Latest news with #ofSpecialScientificInterest
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Secret' cove in the UK with turquoise waters and seals
One hidden gem cove is the perfect destination for a peaceful day at the beach Nestled between the villages of Morvah and Pendeen on the Penwith Peninsula, you'll find Cornwall's hidden gem, Portheras Cove. This breathtakingly beautiful beach is a bit of a trek to reach, with a steep rocky descent past a waterfall leading to the sandy shore. Partially owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, this is a true locals' beach that might not be on the radar of those unfamiliar with the area. This secluded cove offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing beach day. However, while the turquoise waters may look tempting, swimmers should be aware of potential debris in the sea. The area has a strong undercurrent and was also the site of the Alacrity shipwreck. The wreckage was later blown in the 80s, leaving behind sharp metal fragments that can still be found in the water and sand today. There's no lifeguard service at Portheras and mobile phone reception can be patchy, so if you do decide to take a dip, make sure there's someone on the beach who can raise the alarm if needed, reports the Express. While it might not be the best place for a swim, Portheras is a fantastic spot for wildlife watching and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Seals are among the creatures that call this cove home. Visitors to Portheras have taken to TripAdvisor to share their experiences on the beach, with one writing: "This is a really nice beach, white sands crystal clear waters and the opportunity to spot seals and other sea life from the advantage point of the high cliffs and down on the beach. "Its fantastic because its not that easy to get to down, steep rocky paths and a good walk make this beach quiet!" "Once down, be careful. The currents are strong, and the cliff face is badly eroded. I would not recommend sitting too close if you look at the precarious nature of it. No facilities, toilets or anything remotely touristy make this ideal for people who want a good adventure." Another added their voice, writing: "This is one of my favourite places. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. The sand is glorious. The two seals were very curious that day and swimming very close to a family of swimmers in wet suits. "Maybe they thought they were relatives. Don't forget to pop into Boat Cove on the way to see the sweetest, colourful working fishing cove." A third chimed in with fond memories: " We have spent hours and hours at this beach over the years; it's one of the best beaches in Cornwall. Why? The access is from a limited car park, across fields, stiles, via a meandering path through scrubland, then down a steep, rocky path, and finally over boulders, before getting to the sand. " any kids! Yay! The beach is secluded, peaceful, surrounded by cliff-rock, with beautiful clear waters, where you can often see seals. It's perfect. A perfect walkers/hikers stopover from the coastal path. We love it! (but shhhh, it's a secret!)"
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- Leader Live
Buckley Lower Common vandalised as police up patrols
North Wales Police's South Flintshire team confirmed they were made aware of the vandalism at the Lower Common in Buckley. A "children's den" has been set up, with a fire, camping chairs and what looks to be a tent. The force say they will be conducting patrols to ensure no further damage. A spokesperson said: "Do you know where your children are when they go out to play? MOST READ: "Major milestone" as new store set to open at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham Man found with 35g of spice down his trousers during visit to HMP Berwyn "On Monday 19th May, we were made aware of vandalism having taken place at the Lower Common in Buckley where a children's den has been set up in the woodland of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). "An SSSI is a site of special scientific interest and is a formal conservation designation. Usually describing an area that's of a particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna, flora or any wildlife natural habitat. It's important to protect the geological and physiological features within the area. "We have liaised with Flintshire County Council and ranger David Bryan who will arrange to have the area cleaned up. Patrols will be conducted to ensure no further damage is caused."
