Newport Cliffs facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Pembrokeshire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52°02′29″N 4°50′41″W / 52.041497°N 4.8448019°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 48.23 ha2 |
| Notification | 1954 |
Newport Cliffs is a really special place located just north of Newport in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (or SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its amazing plants and animals.
Newport Cliffs became an SSSI in January 1954. This was done to help protect its important natural features. The area covers about 48 hectares, which is like 70 football fields! Natural Resources Wales helps look after this beautiful place.
Why Newport Cliffs is Special
Newport Cliffs is protected because of its unique living things. Across Wales, SSSIs help protect many different types of animals and plants. This particular site is special for its biological qualities.
Key Features of the Cliffs
Newport Cliffs has four main features that make it so important:
- Sea cliffs and ledges: These tall cliffs and rocky ledges provide homes for many birds and plants.
- Coastal grassland: Grassy areas near the sea are home to special plants and insects.
- Coastal heathland: This is a type of open land with small shrubs, perfect for certain wildlife.
- Perennial centaury: This is a rare and beautiful plant that grows here.
Amazing Wildlife and Plants
Besides these main features, Newport Cliffs is also home to other wonderful wildlife:
- Birds: You might spot cliff-nesting birds like the chough, which has bright red legs and a curved beak. Fast-flying peregrine falcons also hunt here. Look out for razorbills, which are seabirds that look a bit like penguins.
- Rare Plants: The cliffs are a safe place for some very rare plants. These include the royal fern, which is a very large and old type of fern. You can also find sea spleenwort and sea purslane, which are special plants that can handle salty air.
