RESIDENTS in Dyffryn Ardudwy were shocked to find the remains of a massive turtle on their beach last week.

The decomposed remains of a leatherback turtle, rarely seen in UK waters, were found stranded along the Meirionnydd coast last Thursday (19 November).

A spokesperson for Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, who deal with creatures that have been washed up on UK beaches, said: “Unfortunately the turtle is too decomposed to allow meaningful post-mortem examination to take place, but samples may be collected.

“Thanks to Gwynedd Maritime and Country Parks for recovering the remains.”