CYNGOR CEFN GWLAD CYMRU

COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST CITATION

VALE OF GLAMORGAN COSMESTON PARK

Date of Notification: 1985

National Grid Reference: ST 173693

O.S. Maps: 1:50,000 Sheet number: 171

1:25,000 Sheet number: ST 16

Site Area: 46ha

Description:

Cosmeston Park supports a wide range of wildlife habitats including open water, fem, woodland and remnant limestone grassland.

Wetland habitats are of particular significance in supporting a regionally important Odonata population. Thirteen species of dragonflies and damselflies are known to breed within the Park making it one of the richest sites in South Wales for this threatened group of insects. The Western Lake, the fen and a small isolated pool provide the necessary habitats for the bulk of these species with nine species alone confirmed breeding in the latter area.

The wetland habitats also provide breeding sites for mute swan and great crested grebe. In addition to contributing towards an overall breeding population of some 45 different bird species, the wetland habitats of the Park attract numbers of Spring and Autumn passage migrants. Around 300 species of flowering plants have been recorded in the Park - a reflection of its rich and diverse habitats. Everlasting pea Lathyrus sylvestris, dyers greenweed Genista tinctoria and bee orchid Ophrys apifera are among the most notable species present.

Remarks:

Site is part of the Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.