Coastal Cliffs
The geology of Pembrokeshire is complex creating a mosaic of cliff types around the county and a scenic value which greatly contributed to its designation as a National Park.
Coast at Moylegrove
To the west there is much greater variation with extensive areas of Old Red Sandstone and, the oldest rocks of all, from the Cambrian period (545 to 495 million years ago) to the south of the St David’s headland.
This richness means that there is also a coastal flora and fauna of equal diversity and at the right time of the year you can find examples of Pyramidal and Early Purple Orchids, carpets of Spring Squill and Sea Campion and clumps of pink Thrift. On the bare rock and shale, English Stonecrop and Sheep’s-bit also adds colour. The southern and northern coastline is also special for its coastal heath where maritime grassland gives way to heather and then gorse mixed with an abundance of flowers.
Sheep's Bit
Where there are flowers there are also butterflies and coastal Pembrokeshire is a haven for Grayling, Small Blue, Orange Tip, Meadow Brown and Dark Green Fritillaries, and taking advantage of these and other insects as a food source are Stonechats which breed commonly all around the coast. Other typical coastal birds include Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit, Linnets and Rock Pipits.
The coastal cliffs are covered in maritime lichens and the black tar lichen layer just above the high tide waterline gives way to the bright yellow Caloplaca and then the cliff top dense tufted grey Ramalina lichens along with many other species. All are testament to the purity of the air in the county.
Cliffs at Cemaes
The most northerly part of Pembrokeshire has fantastic cliff scenery with an abundance of wildlife. Peregrines, Kestrels, and Ravens soar on the up draughts and the coastal grasslands at the top of the cliff are full of wild flowers.
