People belong here, too. They have shaped the landscape over the centuries, leaving their mark in tombs and castles, crosses and cottages, quarries and quays.
Today this is a living, working landscape where people and nature co-exist. The National Park Authority looks after it, helps the public to enjoy and understand it, and works with local communities towards a sustainable future.

The River Gwaun rises in the Preseli hills and was formed as a melt-water channel for the retreating glaciers at the end of the Ice Age. Tributaries have carved steep, narrow side-valleys that are densely wooded. In summer, the Gwaun is a slowly meandering stream passing through alder carr (marshy, wet woodland with alder trees predominating), water meadows (look out for meadow sweet with its gorgeous honey-tinged smell in late August to early September) and flood plain.
The path above Coed Sychpant gives views over the valley and the woods themselves provide habitat for birds such as tree pipits, redstarts, tits, nuthatches and pied flycatchers. The river is home to dippers and grey wagtails. Raptors like buzzards and sparrowhawks are also common. If you're lucky, you'll see otter near the river too, and the area is a stronghold for polecat and dormouse.

The market town of Cardigan is an essential stop on your visit to Cardigan Bay. The slow pace of change in this part of Wales has helped preserve the 19th character and charm of this ancient town.

The narrow streets, traditional shops, inns and eating places many with their original Georgian and Victorian fronts help create a unique visitor experience.

The town provides a traditional shopping and cultural centre for local residents and visitors to West Wales. You will find traditional butcher, baker and grocery shops plus specialists for local arts and crafts, sports and fishing.