Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
State of the AONB Report 2014 – 2019
In setting an agenda that will ensure the special qualities and features of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are preserved, it is first necessary to make an assessment of their current extent and condition. It is also important that the issues impacting upon them are identified and that factors likely to impact upon them in the future are anticipated.
The State of the AONB Report identifies where possible the extent and condition of each feature and the factors impacting on them. It also seeks to identify an ideal state for these features and begins to establish indicators that will help to define what we are aiming for in pursuing the good health of the AONB. It is an on‐going process that relies on constant data gathering and monitoring and should be able to respond to changing demands on the environment. There is a requirement for up to date information that will lead to informed responses to environmental change.
Tranquillity, Remoteness and Wilderness
Tranquillity, Remoteness Intrusion Light from the major Further intrusion mapping required and settlements, particularly to the Wilderness A variety of factors can have an east and north of the AONB, Extent: impact on the Tranquillity, have a significant impact on Illuminated bollards and signs within Remoteness and Wilderness of dark night skies. Denbighshire – 80 within AONB the AONB. Traffic noise, light Light and noise pollution from Wrexham - unknown pollution, the impact of transport, development and Flintshire - unknown quarrying and utility recreation erodes tranquillity – Street lights installations can all have an A55, A494, A5, A542 1,350 directly adjacent to or within effect on the tranquillity of the Intrusive and degrading AONB in Denbighshire. AONB and peoples enjoyment elements such as power lines / of the landscape. phone lines, transmitters, masts and wind turbines can have a significant impact. Cumulative effects of small scale change can lead to a degradation of landscape character. Permitted development completed within the AONB could also impact the landscape. Accommodating visitor access and destination sites within sensitive locations.
Tranquillity, Remoteness Roads Possible environmental impact Length and class of roads in the and of major road improvement AONB: Wilderness The principle roads and schemes in the AONB. Dualled EuroRoute – 1.6km communication routes in the Potential loss of rural character Trunk Road - 35.0km AONB primarily cross the A Road - 49.2km
Page | 2 Clwydian Range in an east – and features as a result of B Road - 23.6km west direction, and run in an highway maintenance, signage Minor roads - 338.8km east – west direction along the and minor improvement works. Unclassified County Roads - 60.9km Dee Valley and Morwynion Increasing traffic related to Total length of road 509.1km Valley. The most significant people working at a road is the dualled A55 considerable distance from No. of AONB threshold signs – 16 EuroRoute which passes where they live, increasing No. of AONB branded village signs – through the narrowest part of commuter traffic, and use of cars 21 the AONB at Rhuallt. Other for recreational visits. important routes are the A5 and Raising awareness of the AONB A494 Trunk Roads and the A542 through threshold / village Horseshoe Pass, A5104, A5151, signs. A541, A539 and A525. However, the bulk of the network within the AONB is made up of smaller roads and lanes, many of which add to the character of the area.
Tranquillity, Remoteness Minerals Restoration and aftercare of Within AONB and quarries, including these which No. of active quarries – 2 Wilderness The limestone and slate are outside the AONB but visible Area of active quarries – 41.5 ha geology of the Clwydian Range from it or impact on views into % of total AONB area – 0.11% and Dee Valley has been the area. No. of dormant quarries - unknown exploited for its mineral wealth Dormant sites – need to pursue Area of dormant quarries - unknown for centuries. This has left its Prohibition Notices under s102 % of total AONB area - unknown mark on the landscape; many of T&CP Act 1990. No. of confirmed Prohibition Orders abandoned or worked out - unknown mineral sites have been assimilated into the landscape Within 3km of AONB over time but others still scar No. of active quarries - 8 the area. There are two active Area of active quarries – 203.38 ha slate quarries in the AONB, No. of dormant quarries - unknown other sites are dormant but Area of dormant quarries - unknown
Page | 3 have old planning permissions. No of confirmed Prohibition Orders – Given the scale of mineral unknown operations and their potential impact on a wide area, including important views out of the AONB, there is a need to have regard to both active and dormant quarries outside the designated area.
