It is part of a national project, spearheaded by the Countryside Council for Wales, to use the arts to explain the significance of the natural environment at some of Wales' top National Nature Reserves.

Over recent weeks, artists Jenny Fell, Annie Horner and Judy Macklin, have been working with local groups of all ages and abilities to help design and make a colourful and intricate pebble mosaic.

It concentrates on Cantrer Gwaelod which, according to the legend, lies in the depths of Cardigan Bay after a drunken night watchman fell asleep, failing to carry out his duty of protecting the land from the impending tide. The mosaic will also feature other images relating to life on the National Nature Reserve throughout the seasons.

The mosaic is being created on the outside floor and walls of the Ynyslas Visitor Centre, which is also being refurbished this year. Local volunteers are lending a hand.

Sian Shakespear, the countryside council for Wales�s interpretation officer said: �This is a change of direction from the more traditional ways of explaining the importance of National Nature Reserves to visitors. The idea is to celebrate their nature through different art forms.

�Local community involvement is a key element of the project, so that local people enjoy the creative process. Many of the reserves have strong cultural connections with folklore. Art is a good way to connect the cultural, environmental and economic elements at these reserves.�

Creu-ad, a group of artists who specialise in community projects in rural Wales, is co-ordinating the project on behalf of CCW. Items of public art will be installed on five National Nature Reserves throughout Wales this year � Coedydd Aber, near Llanfairfechan; Newborough Warren on Anglesey; Oxwich on the Gower Peninsula; Cors Caron and Ynyslas in Ceredigion.