LLANBADRIG
TO DINAS GYNFOR SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
What is ‘special’ about the geology at Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor SSSI?
Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor SSSI has three special features:
Precambrian rocks exposed in disused quarries, coastal cliffs and on the foreshore.
The rocks around Llanbadrig are some of the oldest found in southern Britain. The variety of different rock types, together with their relationship to the overlying Ordovician rocks, allow geologists to interpret the processes and environmental conditions that existed approximately 570 million years ago.
Arenig-Llanvirn (Ordovician) rocks exposed in inland outcrops, coastal cliffs and on the foreshore.
These represent shallow water deposits, and their position relative to the deeper water Ordovician deposits found elsewhere in North Wales allows geologists to reconstruct environmental conditions approximately 470 million years ago.
These features relate to the folding and faulting of the Precambrian and Ordovician rocks during an intense period of mountain building known as the Caledonian Orogeny, which occurred some 400 million years ago.
What do we want Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor SSSI to look like?
The rock exposures should remain visible and accessible in order to allow further study and research. This will be achieved by avoiding activites which would diminish the current high level and continuity of exposure so that these rocks can be accessed when required for scientific purposes.
What management is needed on Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor SSSI and why?
Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor is an excellent place for geological study and sites such as this are vital for further research. However it will only remain so if the necessary management continues and CCW’s aim is to work with you to ensure that this management is carried out.
What does this mean in practice?
There are a number of different factors that could damage the special feature at Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor SSSI if they are not properly managed. These are the ones we regard as most important:
Visibility
Any activities that might obscure the rock exposures, for example the dumping of earth, spoil or other waste materials, and the buttressing and/or battering of the rock faces, should be avoided. Any engineering or building works that would conceal the rock exposures, for example building steps to the beach, laying of sewage pipes or similar new structures, may be damaging to the site interest. Any works that are required should be first discussed with the Countryside Council for Wales to ensure that there would be no adverse impact upon any of the features.
Accessibility
Students and researchers need access to study the rocks exposed within Llanbadrig to Dinas Gynfor SSSI. Although some of the coastal areas are owned by the National Trust, and there are public rights of way across parts of the site, much of the land is privately-owned. Permission to enter these areas for the purpose of study or research is entirely at the discretion of the landowners.
Finally
Our knowledge of geology is continually improving and sites such as this are vital in that process. It is possible that new 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 special feature of your site 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