Cae Gwyn SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | West Gwynedd |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°23′50″N 4°29′18″W / 53.397152°N 4.4882269°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 10.16 ha2 |
| Notification | 1980 |
Cae Gwyn is a really special natural area located at the northern tip of Anglesey, an island off the coast of Wales. It's a small place with a mix of open heathland and lovely ponds. This site is so important that it has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (often called SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its unique plants and habitats.
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Discover Cae Gwyn: A Special Place in Anglesey
Cae Gwyn covers about 10 hectares, which is roughly the size of 25 football fields! It was officially recognized as a special scientific site in 1980. The area is known for its interesting mix of dry heathland and wet pond areas.
What Makes Cae Gwyn Special?
The site has two main pond areas. These ponds are separated by a slightly higher ridge covered in heath plants. The different types of land, from wet ponds to drier heath, create perfect homes for many different plants. This variety is one reason why Cae Gwyn is so important.
Amazing Plants You Can Find
Cae Gwyn is famous for some rare and interesting plants. One of the most notable is the royal fern (Osmunda regalis). This is one of the largest and most impressive ferns you can find in the UK.
Another special plant is the bog sedge (Carex limosa). This plant loves wet, boggy ground, which shows how damp some parts of Cae Gwyn are.
But perhaps the most exciting find is the cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). This plant is quite uncommon in many places. At Cae Gwyn, it grows on a special "lawn" made of Sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss is like a super sponge that holds a lot of water, creating the perfect wet conditions for cranberries to thrive.
Protecting Cae Gwyn
Being a Site of Special Scientific Interest means Cae Gwyn is legally protected. This helps make sure that its unique habitats and rare plants are looked after for the future. Scientists and conservationists work to monitor the site and keep it healthy. This protection helps preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Anglesey.
