Cwm Craig-ddu Quarry
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Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Rock Outcrop · Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Silurian
Landscape processes: Glacial
Description
Description The Pterinea Beds of this locality, of Ludlow Series age, yield the earliest known specimens of Cooksonia, which is widely regarded as the oldest and most primitive vascular land plant. This locality is thus of international importance for its palaeobotanical interest. In layman’s terms, the interest of this site may be expressed more simply, and such a statement is provided below. This should not be taken as definitive and further information as to details of the interest can be obtained from the Countryside Council for Wales. Cwm Craig-ddu Quarry yields the fossilised remains of the earliest vascular land plant yet to have been found anywhere in the world. Vascular plants are those plants which contain specialised tissues which carry nutrients and water through the organism, and in this respect are distinguished from other types of plant life, such as fungi or algae, which lack such tissues. The rocks which outcrop here are of late Silurian age, and were laid down some 405 million years ago. The site is of international importance for geology, as the source of the oldest known vascular plants in the world. Remarks: Registered as common land.