Tranquillity, Remoteness Utilities and Energy Overhead cables and wires can Extent: and degrade the local landscape Length of National Grid high-voltage Wilderness Overhead power transmission character. overhead cable (400kv) – 17.46km lines and communications masts Reluctance to share masts leads Length of 132kv overhead power are the most prominent utility to duplication and an increase lines – 1.38km infrastructure within the AONB. impact on the local landscape. Length of 33kv overhead power lines The largest power lines cross Mobile phone coverage – 44.76km (87.85 the AONB at its narrowest point ‘blackspots’ lead to pressure for Length of 33kv undergrounded near Rhuallt and travel through additional communication masts. power lines – 6.19km (12.15%) the AONB down the Morwynion Cumulative impact of large scale Valley. Given the topography of wind farm development in the Communication masts: the AONB it is an attractive setting of the AONB degrades Moel y Parc (TV) location for communications landscape character and sense Moel y Gelli (Emergency Services) infrastructure. The most of tranquillity. Gwaenysgor prominent installations are the The need to moving towards Bryn Alyn masts at Moel y Parc and Cyrn y zero carbon development Cyrn y Brain Brain, but there are also without harming the AONB. Moel Gelli prominent masts at Craig-y-dduallt Gwaenysgor, Moel Gelli, Craig- y-dduallt, Coed Mawr and Coed Mawr Barber’s Hill. Barber’s Hill
A relatively new feature of Wind turbines: 1 46m high wind turbine consented
Page | 4 regional energy infrastructure within the AONB is the development of major on- 50m+ high wind turbines within 15km shore and off-shore wind farms. – 122
Tranquillity, Remoteness Land Management Practices Impact of European and Welsh 6,441.35 ha of the AONB is Common and Government agricultural and Land (16.55% of total AONB area) Wilderness Land Management Practices are forestry policies can have a 7,786.98ha (20% of total AONB area) continually changing, adapting significant impact on landscape of land in the AONB in Glastir Agri- to government policy, climate character and views environment scheme in 2013. change and agricultural It is important that habitat o 5,232.24ha (67%) Entry Level improvements. These changes improvements and creation o 793.75ha (10%) Glastir in management have the ability becomes a part of viable land Advanced to impact on the landscape of management systems and o 1,760.99ha (23%) Glastir the AONB. businesses. Commons Modern agricultural practices and equipment leads to larger Protection: fields with fewer internal 8,028.37 ha of AONB designated as boundaries and wider gateways, SAC (20.62% of AONB land area) which can degrade the local 9,097.34 ha of AONB designated as landscape character. SSSI (23.36% of AONB land area) Geometrical forestry planting 2,555.05 ha of AONB designated as and harvesting, and heather SPA (6.56% of AONB land area) cutting patterns can add 21.33 ha of AONB designated as LNR intrusive lines into the (0.05% of AONB land area) landscape. 3,451.92 ha of AONB designated as Lack of buffer strips along Wildlife Sites (8.87% of AONB land watercourses. area)
Tranquillity, Remoteness Climate Change Adaption and mitigation 9,428 ha (24.2% of AONB area) is and measures may impact upon the heather moorland. Wilderness The AONB has evolved over AONB and its setting. Total area of AONB covered by time, shaped by geological Reduction in air and water woodland 5,165.24 ha (13.27% of
Page | 5 forces, climate and human quality impacting on the health AONB area). activity, and this evolution is on- of the population and ecosystem. going. Climate change is Seasonal reduction / increase in expected to have a major water flow. influence in the coming Pressure for inappropriate flood decades, and we need to defences with dredging and manage this process, taking development degrading the action to adapt to the impacts local landscape character. and make the best of the Long dry spells of weather could opportunities. lead to increased fire risk, particularly on heathlands. Although the global climate has been relatively stable for thousands of years, recent extreme weather events and longer terms trends suggest it is now changing due to human activity. Climate change is expected to continue, causing hotter, drier summers, warmer wetter winters, more extreme weather and sea level rise in Wales and the rest of Britain.
Global climate change is projected to continue, causing hotter drier summers, warmer, wetter winters, more extreme weather, droughts, heat waves, heavier rainfall, and accelerating sea-level rise in Wales and the rest of Britain over coming decades.
Page | 6 Resource / Description Issues State Special Feature Cultural Heritage and Bro/Welsh Language Community involvement and Percentage of population speaking, Bro participation in local events and reading and writing Welsh in the ‘Bro’ is a Welsh word which traditions. AONB (2011): describes a sense of Inward migration is changing North – 26.7% belonging and community the makeup of communities West – 37.2% cohesion within an area. It is Need to raise community East – 24.2% an intangible concept which is awareness of the AONB and the South – 29.1% difficult to define, but is benefits it brings, especially in No. of active community groups – nonetheless a valid the south. Unknown component of sustainable Need to raise local business No. of community shows – 6 Welsh communities. The awareness of the AONB and the No. of community publications – Welsh language is part of the benefits it brings. Unknown traditional character and Sustaining the Welsh language Cylch Meithryn / Ty a fi clubs – 7 cultural make-up of the AONB. Lack / loss of facilities to Welsh medium primary schools in The use of Welsh is greater celebrate cultural associations. the AONB – 2 than the Wales average Visitor pressure degrading (21.3%) and remains a landscape character at key significant feature of the area. locations. The greatest proportion of Loss of significant views Welsh language users live in depicted in art or prose due to the western and south western vegetation encroachment, or parts of the AONB. insensitive development.
