Mynydd Penarfynydd
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Climate exposure
This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.
Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Ordovician · Rock Type: Gabbro
Landscape processes: Coastal, Volcanic / Igneous
Description
Description This coastal site is designated primarily for its geological and ornithological interest. Geologically, the composite intrusion exposed at this site is one of only two layered Ordovician intrusions in Wales. A wide range of rock types may be identified ranging from hornblende picrite through gabbro to leucogabbro. Rhythmic layering within the sheet and a variety of rock textures are well displayed. Excellent seacliff exposures make it possible to study in detail the effects of the igneous processes which operated within this mass of molten rock as it was emplaced and as it cooled and solidified. Chough, which breed in the site, are the principle ornithological interest. They nest on the sea cliffs and feed in adjacent areas of maritime heath and grassland. Three uncommon plant species have also been recorded on the sea cliffs; golden samphire Inula crithmoides, ivy broomrape Orobanche hederae and sea stork’s-bill Erodium maritimum.
Species mentioned
Show the 3 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sea stork's-bill | Erodium maritimum | LC | herb | geraniaceae |
| golden samphire | Inula crithmoides | Not listed in GB list | herb | asteraceae |
| ivy broomrape | Orobanche hederae | LC | herb | orobanchaceae |