Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Pen-y-chwarel - quarry top.
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| Area of Search | West Gwynedd |
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| Coordinates | 53°18′48″N 4°08′11″W / 53.313339°N 4.1362667°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 103.33 ha |
| Notification | 1953 |
Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon is a special place on the island of Anglesey in Wales. It's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it has unique plants, animals, and rocks. This SSSI covers about 103 hectares (that's about 250 football fields!) along 7 kilometers of coastline at the southeastern tip of Anglesey.
Contents
Why is it Special?
This area was officially recognized as an SSSI in 2003. It's important for many reasons, including its amazing plants (botany), birds (ornithology), rocks (geology), and the sea life found along its shores.
Amazing Rocks and Quarries
One of the most interesting parts of Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon is its geology. There's an old, unused quarry called Tandinas quarry. This quarry is very important because it shows us rocks from a time called the Carboniferous period. These rocks are a type of limestone. You can see these old rocks clearly in the quarry and along the sea cliffs.
Unique Plants and Habitats
The limestone rocks under the ground help special plants grow here. You can find areas of dry heath and wet heath, which are types of natural grasslands. A special plant called Platanthera bifolia, also known as the Lesser Butterfly-orchid, grows very well here.
Coastal Life
The coastline at Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon faces the open sea, so it gets a good amount of waves. This creates a perfect home for many different kinds of sea creatures and plants. It's one of the best examples of marine life found on limestone shores in this area.
Part of a Beautiful Area
This special site is also located within the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This means the area is protected for its beautiful landscapes and important wildlife.
