Cardiff Flats

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Glamorgan

Wales

Cardiff Flats

The Oval Basin, Cardiff The original basin was built in 1830 at the entrance to Cardiff&#039;s industrial docks. For many years Cardiff was an important coal exporting port but the trade declined after the First World War; eventually the basin closed and it was filled in in 1960. By the early 1990s the area had become derelict and a regeneration project was begun which included the reconstruction of the oval basin into a public square, retaining the oval shape. The lighting towers stand 9m tall and at the far end is a 21 m high water-sculpture tower which will be familiar to viewers of Dr Who and Torchwood. It was opened to the public in April 2000, just over a year before this view was taken in May 2001. In 2002 the square was renamed Roald Dahl Plass after the popular writer, best known for his children&#039;s books, who was born in Cardiff. — The Oval Basin, Cardiff Credit: Stephen McKay

Cardiff Flats is a unique coastal marsh located in Glamorgan, Wales. Situated along the southern coastline, this area is also known as the Glamorgan Saltings. Covering a vast expanse, the flats offer a picturesque view of the Bristol Channel and are renowned for their diverse ecosystem.

The Cardiff Flats are characterized by their extensive mudflats, saltmarshes, and sandbanks. These habitats are shaped by the tidal movements of the Bristol Channel, which bring nutrient-rich sediments and support a wide range of flora and fauna. The mudflats are particularly important as they provide feeding grounds for numerous bird species, including wading birds like the curlew, redshank, and dunlin.

The saltmarshes of Cardiff Flats are home to a variety of plant species that are adapted to saline conditions. These marshes act as natural buffers, protecting the coastal areas from erosion and flooding. They also provide nesting sites for birds and serve as nurseries for fish and invertebrates.

In addition to its ecological significance, Cardiff Flats also has cultural and recreational value. The area attracts birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers who come to observe the diverse birdlife and capture the stunning landscapes. The flats are also a popular spot for walking and enjoying the coastal scenery.

Efforts have been made to conserve and protect Cardiff Flats, with designated areas recognized as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These conservation measures ensure the preservation of the unique habitats and the species that depend on them.

Overall, Cardiff Flats in Glamorgan is a coastal marshland that offers a rich ecological experience, attracting visitors with its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and recreational opportunities.

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Cardiff Flats Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.462542/-3.1386192 or Grid Reference ST2074. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Oval Basin, Cardiff

The original basin was built in 1830 at the entrance to Cardiff's industrial docks. For many years Cardiff was an important coal exporting port but the trade declined after the First World War; eventually the basin closed and it was filled in in 1960. By the early 1990s the area had become derelict and a regeneration project was begun which included the reconstruction of the oval basin into a public square, retaining the oval shape. The lighting towers stand 9m tall and at the far end is a 21 m high water-sculpture tower which will be familiar to viewers of Dr Who and Torchwood. It was opened to the public in April 2000, just over a year before this view was taken in May 2001. In 2002 the square was renamed Roald Dahl Plass after the popular writer, best known for his children's books, who was born in Cardiff.

Stephen McKay

Wales Coast Path

On the outskirts of Cardiff, but appears to be in the countryside. There is a dirt racing track just near here.

Eirian Evans

Water Treatment Works

Welsh Water produces its own electricity at this site.

Eirian Evans

Water Treatment Works, Tremorfa

Welsh Water produces its own electricity at this site using anaerobic digestion.

Eirian Evans

Splott Beach

Splott beach is sandwiched between the Bristol Channel and the Tremorfa waste water treatment works. The area behind the outfall has been used for burning rubbish

Eirian Evans

Inlet at Splott

Into the Severn Estuary. The Welsh Coast Path turns inland here to avoid the docklands.

Eirian Evans

Pipeline near Celsa Steelworks

Looking at a map, the pipeline seems to run from/to the Steelworks at its northern end but disappears into the ground at the southern end.

Eirian Evans

Ambra in Roath Dock

The ship is loaded with scrap metal for export.

Gareth James

Celsa Steel and Wire Works

That is what I regard as heavy industry.

Mr Ignavy

Scrap metal mountain in the Port of Cardiff

Gareth James

Cars for scrapping at the Port of Cardiff

Gareth James

Platinum Jubilee class 66 at the Celsa steelworks

GBRf have recently acquired their 100th locomotive - class 66 No. 66734, which replaces one of the same number scrapped after a derailment at Loch Treig in 2012 - and it has entered traffic in a purple and grey livery and named Platinum Jubilee. It is seen at the Celsa steelworks in Cardiff upon arrival from Eastleigh Works where it was repainted.

Gareth James