Picturesque and romantic movement
The story of the picturesque movement in the AONB goes back to the late 18th century, particularly in the Dee Valley
Page | 7 around Llangollen, painted by Turner and Wilson amongst others. Richard Wilson also has close links to the Loggerheads area.
The ladies of Llangollen established the Dee Valley as a centre for picturesque appreciation from their home at Plas Newydd.
Poets and authors such as Wordsworth, Gerald Manley Hopkins and Mendelssohn have also taken inspiration from the AONBs landscape.
Eisteddfodau
Building on these artistic traditions, Llangollen is known throughout the world for the International Eisteddfod, held annually in the town since 1947. Corwen was the location of the first public national eisteddfod in 1919.
Page | 8 Natural Environment
RESOURCE/ DESCRIPTION ISSUES STATE SPECIAL FEATURE
Natural Environment Natural Benefits and Services There is a need for natural systems and networks that The landscape of the AONB is are fit for purpose, with important for the resources it offers more and better places for which benefit everyone, such as nature for the benefit of water, food and locations for quiet wildlife and people. enjoyment. There is a need to identify all the benefits and services These benefits, known collectively delivered by the natural as Ecosystem Services indicate that system. the landscape of the AONB not only Lack of data and knowledge provides a rich variety of habitats makes it difficult to manage and species, but also contributes within environmental limits. positively towards the production of There is no baseline for food, the control of climate and assigning a value to the recreational provision. services and benefits received from the natural system.
Natural Environment Habitat Resilience Resilience and condition of the natural system is not fully Habitat resilience is a habitats understood. ability to respond to natural or man- Attention given to priority made disturbance through fast habitats at the expense of recovery or by resisting damage. other locally important sites,
Page | 9 such as road verges and other corridors. There is a need for the expansion of and connectivity between wildlife rich habitats. Natural Designations / SAC Environment Need to bring sites into Extent: Special Areas of Conservation favourable conservation There are 22 SSSI’s in the AONB, (SAC) and Special Protection Areas status. covering 9,097.34 ha (23.36% of total (SPA) are legal protections for sites Visitor pressure in key AONB area). of European importance for habitats conservation areas. There are 3 SAC’s covering 8,028.37 and birds, to protect against Designations do not address ha (20.62% of AONB) damaging activities. These all conservation interests. There is 1 SPA covering 2,555 ha designations form part of a larger (6.56% of AONB) European network called Natura There are 162 Wildlife Sites covering 2000. 3,451.92 ha (8.87% AONB) There is 1 LNR covering 21.33 ha Sites of national importance are (0.05% AONB) designated and given protection as There are 73 RIGS sites covering Sites of Special Scientific Interest 676.45 ha (1.74% AONB) (SSSI) Condition: Land designated as a County NRW continue to monitor the condition of Wildlife sites are often the finest SSSIs, SACs and SPAs. All geological SSSIs local examples of habitats, and are are in favourable condition. given material consideration in the planning process.
These and other designations provide a level of protection for important sites against potentially damaging activity.
Page | 10 Natural Environment
RESOURCE/ DESCRIPTION ISSUES STATE SPECIAL FEATURE
Limestone Grassland, Calcareous grasslands typically Under-grazing encouraging Limestone Grassland Ideal state: cliffs and occur on shallow base-rich soils scrub encroachment. Favourable condition will be comprised of screes derived from the underlying Over-grazing resulting in short species-rich mixtures of herbs, limestone rocks. They are loss of species diversity grasses, sedges and mosses on lime-rich characterised by a short species- Enrichment of soils from soil. Balanced management ensures a scrub rich turf containing a variety of fertilisers, herbicide grassland mosaic that supports a wide range grasses and herbs. In the AONB application, ploughing and of wildlife without the scrub spreading to calcareous grassland primarily re-seeding from agricultural replace the grassland. occurs in the north from Prestatyn to purposes. Cwm, centrally along the Alyn Acidification and nitrogen Extent: Valley, including the second largest enrichment caused by Unimproved Calcareous Grassland: limestone pavement in Wales at atmospheric deposition. 292.24 ha (0.75% of AONB area) Bryn Alyn, and in the south around Recreational pressure Semi-improved Calcareous the Eglwyseg rocks where large bringing about floristic Grassland: 39.74 ha (0.1% of AONB areas of scree are also located. changes associated with soil area) compaction. Limestone pavement is an area of Recreational pressure on Limestone Pavement Ideal state: limestone which lies wholly or Limestone geological SSSI Limestone pavements require structural partly exposed on the surface of the features such as Eglwyseg diversity to maximise transitions, shelter ground and has been fissured by scree slopes and Panorama invertebrates and keep a variety of natural erosion. They can be Drive limestone grassland. structural niches open. There should be a wooded or open and both types Invasion by no-native plant mixture of flora characteristic of rocky and exist within the AONB. species. woodland habitats. Wooded pavements Limited knowledge of should have clearings created naturally by There are a number of geologically underground systems. clint and gryke structure or through and archaeologically important woodland management.
