Falcondale Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Falcondale Lake |
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Falcondale Lake
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 Falcondale Lake
Location in Wales
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| Location | Ceredigion |
| Coordinates | 52°07′44″N 4°05′28″W / 52.129°N 4.091°W |
| Type | reservoir |
Falcondale Lake is a beautiful man-made lake located near Lampeter in Ceredigion, Wales. It was created a long time ago as part of the gardens for a large house called Falcondale House. Today, the lake is a popular spot for activities like fishing and enjoying nature trails.
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What is Falcondale Lake?
Falcondale Lake is not a natural lake. It was built by people to make the area around Falcondale House look more beautiful. This kind of lake is sometimes called a reservoir or an artificial lake.
History of the Lake
The lake was designed to be a key part of the landscape for Falcondale House. Imagine a grand house with stunning views! The lake would have added to that beauty. Over time, it has become a home for many plants and animals.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Today, Falcondale Lake is a great place to visit.
- You can go fishing there.
- There are also nature trails where you can walk and explore.
- It's a perfect spot to observe local wildlife.
Falcondale Lake and Nature
For a while, Falcondale Lake was recognized as a very special place for nature. It was even given a special title!
Site of Special Scientific Interest
In 1982, Falcondale Lake was named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it was considered important for its rare plants or animals. It was special because it had two specific plants that were not found in many other places in Ceredigion.
- One plant was called reed sweet-grass.
- The other was blunt-leaved pondweed.
Being an SSSI helps protect these important natural areas.
Why the Lake's Status Changed
However, in 2004, Falcondale Lake lost its SSSI status. This happened for a couple of reasons:
- Scientists found other places that were even better for protecting these specific plants.
- The lake's "trophic state" had changed.
Understanding Trophic State
The "trophic state" of a lake tells us about the amount of nutrients in its water.
- When it was first named an SSSI, Falcondale Lake was "mesotrophic." This means it had a medium amount of nutrients. This level is good for many different plants and animals.
- Later, the lake became "eutrophic." This means it had too many nutrients. Too many nutrients can cause problems, like too much algae growing. This can make the water cloudy and reduce the oxygen for fish and other creatures.
Even though its SSSI status changed, Falcondale Lake remains an important part of the local environment. It still offers a lovely place for people to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
