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List of vales in England and Wales facts for kids

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A vale is a type of valley, often wide and flat, found between areas of higher land. Think of it like a big, open dip in the landscape, surrounded by hills or mountains. Vales can have one or more rivers flowing through them. They are often very fertile, which means the soil is good for farming.

What is a Vale?

A vale is usually a wide, open valley. It's different from a narrow gorge or a steep-sided canyon. Vales are often formed by rivers slowly carving out the land over many thousands of years. Sometimes, ancient glaciers also helped shape these broad valleys. Because of their flat land and good soil, vales are often home to farms and towns.

How Vales are Formed

Vales are mostly shaped by natural forces. Rivers are a big part of this. Over long periods, rivers erode the land, carrying away soil and rock. This process slowly widens and deepens the valley. In some places, huge sheets of ice called glaciers also played a role. As glaciers moved across the land, they scraped and carved out wide, U-shaped valleys, which can become vales.

Why Vales are Important

Vales are important for many reasons. Their flat, fertile land is perfect for agriculture, like growing crops or raising animals. Many farms are found in vales. They also provide good routes for roads and railways, as the land is flatter and easier to build on. People have lived in vales for thousands of years because of the good land and access to water. They are also home to diverse wildlife and plants.

Famous Vales in England and Wales

England and Wales have many beautiful and important vales. Each one has its own unique features and history. Here are some examples:

  • The Vale of York is one of the largest vales in England. It's a wide, flat area in Yorkshire known for its rich farmland.
  • The Vale of White Horse in Oxfordshire gets its name from the famous Uffington White Horse, a huge ancient hill figure carved into the chalk hillside.
  • The Vale of Glamorgan (or Bro Morgannwg in Welsh) is a coastal vale in Glamorgan, Wales. It has a mix of farmland, towns, and a beautiful coastline.
  • The Vale of Evesham in Warwickshire is famous for its fruit orchards and market gardening. It's a very productive agricultural area.

List of Vales in England and Wales

Here is a list of many vales found across England and Wales:

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