Wales

Oceans

The ocean is the body of salt water that covers approximately 70.8% of Earth. The term ocean also refers to any of the large bodies of water into which the world ocean is conventionally divided. The following names describe five different areas of the Oceans -  Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Antarctic/Southern, and Arctic. These oceans are interconnected through ocean currents, which help distribute heat around the planet and regulate the climate. Oceans also play a critical role in the water cycle, global food security, and the Earth's overall health. They are home to an immense variety of marine life, some of which are yet to be discovered. Ocean wildlife is incredibly diverse and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. The ocean is home to a vast array of animals, from microscopic plankton to the largest animals on Earth, such as blue whales.

Wales Seaside Towns

Wales is home to some stunning seaside towns, each offering its own charm, natural beauty, and rich history. Seaside towns in Wales are diverse, ranging from charming Victorian resorts to rugged fishing villages and family-friendly beach destinations. Seaside towns in Wales typically have a mix of traditional, tourist-oriented, and local community shops. The character of the shops often reflects the town’s history, size, and tourist appeal. Seaside towns in Wales not only offer scenic beauty but also often serve as havens for those looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences. Most of Wales's seaside towns offer an extensive choice of shops along the sea fronts and high streets being ideal for the sandcastle bucket, spade, suncream, sun glasses, hats, Lilo, gifts and souvenirs, not forgetting the old traditional fish and chip shops which goes hand in hand with any seaside town / beach location, also the variety of many fast foods, take away, restaurants and ice cream parlours.

Wales Beaches

Wales is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful beaches in the UK, ranging from golden sandy stretches and surf-friendly coves to remote, rugged bays framed by cliffs and hills. With over 1,680 miles of coastline, there’s a beach for every type of visitor. Some beaches in Wales may vary and be a sandy or shingle beach as well as some rocky areas. - Also most being suitable for all types of activities on the beach like sunbathing, sandcastle building, volleyball, water sports swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing and other numerous activities, not forgetting the day and evening entertainment places. The local seaside towns and beachfronts also have various restaurants, takeaways, gift shops and many retail shops and outlets all of which help fulfil a perfect visit for the day, week or even longer, during them longer trips there are a host of many bed and breakfast, hotels or nearby holiday resorts and camping sites.

Wales Harbours / Marinas

Wales harbours and marinas are essential infrastructures that serve as docking points for boats, yachts, and ships. While both are designed to provide safe refuge for vessels, they have distinct characteristics and purposes, some harbours and mariners are tidal and this has to be considered for those who are boating gaining access in and out of the harbours and mariners, Some of Wales's harbours and mariners were used still are for bringing in the daily catch of fish and shellfish from trawlers, netting / shellfish boats. Some of the fish caught are sold from local fish stalls, fish mongers and supplied to the local chip shops as well as taken to the trade fish markets. For some years now harbours and mariners have become more of a sociable place and changing with the times providing retail shops, outlets, markets as well as food and entertainment around the key sides and surrounding close areas also some housing developments all with stunning views over the Wales's harbour or mariners.

Wales Piers / Walls

Wales has many different sea piers and walls which are structures that extend from the land into the water some extending a long way off shore all depending on depth of water, they originally built to provide access to boats or ships, or for recreational purposes. They can be found along coastlines and in harbours, and have served several functions along with their changes over the years. They provided a safety wall against the sea and changing weather conditions as well as a stable platform for vessels to load and unload passengers’ cargo. With changes over time they were adapted more for recreation, the piers often feature cafes, shops, and entertainment plus activities like  boating, fishing, photography, sightseeing, walking some also had their own light houses at the end of the pier providing navigation safety for all water craft incoming and out of harbours, mariners and docks. Some piers and walls balanced in nicely with a mixture or key sides, beach and local seaside town making the perfect picturesque seaside location within Wales various locations.

Wales Lakes / Ponds

Wales is home to many beautiful lakes and ponds, shaped by its mountainous terrain, glacial history, and abundant rainfall. There are many types of natural and man-made lakes all over Wales, most of which are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Public lakes can be found in rural areas like forestry, woodlands, parks and some in towns and cities, you will find some lakes in places of interest in Wales like castles, palaces and stately homes also others of which are accessible in public places. Some maybe restricted for opening times for security and safety reasons. Many lakes are open to the public for activities such as bird watching, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, sightseeing, swimming, walking and wildlife. Other amenities like restaurants, cafes and picnic areas and toilet facilities.

Wales Reservoirs

Water reservoirs in Wales play a vital role in supplying clean drinking water, generating hydroelectric power, supporting wildlife, and offering scenic outdoor activities such as bird watching, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, sightseeing, walking and wildlife. Other amenities like restaurants, cafes and picnic areas and toilet facilities. A reservoir is a natural or artificial body of water used for storing water. Reservoirs are commonly created by constructing dams across rivers or other bodies of water, which allows the collection of water for various purposes. Natural Reservoirs these occur naturally in valleys or low-lying areas where water can collect, such as lakes and ponds. Natural reservoirs are often formed by geological processes like tectonic activity or glaciation. Artificial Reservoirs these are created by humans, typically by damming rivers or streams. Wales water reservoirs supply water to major Welsh cities, towns, villages and parts of England. Also providing flood control management for river water levels, as well as creating hydroelectric power like the Elan Valley system, include power generation.

Wales Rivers

Wales is home to a diverse and beautiful network of rivers, many of which have played important roles in its geography, history, culture, and ecology. Rivers are natural watercourses, typically large, flowing bodies of water that move across the landscape. They play a crucial role in shaping the environment, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, and supporting ecosystems. Rivers are dynamic systems that evolve over time through processes such as erosion, sediment deposition, and changes in water flow. Many of these rivers will join up with canals, streams, dykes also connecting with water reservoirs. Also creating some borders between counties, cities and towns.They are essential to both human civilization and the natural world. Many public rivers in Wales are ideal places for activities such as bird watching, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, sightseeing, walking and wildlife. Also providing a haven for the local and migratory wildlife species.

Wales Canals

Trade and Transportation - Wales canals and rivers were once the primary means of transporting goods across the world. Even today, parts of these waterways are used for freight and transport. Recreation - Nowadays, many rivers and canals are used for recreational biking, boating, fishing, photography, walking and wildlife. Environmental - Waterways provide essential green spaces, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the ecosystem. Rivers and canals collectively contribute to waterways identity, offering both a historical link to its industrial past and modern opportunities for leisure and environmental sustainability. Canal boats are specialized types of boats or barges that are designed to travel along canals waterways primarily used for transportation, trade, now more so recreational purposes. These boats are typically long, narrow, and have a flat bottom to allow them to navigate shallow, often low-water channels with ease. Years ago, heavy build horses would tow the canal boats using a tow path, nowadays they are propelled along by inboard engines. Many Welsh canals are being restored for heritage, biodiversity, and tourism. Organizations like the Canal & River Trust, Montgomery Canal Partnership, and local societies are active in conservation.