Snowdonia National Park
Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri as the Park is known
in Welsh, covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and
unspoilt countryside in north west Wales. It includes Snowdon
which, at 1085 metres is the highest mountain in England and Wales
.
People
The Park is home to nearly 26,000 people, many of whom work
on the land. It also attracts hundreds of thousands of
visitors here every year. Climbing, walking, cycling and
watersports are some of the most popular activities.
Welsh is the main spoken language for most people within the Park
and is an essential part of its lively culture.
Landscape
Snowdonia National Park has the highest mountain ranges in
England and Wales, with four peaks over 1000 metres and 14 over 900
metres. The rugged terrain includes lakes and fast-flowing rivers
and wide ranges of heath. Man, too, has left his mark with castles,
abandoned quarries and mineworkings. Ruined cottages and shelters
remind us of the old agricultural patterns on the
mountainsides.
Wildlife
With its varied landscape and wide range of habitats, high
mountains, wooded valleys, rivers, lakes and coastline, Snowdonia
supports communities of plants and animals which are of
international and national importance. Amongst the arctic alpine
plants found in the high peaks, the Snowdon Lily is unique to the
mountain. So too is the Snowdon or Rainbow Beetle. Recently,
ospreys have started nesting on the western fringe of the
Park.
Protected sites
Approximately 20% of the Snowdonia National Park is specially
designated by UK and European law, SACs (Special Areas of
Conservation) and Ramsar Sites. There are 17 National Nature
Reserves in Snowdonia; more than in any other National Park in
England and Wales; and 56 Sites of Special Scientific
Interest.
Visiting the Park
There are special bus services for visitors to the Park,
following a circular route around Snowdon. A new visitor centre is
being built on the summit of Snowdon itself.