BBC News
UK: Wales
July 16, 2002
The caves could prove when mammoths roamed Wales. Geologists believe
an area of north east Wales could hold the key to when mammoths,
elephants and rhinos used to roam the country. Huge mammals such
as the hippopotamus, rhinoceros, bison and straight-tusked elephants
roamed the Welsh countryside.
The site, called Coedydd ac Ogofau Elwy a Meirchion has examples
of events that took place in the area between 15,000 and 250,000
years ago.
Pontnewydd Cave is the most widely known of the Denbighshire cluster.
A tooth believed to be more than 200,000 years old was discovered
during an archaeological dig there.
The object is believed to be the oldest human remain discovered
in Wales.
Raymond Roberts, spokesman for the CCW said not everything has
changed over the years.
Pistyll Rhaeadr is an area of scientific interest
"Around 125,000 years ago Wales enjoyed similar environmental
conditions to those we have now.
"However, huge mammals such as the hippopotamus, rhinoceros,
bison and straight-tusked elephants roamed the Welsh countryside."
Fossil remains of these animals have been found in a number of
caves throughout north east Wales.
People have been digging the site since the 1800s and the National
Museum of Wales in Cardiff has done a lot of work there.
Archaeological importance
The private landowner has been notified that the area in Denbigh
has been highlighted as important and he has agreed to make sure
the site is protected.
Mr Roberts said the area is of great importance to both archaeological
and geology students of the future.
There are more than 1,000 areas of Special Scientific Interest
in Wales including Pistyll Rhaeadr, a spectacular waterfall near
Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant in mid Wales.
Mr Roberts added: "There is a wealth of sites throughout the
country that shows us exactly how important Wales is in geological
terms."
Top
Privacy Policy
|
