Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve facts for kids
The Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve is a special place in the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. It covers about 156 acres (631,000 square meters) of amazing natural beauty.
This reserve is home to two mountain peaks, Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and Fan Frynych, both standing tall at 629 meters. It's a fantastic spot to explore nature and see some rare plants and animals.
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What is Craig Cerrig-gleisiad?
The name Craig Cerrig-gleisiad means 'cliff of the salmon-coloured rocks'. This area was shaped a long, long time ago by a huge glacier. Imagine a giant ice river slowly carving out the land!
Glacial Features
The glacier created a bowl-shaped hollow called a cirque. It also left behind piles of rocks and dirt called moraine. This created a sheltered spot, perfect for unique plants to grow. The steep cliffs also help protect these plants from grazing animals like sheep.
Amazing Plants
The reserve is famous for its rare plants. You can find special Arctic-alpine plants here. These are plants that usually grow in very cold, high places, like the Arctic or tall mountains.
- Some of these rare plants include the beautiful purple saxifrage and roseroot.
- There are also woodlands with lovely orchids and anemones.
- On the lower slopes, you might see scattered woodland and hawthorn trees.
Wildlife Wonders
Besides the plants, this nature reserve is a great place for wildlife. It's home to some interesting and rare birds.
- Look out for fast-flying peregrine falcons.
- You might also spot ring ouzels and clever ravens.
- The reserve is also a haven for butterflies, with sixteen different species recorded here!
History of the Land
This special nature reserve is part of the Fforest Fawr uplands. This area has a long history.
- In Norman times, it was a royal hunting ground.
- It remained property of the Crown until the early 1800s.
- Today, the reserve is looked after by Natural Resources Wales, making sure it stays a beautiful and protected place for everyone to enjoy.
