Welsh Journals

complex structure of Cambrian sedimentary rocks bounded on the east and south-east by volcanic rocks mainly of Ordovician age. There are many intrusions related to the major volcanic episodes. The area contains mineral deposits of various kinds, including the veins of the Dolgellau gold-belt, and relics of the old mining industries are common. In this work the stratigraphy and palaeontology of the sedimentary succession and the history of volcanism are described. In addition the petrology and geochemistry of the intrusive rocks are treated in some detail. New interpretations on metallogenesis are described and discussed, and a full account is given of the geophysical work that has been carried out over the Harlech Dome. Offshore and under the coastal sand- dunes of Morfa Dyffryn lies a thick sequence of Triassic, early Jurassic and Oligocene sediments below Pleistocene and Recent deposits. They were proved by deep drilling which added a new dimension to the geology of the region. The Brecon Beacons. (The area of Sheet 106 of the Ordance Survey 1:50 000 map series). Field Location Guides No. 4. Michael Francis and Nigel Lowson. The Geographical Association, Sheffield, 1984. [vi] + 33pp. The Brecon Beacons Guide is compiled by two teachers at Christ College, Brecon and is based on the idea behind the series -that teachers at all levels will welcome information about possible locations for fieldwork. Sections of the booklet include: The Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre; Limestone at Penwyllt; the Usk Reservoir; Brecon Forest; and the Caerfanell Valley. News (from all quarters) Among the many events, happenings and developments of 1986, the following deserve special mention:- National Nature Reserves The Nature Conservancy Council announces the designation of Bardsey Island as a National Nature Reserve in March 1986 and Coed Ty Canol, near Newport, Preseli and Rhos Llawr Cwrt, Ceredigion in September 1986. This brings the total number of NNRs in Britain to 221 and in Wales to 39 (covering 29,500 acres). The brief descriptions of the sites in the respective Press Releases are as follows:- Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli). An offshore island lying two miles off the south-west tip of the Lleyn Peninsula, the reserve is owned and managed by the Bardsey Island Trust Ltd., who purchased the island in 1979 after a successful public appeal for funds. Bardsey, which covers some 444 acres (179.38 hectares), is 1.4 miles long by up to 0.6 miles wide. It consists of a larger northern section, which includes the 'mountain', Mynydd Enlli (548 ft) and a sloping plain joined by an isthmus less than 100 yards wide to the low domed ridge of the southern extremity, which rises to 50 ft above sea level. There is some shingle and sand, but the coast is generally rocky and cliffs form the eastern seaward face of Mynydd Enlli. Exposure to salt-laden winds, shortage of fresh water and often intensive grazing by rabbits, as well as the farming activities of the islanders has produced a mosaic of mainly herbaceous vegetation with gorse and heather and some maritime heath. The low-lying pastures and meadows are farmed to this day with rough grazing on the mountain. There are almost no trees. The island's flora and fauna is very diverse for its size and, as studies by Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory have shown, is located in the Irish sea-board migration route, so that many thousands of birds pass through on spring and autumn passage. The island supports important nesting populations of chough and manx shearwater. Coed Ty Canol. The reserve comprises sessile oak and mixed broadleaved woodland, boulder heath and rock outcrops and is of outstanding national importance because of the associated lichens. The reserve is also important for the variety of invertebrates, particularly butterflies, moths and snails as well as supporting breeding populations of dormice and polecats. Rhos Llawr Cwrt. The reserve is an important area of unimproved sedge-rich grassland, and includes excellent examples of pingo-1 0,000-year-old permafrost mounds which melted and partially collapsed at the end of the Ice Age. The area is also of national significance because of its flora and related insects. Further information is available from the Regional Offices of NCC: the North Wales Region, at Plas Penrhos, Bangor and the Dyfed/Powys Region at Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth. Marine Nature Reserves The Department of the Environment announces on 21 November 1986, that the seas and shores around the 10-mile Lundy coastline (managed since 1973 as a voluntary marine reserve) are to form the first Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The event marks the culmination of detailed consultation by NCC with over 130 national and local organisations and individuals that have an interest in the area. The fiercest opposition to the concept of designating MNRs has come from inshore fishermen who until recently rejected any restrictions. In 1984 the first attempt to create a marine reserve, the Isles of Scilly, was thwarted by the local fishermen. At Lundy, however, the Devon Fisheries Committee agreed to introduce byelaws in water around the island prohibiting potting, dredging or fishing over one area containing rare sea fauna. In a wider zone, trawling, dredging and spear fishing are outlawed. In all probability the next site to be designated will be the second voluntary marine reserve-at Skomer. Before submitting to the respective Secretary of State a request to make part of the sea a Marine Nature Reserve, the NCC is required to consult widely with those having an interest in the area. In July 1986, therefore, NCC issues a Consultation Paper which describes the reasons for recommending the establishment of a Marine Nature Reserve around Skomer and the Marloes Peninsula and its proposals for subsequent management. The description of the proposed MNR, as given in the Report, is as follows:- Location and general information. The proposed Skomer Marine Nature Reserve includes 27km of shore and 1,500 hectares of the seabed surrounding Skomer Island, Middleholm, Gateholm and the Marloes Peninsula, in the county of Dyfed, South- west Wales. Within this small area is to be found a wide range of environmental conditions, giving rise to a great diversity of marine habitats and species. The marine biological importance of the area was