CYNGOR CEFN GWLAD CYMRU

COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST CITATION

VALE OF GLAMORGAN EAST ABERTHAW COAST

Date of Notification: 1972, 1965

National Grid Reference: ST 042658

O.S. Maps: 1:50,000 Sheet number: 170

1:25,000 Sheet number: ST 06

Site area: 68.2 ha

Description:

This small stretch of the South Glamorganshire Coastline supports a range of habitats that makes it one of the richest coastal wildlife sites in the county. Rocky and sandy shore, shingle spits, saltmarsh, relict sand dunes and Liassic limestone cliffs all support species of plants and animals that are of a limited distribution in the county. Adiantum capillus-veneris and Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum are species of note found on the limestone cliffs and in associated areas of scrub. Saltmarsh and shingle ridges support a good range of plant species. Land and littoral invertebrates are particularly rich in this area and include Phanacis caulicola, Brachinus crepitans and Lima pontia.