Article from Brecon Beacons National Park
Last Updated: 21 June 2007 15:48
Rock habitats and Geodiversity
The rocks beneath our feet have ultimately determined what grows on the soil surface above. In places, the action of ice has carved the through the land and exposed bare rock. Rainwater has slowly dissolved rock to form caves and cut gorges through the surface. These processes not only expose rock formations for us to see but have created some unique environments in which specialist widlife can live.
The action of glaciers 10 000 years ago have left many areas of exposed rock within the National Park. While at first they may seem inhospitable to wildlife, a closer look will find that some wildlife can survive here.
Mosses and lichen can grow on bare rock and are helped by the high rainfall and moisture available in the uplands. Where the rocks are cracked, thin soils can develop from dust blown in or left behind by rain. This tiny amount of soil can be enough for plants to grow, while the cracks and holes themselves will be homes for insects.
The rich earth heritage of the National Park has led to the designation of the Fforest Fawr Geopark.
Use the navigation bar on the left to explore rock habitats.