Anglesey

Anglesey (Welsh: Ynys Môn, pronounced {{IPA|/?ɐnɪs'mo:n/}} (IPA), unniss mawn), is an island and county at the north western extremity of North Wales. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water known as the Menai Strait. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges, the original Menai Suspension Bridge (carrying the A5), built by Thomas Telford in 1826 as a road link, and the newer, twice reconstructed Britannia Bridge, carrying the A55 and the North Wales Coast Railway line.

Ecology and Conservation

Much of Anglesey is covered with relatively intensive cattle and sheep farming aided by modern agro-chemicals. In these areas there is little of conservation worth. However there are a number of important wet-land sites which have protected status. In addition the several lakes all have significant ecological interest including their support for a wide range of aquatic and semi-aquatic bird species. In the west, the Malltraeth marshes are believed to be supporting an occasional visiting Bittern and the nearby estuary of the Afon Cefni supports a bird population made internationally famous by the paintings of Charles Tunnicliffe.

Related Topics:
Malltraeth - Bittern - Afon Cefni - Charles Tunnicliffe

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The sheer cliff faces at South Stack near Holyhead provide nesting sites for huge numbers of auks including Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots together with Choughs and Peregrine falcons.

Related Topics:
Auks - Puffin - Razorbill - Guillemot - Chough - Peregrine

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Three sites on Anglesey are important for breeding terns - see Anglesey tern colonies.

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