6. Vegetation and Wildlife.
Some of the plants and flowers have become symbols in the UK. For example, the poppy is the symbol of peace, the red rose is the national emblem of England, the thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and the Edinburgh International Festival. The daffodils and the leek are the emblems of Wales, the shamrock is the emblem of Ireland.
The UK was originally a land of vast forests. But in the course of time, much forestland was cleared and almost all the Lowlands outside the industrial areas were put under cultivation. Today only about 6 % of the total land area remains wooded.
Extensive forests remain in eastern and northern Scotland and in western and southeastern England. Oak, elm, ash and beech are the commonest trees in England. Scotland has much pine and birch. The Highlands with thin soil are largely moorland with heather and grasses.
The fauna or animal life of the UK is much like that of northwestern Europe. About 50 land mammals are still found here. Foxes, hedgehogs, hares, rabbits, rats and mice are numerous. Deer live in some forests in the Highlands of Scotland and in England. There are several small lizards, 2 or 3 kinds of snakes, and several kinds of frogs and toads. Otters are common along rivers and streams, and seals live along parts of the coast.
Some 230 kinds of birds live in the UK, another 200 are regular visitors. The most numerous are blackbird, sparrow and starling. Robin Redbreast is the national bird of the UK.
Main cities.
The largest cities of the UK are: London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh. The most important ports are: London , Liverpool, Southampton, Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Questions for the seminar.
What are the main countries of the UK and their capitals?
Why is the UK also called Great Britain, England or the British Isles?
What is the area of the UK?
Which is the highest point in the British Isles?
Which rivers in the UK do you know?
Which river is associated with the name of William Shakespeare?
What is the population of the UK?
Why Scotland is not densely populated?
What are the national emblems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
How can you describe the Union Jack?
How can you describe the climate in the UK?
What can you tell about mineral resources in the UK?
What do you know about flora and fauna in the UK?
What are the main cities and ports, and what are they famous for?
True/ False Statements:
The official name of the country is England.
The Thames is the longest river.
Glasgow is the capital city of Scotland.
Red rose is the national emblem of Wales.
Northern Ireland is not represented on the Union Jack.
The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland.
The English Channel separates it from the mainland in the north.
2 most important islands are the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight.
The Strait of Dover (18 miles wide) divides GB from Holland.
England is separated from Wales by the Cheviot Hills.
The distribution of population is equal in all parts of the UK.
The climate in GB is arctic.
The patron saint of Scotland is St. Andrew.
Home-task:
1.Colour the map of the UK.
2.Be ready for the test and oral answers.