YNYS FEURIG
SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
What is ‘special’ about Ynys Feurig SSSI?
Ynys Feurig has 2 special features:
Breeding common terns.
Breeding roseate tern.
As well as the features listed above, Ynys Feurig has other habitats that contribute to the special interest. These include maritime grassland and intertidal habitats (rockpools). This diversity of habitats supports a wide range of species including breeding arctic terns along with coralline seaweed dominated rockpools with the brown alga Cystoseira sp. and species rich under-boulder communities. These too are a key component of the special interest of the site. Unless it is specified below, management of this site should aim to look after these habitats as well as the listed features of interest.
The site should contribute to the breeding tern population within the Irish Sea and more locally along the coast of Anglesey. Its integrity as a breeding site for all tern species should be maintained, primarily by keeping it free from mammalian predators and minimising avian predators. This should occur even in years when one or more of the nesting species fails to be present. The integrity of the tern colony is dependant upon off-site factors, such as availability of food, the presence of alternative nesting sites in adverse years within the Irish Sea and the integrity of their winter migration sites.
The site should provide the opportunity for roseate terns to nest. As they tend to nest in established tern colonies, usually associated with common terns, the maintenance of a viable common and arctic tern colony is imperative.
The presence of the other breeding bird species should be maintained. However as nesting terns can suffer predation from nesting gulls, it is essential that the two colonies be protected from conflict. Breeding and immature gulls can be particularly successful predators of tern colonies. Even if separation between the gull and tern population is achieved, it may be necessary to control individuals or pairs which are exerting particularly severe predation pressure.
What management is needed on Ynys Feurig SSSI and why?
Although Ynys Feurig is an excellent place for wildlife it will only remain so if the necessary management continues. CCW’s aim is to work with you to ensure that this management is carried out.
What does this mean in practice?
There are many factors that could damage the special features at Ynys Feurig if they are not properly managed. These are the ones we regard as most important:
There are a number of off-site factors that have the potential to significantly impact on the features of this site. These factors are highlighted below:
Finally
Our knowledge of wildlife is far from complete. It is possible that new features of value may appear and new management issues may arise in the future, whilst other issues may disappear. This statement is written with the best information we have now, but may have to change in the future as our understanding improves. Any information you can provide on the wildlife of your site, its management and its conservation would be much appreciated.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of your SSSI, or have any concerns about your SSSI, please contact your local CCW office.
Your local office is;
Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru/Countryside Council for Wales
North Region
Llys y Bont,
Ffordd y Parc,
Parc Menai,
Bangor,
Gwynedd, LL57 4BN,
Fax: 01248 679259