Landscape Character Area 6 Minera, Gwynfryn, Bwlchgwyn

adopted March 2007/updated June 2009 Landscape Character Area 6

Minera - Gwynfryn - Bwlchgwyn 6

This is one of a series of Local Planning Guidance Notes based on A history of limestone and sandstone quarrying, lead mining and farming link the Wrexham LANDMAP (adopted villages at the head of the Clywedog Valley, overlooked by a prominent north-facing limestone scarp. November 2004), setting out recommendations for each Landscape Character area. Landscape context Although small in extent, this is the only significant area of limestone in Wrexham, and contains habitats not found elsewhere in the county borough, as well as distinctive scenery and settlement patterns. The character area also includes the head of the Clywedog Valley where, historically, land use and settlement has been influenced by exploitation of limestone and associated minerals, particularly lead.

Map of Minera - Gwynfryn - Bwlchgwyn Landscape Character Area

% map not to scale Minera, Gwynfryn & Bwlchgwyn summary:

G Landscape strongly influenced by geology

G Legacy of lead mining and Minera Quarry quarrying

G Prominent north facing Minera Country Park limestone scarp

G G Highest villages in Wrexham

G Area of landscape contrasts

G archeological and recreational potential Character Area boundaries should be considered transitional rather than precise. G Outstanding wildlife value © Crown copyright. All rights reserved Licence No.100023429. 2006

Key characteristics G Pylons and overhead lines on NOTE: For clarification purposes, the poles often clutter skyline Country Park is Located at Minera lead mines adjacent to New Brighton. Public Visual character: access elsewhere through this G The limestone scarp, and the adjoining Geological character: character area including Minera Quarry head of the Clywedog valley are of G Varied topography, between 250 and is restricted to public footpaths. different character but visually linked. 350 m above sea level, with stepped Countryside access land lies within the north-facing Carboniferous limestone G Open and exposed on higher ground character area. For details see The with a lack of tree cover and sparse scarp, a continuation of the Eglwyseg Countryside Council for Wales website. Crags in Denbighshire, separated by hedgerows. the Minera Fault from the Millstone Grit G Villages with dispersed settlement (Cefn-y-Fedw sandstone) landscape pattern, stone buildings frequent,built to the east of Cefn sandstone G Much geological interest - mineralogy, G Some old stone walls as field mines, caves and limestone pavement. boundaries, generally in poor repair G Extensive evidence of former lead G Quarries provide strong contrasts mining, limestone and sandstone in terrain and colour in the landscape quarrying, particularly Minera and Bwlchgwyn quarries

W rexham Landscape Character Area Guidance Landscape Character Area 6

Ecological character: Overall management strategy: G Complex area with a variety of Conservation and Enhancement fragmented habitats, including heath, acid and calcareous grassland, caves, Management Guidance bracken, woodland, scrub woodland and bare rock Aims Guidelines Minimise skyline G Take opportunities where possible to remove existing overhead G The only area in Wrexham County clutter and conserve power lines and telegraph poles, resist siting of new ones Borough with lowland calcareous grassland rural character G Resist new telecommunications masts in locations where they and areas of limestone pavement would be prominent on the skyline or within an open landscape G Birch woodland of high value covers G Any new development is to avoid effecting natural skylines the slopes around the entrance to and key views Minera quarry Preserve character G Maintain dispersed settlement pattern and character of of existing settlement vernacular buildings Historical character: G Encourage use of local building materials, particularly Cefn sandstone. Consider small scale working of local quarries G Villages have mainly 19th - 20th century origin, associated with lead to supply local needs mining and subsistence farming. Enhance remaining G Carry out ecological and archeological surveys in advance Resulting in a settlement pattern of areas of mining of work and preserve features of value clustered small villages and scattered dereliction roadside properties Conserve geological G Maintain continuity and integrity of geological exposures, G Many archeological sites, including interest landforms, mines and caves prehistoric caves at Minera the G Protect and manage rare limestone pavement features disused limestone quarry with its lime and associated flora in accordance with RIGS and SSSI kilns Minera lead mine with Hoffman kilns, designation recommendations engine houses, disused railway and G Raise awareness of the geological heritage of the area other industrial archaeology features. Conserve and G Develop links between vulnerable natural habitats to G Military border area - outer banks and extend habitats increase sustainability ditches of Fron Heulog Iron Age Hillfort G Protect bats in urban areas, limestone caves and (Bwlchgwyn quarry) can still be seen archeological features G Natural sites identified within the Green Network Strategy are to be conserved Cultural character: Safeguard industrial G Archaeology should be assessed where development G Agriculture, mainly upland grazing, is archeological heritage takes place over early mining the main land use G Liaise with local history societies, Welsh Mines Preservation G Minera lead mines country park Trust, Clwyd Powys archeological Trust and County includes preserved lead mining features Archaeologist

G The area is linked to Wrexham by Encourage G Incorporate Minera limestone quarry into the Clywedog the Clywedog Trail recreational uses Trail and develop footpath links to moorlands G Develop new uses for old mineral sites, taking land G Area of rich historical and cultural heritage. ownership and safety into consideration G Refer to Local Access Forum and link with adjoining areas G Refer to Green Network Strategy and implement new links

For further information contact: Landscape sensitivity Planning Environment The area is high and exposed, so is sensitive to development of masts and overhead Planning Department power lines, which could be prominent. Pressure for standardised residential infill Wrexham County Borough Council development could change the distinctive character of the settlements. Quarries and Lambpit Street, Wrexham. LL11 1AR geological exposures are sensitive to landfill or other inappropriate development. Tel:01978 292019 www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning

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W rexham Landscape Character Area Guidance