These are all protected under the Natura 2000 network of sites of European importance.

Especially in winter and at migration times they are very busy places and many species which rely on the food they find here, need protection. As well as being important for wildlife and plant species, estuaries are also important for people, they are great places for recreation and are a natural form of sea defence and reduce pollution.

It is therefore important that we safeguard these special places for the future. The LIFE Natura 2000 programme has produced costed action plans for every Estuarine Natura 2000 site in Wales, planning for the future and helping to obtain vital funds.

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