Glannau Porthaethwy facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | West Gwynedd |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°13′38″N 4°09′23″W / 53.227151°N 4.1565129°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 67.7 ha2 |
| Notification | 2003 |
Glannau Porthaethwy is a special protected area along the northern coast of the Menai Strait in North Wales. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Think of it as a very important natural place that needs to be looked after. This area stretches for about 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) along the shore. It goes from the Britannia Bridge in the west all the way to Craig y Don in the east.
This special area also includes the coastlines of several small islands in the strait. These islands are Ynys Gored Goch, Ynys Welltog, Ynys Benlas, Ynys Tysilio, Half Tide Rock, Ynys Faelog, Ynys Tobig, Ynys Gaint, Ynys Castell, and Ynys y Bîg.
Glannau Porthaethwy was officially made an SSSI in 2003. It's protected because it has the largest area of sheltered rocky shore between Bardsey Island and Great Orme’s Head. This means the rocks are protected from strong waves, creating a safe home for many different kinds of sea plants and animals. It's a fantastic place to see a wide variety of marine life!
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Why Glannau Porthaethwy is Special
This SSSI is important because it's a great example of a healthy marine environment. The sheltered rocky shores provide many different places for creatures to live. You can find tiny cracks, rock pools, and larger areas where the tide goes in and out. Each of these spots offers a unique home for different species.
Home for Marine Life
The area is a bustling underwater neighborhood. It's home to a huge variety of sea plants and animals. Because the water is calmer here, many species can thrive that might not survive in more exposed areas. This makes it a perfect spot for scientists to study marine ecosystems.
Plants of the Shore
Along the rocky shore, you'll find many types of seaweeds and algae. These plants are super important because they form the base of the food chain. They provide food and shelter for many animals. Different types of seaweed grow at different levels on the shore, depending on how much time they spend out of the water at low tide.
Animals of the Shore
The animals living here are just as diverse. You might spot crabs scuttling under rocks, starfish clinging to the surfaces, and various types of snails and limpets. Small fish can hide in the rock pools, and if you look closely, you might even see anemones waving their tentacles in the water. These creatures have adapted to living in an environment where the water level changes with the tides.
Protecting Our Natural World
Being a Site of Special Scientific Interest means that Glannau Porthaethwy is legally protected. This helps to make sure that the special plants and animals that live here can continue to thrive. It also means that people need to be careful when visiting, so they don't disturb the delicate balance of nature.
What is an SSSI?
An SSSI is a place in the UK that has special wildlife, geology, or landforms. These sites are chosen because they are the best examples of their kind. Protecting them helps to save important parts of our natural heritage for future generations. It's like having a national treasure, but for nature!
How We Can Help
When you visit places like Glannau Porthaethwy, it's important to follow simple rules. Always take your litter home with you. Try not to disturb the plants and animals. If you're exploring rock pools, put everything back exactly as you found it. By being respectful visitors, we can all help protect these amazing natural spaces.
