Craig y Cilau facts for kids
Craig y Cilau is a really cool place in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. It's a big, rocky cliff made of limestone. This special area was made a national nature reserve in 1959. This means it's a protected spot because it's super important for its amazing wildlife, especially its unique plants.
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Exploring Craig y Cilau
Where is Craig y Cilau?
Craig y Cilau is found on the north side of a mountain called Mynydd Llangatwg. It's near a community named Llangattock, about 2 miles (3 km) southwest of Crickhowell. The reserve covers about 157 acres (0.6 km²). It has many different types of land, like forests, bushy areas, and open moorland higher up. You can also find lots of caves and old quarries along the cliffs.
Amazing Plants of the Cliffs
The limestone cliffs at Craig y Cilau are home to many rare plants. These include the maiden pink and a plant called hutchinsia. You can also find the most southerly group of alpine enchanter's nightshade in Britain here.
There are five types of whitebeam trees growing here. Two of these, the narrow-leaved whitebeam and lesser whitebeam, are special. They are found only in Wales, which means they are endemic to this area.
Wonderful Wildlife
About 50 different kinds of birds make Craig y Cilau their home. You might spot ring ouzels and ravens flying near the cliffs. In the woods, look for redstarts, wood warblers, and pied flycatchers.
One of the caves, called Agen Allwedd, is a winter home for lesser horseshoe bats. These bats hang upside down to sleep during the colder months.
Rocks and Habitats
The land at Craig y Cilau is very interesting. Below the cliffs, you'll find Old Red Sandstone. Above the cliffs, there's a rock called Millstone Grit. This mix of rocks creates many different places for plants and animals to live. These different areas are called habitats. You can find woodlands, scrubland (bushy areas), and moorland (open, grassy land) all in one reserve.
