Great Ganilly facts for kids
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Goonhyli Veur
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Great Ganilly
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 Great Ganilly
Location in Isles of Scilly
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 49°57′06″N 6°15′24″W / 49.9517°N 6.2567°W |
| OS grid reference | SV947145 |
| Archipelago | Isles of Scilly |
| Area | 0.13 sq mi (0.34 km2) |
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United Kingdom
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| Civil parish | St Martin's |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Great Ganilly is a small, uninhabited island found in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. Its name comes from the Cornish language, Goonhyli Veur, which means "great saltwater downs". This island is one of the many Eastern Isles that make up this special group of islands off the coast of Cornwall, England.
Great Ganilly is quite small, covering an area of about 0.13 square kilometres (which is roughly the size of 13 football fields). Its highest point reaches 34 metres above sea level, right in the middle of the island. On this high ground, you can find two ancient stone structures called cairns.
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Discovering Great Ganilly
Great Ganilly is part of the stunning Isles of Scilly, an archipelago (a group of islands) located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England. These islands are known for their mild climate, clear waters, and unique natural beauty. Great Ganilly belongs to the group known as the Eastern Isles, which are mostly uninhabited and offer a glimpse into untouched nature.
Where is Great Ganilly?
Imagine looking at a map of the United Kingdom. If you go all the way to the southwest, you'll find Cornwall. Just a bit further out into the Atlantic Ocean are the Isles of Scilly. Great Ganilly is one of the islands on the eastern side of this group, making it part of the "Eastern Isles." It's a peaceful place, surrounded by the sea.
What is a Cairn?
When you hear about a "cairn" on Great Ganilly, it refers to a pile of stones built by people. These aren't just random rocks; cairns often mark important places. The ones on Great Ganilly are very old, likely built thousands of years ago during the Bronze Age. They might have been used as burial sites or as markers for special locations. Finding them on the island's highest point suggests it was an important spot long ago.
Nature and Wildlife
Even though Great Ganilly is uninhabited by people, it's full of life! The island's rocky shores and grassy areas provide a home for various plants and animals. You might find hardy plants that can withstand the sea winds, like heather and gorse.
Many seabirds also visit or nest on the island. These birds rely on the quiet, undisturbed environment to raise their young. The surrounding waters are also home to marine life, including seals that sometimes rest on the rocks. Exploring islands like Great Ganilly helps us understand how nature thrives in wild, remote places.
Island Life (or Lack Thereof)
Great Ganilly is one of the many islands in the Isles of Scilly that has no permanent residents. This is common for smaller islands that might not have fresh water sources or enough flat land for building. Its uninhabited status helps preserve its natural environment and historical features, like the ancient cairns. It remains a wild and beautiful spot, visited mainly by wildlife and occasional explorers.