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Wales Online
Incredible home sits on lake with private islands you can row to
Water in your garden, and not the type that falls from dark clouds in the sky, can really add an extra layer of interest to the outdoor scene, as well as easily tempting birds and wildlife to visit on a regular basis. Some people have a pond in their back garden, some recommend a water feature to add the sound of running water, while certain lucky people have a house with grounds big enough to accommodate a lake nestled into the foliage somewhere. But this incredible house can beat them all as it sits on the bank of a substantial fishing lake that has history as well as providing a home for birds and wildlife and an exceptional view across the water for the humans lucky enough to call this five-bedroom, detached house their home. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: This is the best kitchen in Wales Imagine stepping out of this dream country home onto a sun drenched deck and looking out over the water with a morning coffee watching the local wildlife or an evening drink under a starry sky, inviting friends over for alfresco meals immersed by nature and accompanied by birdsong - it all sounds idyllic. The private and peaceful lakeside site has a rich history, originally forming part of the estate of the Victorian Pencerrig Gardens Hotel. The Estate lake, believed to have been constructed in the late 18th century, was later sold with additional land to form Gold Y Gors, arguably one of Wales' most unique lakeside homes. Outside within the 12 acres of glorious grounds you can easily be enticed to explore and create wonderful life memories. The five acre lake that includes tiny islands to visit too is teeming with wildlife and offers a chance to regularly enjoy fishing on your own doorstep. A wander through the dappled sunshine in your own enchanting 2.6 acre mature woodland is a magical experience too, and underlines just how special a home Gold Y Gors is, as the woodland can boast both a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and an ancient woodland designation. If you can ever drag yourself away from this pocket of pure tranquillity, immersed in nature and away from the worries of the world - and it would be hard - the property offers direct access to the A483, making it easy to travel north towards the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells about 4.5 miles away. If you head south you'll find Hay-on-Wye, about 15 miles away, Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons National Park, Abergavenny and the M4 at Newport leading to Cardiff and Swansea in one direction and Bristol and London in the other direction. Situated in a wooded valley with views across the Cwmdeuddwr Hills, Gold Y Gors represents a rare opportunity to acquire a stunning lakeside residence overlooking a historic 18th century estate lake. It is on the market with a guide price of £895,000 with Fenn Wright Rural, Water & Leisure, Colchester, call 01206 216555 to find out more. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
STV News
03-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Plea for paddleboarders and kayakers to steer clear of endangered birds
A plea is being made to watersport lovers to help save one of Scotland's most endangered birds. Paddleboarders and kayakers are being asked to steer clear of a popular loch which is also a haven for Slavonian grebes. Their numbers have declined sharply in recent years. Loch Ruthven attracts fishers, swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers. The protected Site of Special Scientific Interest is also a magnet for one of the colourful grebes. In Scotland, the species only breeds within 30 miles of Inverness but numbers at Loch Ruthven have dipped from ten pairs in 2019 to just three pairs last year. Half the UK's breeding population of Slavonian grebe nests on Loch Ruthven and increased human activity has caused concern. Steph Elliott of RSPB Scotland, said: 'One thing that we do know is happening is that there's an increase in recreational activity taking place on Slovenian Grebe lochs and that causes disturbance to the birds. 'It prevents them getting to their nests. It might keep birds from their nests so they can't incubate their eggs properly and, also, they're a bird that's quite vulnerable to disturbance, so they don't like the presence of people. 'What we're asking folks to do is to just not go out onto the water where the birds are really easily disturbed. 'We would rather folks came here to Loch Ruthven to see the grebes than go to other sites that are vulnerable to disturbance because we've got a birdwatching hide here and we can help people see them safely without disturbing them.' The catastrophic decline in grebe numbers has prompted the charity, working in collaboration with Highland Council, to launch a public consultation on restricting public use of the water. Local councillor and Green Party group leader Chris Ballance said: 'The decline of birdlife across Scotland is deeply worrying, particularly the rarer birds like this. 'It's really important that we keep the biodiversity, that we keep as wide a range of species as possible in Scotland, and that means sometimes protecting our natural spaces so that people don't disturb them at key points in the breeding seeason.' The consultation runs until mid May. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
South Wales Argus
29-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Council issues update on bridge over river Usk at Llanfoist
Planning permission for the bridge connecting the town and Llanfoist was approved in October 2018 and work to construct footpaths leading to the proposed bridge started by Monmouthshire County Council in September 2023. But although at the point it was anticipated the crossing would be completed by December 2024 progress has stalled and there is, as yet, no crossing in place, prompting Conservative councillor for Llanfoist and Govilon, Tomos Davies, to ask for an update. Councillor Sara Burch, the council's Labour cabinet member for rural affairs and tourism, told him at the council's April meeting: 'It's been subject to regulatory delays and to technical issues and delivering that new route across the fast-flowing river, through an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), a historic landscape was never going to be easy. 'I'm hopeful that all of those issues have been resolved and that we are ready to proceed with the project subject to receiving final confirmation of the second tranch of funding from Welsh Government. 'So, I am afraid my response has to be watch this space. We are expecting an imminent announcement from the cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales Ken Skates and as a number of us in this room have had the opportunity to bend his ear I hope we will have an announcement soon.' A spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council said: 'We are set to provide a positive update on the scheme in the near future and remain committed to delivering this scheme.' At the council meeting Cllr Davies had also asked for an update on the council's 'active travel' programme of walking and cycling schemes and Cllr Burch said it has had annual funding it has put to routes across Severnside and an active travel bridge across the Wye in Monmouth. She described the Llanfoist bridge, which will link the area to Castle Meadows as 'perhaps the most ambitious'. The council, she said, has also delivered additional phases of the Williamsfield Lane Links project in Monmouth and phase one of the Caldicott links project converting the disused railway line to a pedestrian and cycling path. Smaller scale projects have included putting in dropped kerbs and crossings.
