Fenn's Moss 15

adopted March 2007 Landscape Character Area 15

Fenn’s Moss 15

This is one of a series of Local Planning Guidance Notes based on Uninhabited extensive flat lowland moss surrounded and enclosed by a Wrexham LANDMAP (adopted mosaic of small fields and conifer plantations November 2004), setting out recommendations for each Map of Fenn’s Moss Landscape Character Area Landscape Character area. map not to scale

Fenn’s Moss summary

O Uninhabited flat lowland moss extending into England

O Small fields and conifer plantations on fringes Key characteristics controlled by ditches and sluices, with drainage to the River Severn O Outstanding importance for (this is the only area in Wrexham nature conservation Visual character: which doesn't drain to the River Dee) O Open landscape of outstanding O Potential for archaeological value - sense of 'wilderness' and discovery wide horizons unusual for a lowland Ecological character: area O Fenn's Moss is designated as a Natural Nature Reserve/Site of O The moss is separated from Special Scientific Interest, and is surrounding lowlands by managed by the Countryside contrasting small scale area of Council for Wales jointly with reclaimed pasture, conifer English Nature plantations (currently being reduced in extent) and natural regeneration O Habitats include dry lowland heath, of birch and Scots pine lowland acid grassland and wet woodland of outstanding importance, together with lowland Geological character: pasture and lowland acid grassland of high value, and areas of purple O Large peat deposit of Fenn's and moor-grass Whixall Moss, with glacial till on margins O Canal and pond are aquatic habitats of high value O Where cultivated on margins, the soil is deep and peaty with earthy O Habitats on the margins of the moss topsoil with a slight risk of wind include spruce/pine plantation, erosion mixed conifer/broadleaved plantation woodland and dense scrub O Groundwater over Fenn's Moss is

Wrexham Landscape Character Area Guidance Landscape Character Area 15

Overall management strategy: Conservation Management guidance Aims Guidelines Preserve existing O Avoid any built or visually intrusive development on moss or landscape within its setting O Retain small scale diversity of surrounding wooded and farmed areas Historical and Cultural Preserve geodiversity O Maintain morphological integrity of landform and assess character: new exposures

O Of outstanding value for potential O Maintain geomorphological integrity of peat deposits preservation of archaeological Enhance and restore remains in peat, former peat diggings, O Refer to Lowland Bog Habitat Action Plan within the lowland bog pools and ditches, former peat Wrexham Biodiversity Action Plan extraction and processing factory O Refer to Canal Habitat Action Plan within Wrexham Biodiversity Action Plan O Unique way of life and memories of wartime uses by the military, and of O Maintain and enhance habitats (purple moor-grass, wet peat digging, are now fading woodland, dry lowland heath, lowland acid grassland)

O Small scale farming and plant O Maintain high water table for wetland sites nurseries on reclaimed moss land O Reduce coniferous woodland on moss O Small industrial area at Fenn's Bank Preserve O Preserve peat deposits, end further peat cutting (Mereside Industrial Park) with archaeological features adjacent lagoons used for fishing O Preserve current water saturation, preserve surviving evidence of enclosure, drainage, peat cutting and O Shropshire Union Canal and disused processing, including repair and maintenance of factory and Ellesmere and Whitchurch railway line machinery are recreational routes across Moss O Conserve structures associated with the use of the mosses by the military

Landscape sensitivity: O Maintain line and structures of disused railway, discourage The Moss is sensitive to the colonisation by scrub introduction of any features which O Preserve Shropshire Union canal and associated structures might detract from its special qualities (British Waterways). of remoteness, openness, naturalness and wildness Continue existing O Continue present joint Countryside Council for management Wales/English Nature management as National Nature Reserve, including interpretation, education and recreational access

For further information contact: Planning Environment Planning Department Wrexham County Borough Council All our information is available in Lambpit Street, Wrexham. LL11 1AR accessible formats Tel:01978 292019 www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning