Cottage and Seren Property for facilitating this camera's location. This is a co-funded project on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) funded project, the 'Environmental Virtual Observatory pilot' (through Aberystwyth University and The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen). A research project is currently underway to investigate the interest in and utilization of internet-based resources by individuals and communities affected by flooding events. The primary objective is to assess the potential of online tools in enhancing the understanding of catchment hydrology. To accomplish this, a local community focus group is being engaged in demonstrations and evaluations. Specifically, the project involves the utilization of a Farson Digital webcam to monitor the River Dovey. Originating from Creiglyn Dyfi, a small lake situated approximately 1,900 feet above sea level beneath Aran Fawddwy, the River Dovey flows south through Dinas Mawddwy and Cemmaes Road before continuing southwest, passing Machynlleth, and eventually reaching Cardigan Bay at Aberdyfi. Machynlleth is the only major town along its course. Due to its high elevation in the Cambrian Mountains and relatively short length, the river is susceptible to flooding, with some roads in the lower catchment becoming impassable during periods of heavy rainfall. The River Dovey is known for its relatively pristine condition, with minimal pollution, and it supports populations of salmon and sea trout.The region encompassing Aberystwyth and the Dyfi Valley is recognized as the Dyfi Biosphere (Biosffer Dyfi in Welsh), designated by UNESCO in 1978. Within this biosphere, several areas have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including Cors Fochno, Coed Cwm Einion, and Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau.In March 2021, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) granted the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust a license to release up to six beavers in the Dyfi Valley, marking the first official beaver release in Wales. The estuary of the River Dovey is notable for its saltmarshes.Cemmaes Road was a railway station on the Newtown and Machynlleth Railway (N&MR) in Mid-Wales, serving the village of Cemmaes Road. The N&MR traversed the Cambrian Mountains, passing through the deep Talerddig cutting, which constituted the highest point of the railway line. From there, it descended toward the coast, reaching the Dyfi Valley at the village of Cemmaes Road, where it intersected with the Mawddwy Railway. The N&MR continued westward to Machynlleth.To avoid confusion with the railway station in the village of Cemmaes on the Mawddwy Railway, the junction station on the N&MR was named Cemmes Road, anglicized from the Welsh name of the village. Cemmes Road station ceased operations in 1965 due to the Beeching Axe, although the station building still exists as a private residence. The signal box and passing loop were closed in 1984 as part of a rationalization process.