Eglwys Nunydd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eglwys Nunydd |
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 Eglwys Nunydd
Location in Neath Port Talbot
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| Location | Margam, Wales |
| Coordinates | 51°32′58″N 3°44′22″W / 51.54944°N 3.73944°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
The Eglwys Nunydd is a large, man-made lake in Margam, Wales. It was built in 1963. Its main job was to provide water for the big steelworks nearby. The steelworks needed a lot of water to cool down its machinery, especially for making steel sheets.
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About Eglwys Nunydd
Eglwys Nunydd is about 260 acres big. That's like 200 football fields! It's shaped a bit like a concrete bowl around its edges. The lake is also about 14 feet deep.
Amazing Birdlife
Eglwys Nunydd is a special place for birds. The water is shallow and has lots of plants. These plants help tiny insects grow. Birds love to eat these insects!
Because of all the birds, Eglwys Nunydd was named a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1972. This means it's a very important place for nature.
What Birds Live Here?
Many different birds live and breed at Eglwys Nunydd. You might see:
- Great crested grebes
- Little grebes
- Mallard ducks
- Gadwall ducks
- Coots
Other birds often seen include tufted ducks and pochards. Birdwatchers also get excited when they spot rare visitors. These can include goosanders, smews, long-tailed ducks, scaups, and great northern divers.
The "Killer Shrimp"
In 2010, a new creature was found in the reservoir. It's called the Dikerogammarus villosus, also known as the "killer shrimp." This shrimp is an invasive species. This means it's not native to the area and can cause problems for local wildlife.
However, people who fish at the lake have noticed something interesting. The killer shrimp has become a big part of the diet for the rainbow trout that live there!
Staying Safe and Responsible
It's important for people visiting the lake to be careful. Anglers (people who fish) are told to practice "biosecurity." This means they should clean their fishing gear very well. This helps stop the killer shrimp from spreading to other lakes and rivers.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Eglwys Nunydd is not just for wildlife. It's also a great place for fun!
Fishing
The lake is a popular spot for fishing. You can catch trout and other types of fish here. A group called Tata Game Angling manages the fishing.
Sailing
The Tata Sailing Club uses the lake for dinghy sailing. It's a perfect place to learn and enjoy sailing small boats.
