Clawdd Beneath Clouds

Looking out towards Ynys Enlli [or Bardsey Island] and Aberdaron across the bay from where we stay down here. As usual, the sun greets our arrival, belying the keenness of the wind, which is still exhibiting a Northerly sharpness. The earthen bank to the right centre of the picture is a type of field field boundary common here, although the facing stones that prevent erosion have in this case been subsumed over time into the grass of the fields it separates. Boundaries such as these - along with other types of such structures are called cloddiau; each clawdd consisting of an earthen bank faced with sloping retainers built of field stone. The earth between is rammed compact for strength, apart from the top fifth or so, which is left loose enough to encourage growth of grass and plants. The style above is most common here in the North West of Wales, particularly here in Pen Llŷn and on Ynys Môn [or Anglesey]; although the style can be found in many parts of the UK. BTW, the 'stone wall' running horizontally across the picture is of more modern construction, utilising cement. As to which will still be here in a hundred more years, my money's on the clawdd.