The Diamond

The Ormes

Awesome, overhanging shield of desperate limestone, but also an internationally important site for nesting seabirds, with many protected  and threatened species nesting here. It has several layers of legal protection to protect these species. 

Crag information
Climbing Area: Wales Rock Type: Limestone
Importance: Regional CRoW Land: No
Ownership: Estate No. of Routes: 40
Within National Park: No Year Developed: 1986
Grid Reference: SH814827

Restrictions apply from 1 March - 15 August.

Reason: Nesting Birds

There are approx 150 pairs of nesting kittewakes on the crag. The whole crag is restricted during the nesting period. Arrangements are in place for the crag to be monitored and if the birds fledge the restrictions will be reviewed. This restriction is usually longer than most due to the presence of nesting Kittewakes (which have a later nesting season) as well as colonies of Guillemots and other sea birds.

This is one of the most important refuges for this species in North Wales, with over 150 Kittewakes on the crag, and as species that is in serious decline, it's an internatioanlly important conservation site.  Although tit may appear that last in the nesting season that the the young are flying about,  it's an important stage in their development with the parents "training" the young how to feed. Disturbance to the colony at this stage can lead to greater losses during the winter. 

 

 

Area information

The Great Orme Due to the proximity of the public highway at Upper Pen Trwyn (Great Orme) and the breeding bird colonies, a number of special arrangements have been agreed between the BMC and the local authority to reduce the risk to the public and to conservation. The whole of the Orme is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an European Special Area Of Conservation whcih mean that the natural features are legally protected. - Climbing above the Marine Drive (Upper Pen Trwyn, Great Orme) is only permitted after 6.00pm during all Bank Holiday weekends and summer holidays (15 July to 8 Sept). - Green and red marker posts indicate the open and restricted areas. Also see the Onsight North Wales Limestone guidebook. - The bolt lower-offs at UPT were installed by the BMC so climbers do not need to exit over unstable cliff top. - The Marine Drive is a one-way road, do not drive back down the road towards the gate-house after climbing - this could jepordise access. There have been recent issues with cars blocking the Marine Drive near to Parisellas cave, and climbers are requested to be aware that large vehicles (inc. double decker buses!) do need to be able to get past. -some of the crags that lie below the Marine Drive are also subject to seasonal climbing restrictions due to nesting birds, refer to individual crag entries for more info. West Shore crags - including Craig Heulog. No climbing permitted at any of these crags (above or below the Marine Drive) due to very high conservation interest. The Little Orme The restrictions for public safety at the Great Orme (Upper Pen Trwyn) do not apply to the Little Orme. However, a number of the crags are restricted for nesting seabirds - see individual crag entries for more info.

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Anonymous User
07/07/2020
Have the kitteiwakes fledged off?
Elfyn Jones(staff comment)
08/07/2020
As explained in the RAD entry, climbing restrictions are in place here until August 15th 2020. Kittewakes are among the most late of all the nesting seabirds and are in international decline. This site is one of the most important sites for their conservation in the UK, south of the Scottish border.
Anonymous User
19/07/2021
Is there a 2021 update for these restrictions?
Anonymous User
19/07/2021
Is this restriction in place for the same dates for 2021?