Page | 11 caves associated with the Limestone Removal of Limestone rocks areas of the AONB. Caves studied for rockeries. Extent: have been found to be important Quarrying. Limestone Pavement: 1.88ha (13.82% archaeologically for human and of Limestone Pavement in Wales – animal activity. Cave systems at Wales total 13.6 ha) Tremerchion, Llanarmon-yn-Ial and Scree: 22.89 ha Loggerheads are among the more well known. In 2015, there is Indicators: currently a Cadw funded project There are 12 SSSIs in the AONB running to discover more about containing Geological features. Limestone caves in north east There are 73 RIGS sites in the AONB Wales. covering 676.45 ha (1.74% of the AONB). Scree slopes on the Eglwyseg rocks 315.52 ha (88.23%) within SAC, SSSI are an important geological feature, or Wildlife Site. across which the Offa’s Dyke 230.3 ha (64.4%) international and National Trail passes. national designation with commitments to maintain / restore favourable condition (SAC and SSSI).
Limestone Cave systems indicators: No. Caves in the AONB - unknown 4 cave systems protected as SSSI; Alyn Gorge Caves (Alyn Valley Woods & Alyn Gorge Caves SSSI), Coe Gwyn & Ffynnon Beuno Caves, Tremeirchion Caves (both Ffynnon Beuno & Cae Gwyn Caves SSSI) and Minera Caves (Ruabon / Llantysilio Mountains & Minera SSSI).
Limestone Habitats Favourable Management: 1.05 ha (0.29% resource) are within
Page | 12 DCC Countryside Service owned / managed sites. 5.47 ha (1.53% resource) are within NWWT managed sites.
Condition: NRW continue to monitor the condition of SSSIs and SACs. All geological SSSIs are in a favourable condition.
From 2015 to 2018 there is to be significant investment into Limestone features in the AONB through the Limestone Legacy project which has received NRW competitive bid funding.
Heather moorlands Dominated by heather, bilberry Conversion to grassland Ideal state: and rolling and western gorse with ideally a through ploughing, Upland heath in ‘favourable condition’ is ridges diverse range of age communities. reseeding, liming and typically dominated by a range of dwarf It has a distinct range of bird life fertilisation for agricultural shrubs such as heather, bilberry, crowberry, associated with it, including grouse, purposes. bell heather and western gorse. They are stonechat and whinchat. The division of common generally structurally diverse, containing through internal fences and stands of vegetation with heather at different The uplands of the North Berwyn, subsequent loss of hefted stages of growth, including areas of mature Llantysilio, Ruabon and Llandegla flocks. heather. This habitat supports an important mountains in the south of the AONB Under-grazing / assemblage of birds, a diverse invertebrate are predominantly heathland. abandonment. fauna and, in some cases, assemblages of Heather moorland is also found in Localised over-grazing rare and local mosses and liverworts. large blocks along the ridge of the caused by lack of heathland Clwydian Range between management and structure. Extent: Llandegla and Bodfari. Poorly managed burning / 9,428 ha (24.2% of AONB area) wildfires. (includes degraded areas / potential
Page | 13 Inappropriate methods of for restoration / expansion). supplementary feeding. Bracken invasion. Indicators: Heavy recreation pressure 9,317.2 ha (98.9%) has some form of causing erosion, particularly designation conferring a level of illegal off road vehicle use in protection. the south of the AONB. 7,776.6 ha (82.48%) is protected as Lack of appropriate SSSI or SAC. rotational heather management. 2. Favourable management: Afforestation. 683.51 ha (7.25% resource) are Nitrogen enrichment caused within DCC Countryside Service by atmospheric deposition. owned / managed sites.
3. Condition: The majority of the heathland areas in the AONB are currently being managed through cutting and burning of heather, and cutting and bruising of bracken. Bracken extent unknown. Between 2008 and 2012, in the Heather and Hillforts project area, 1,029 ha of bracken were sprayed, and 270.5 ha cut / bruised. Bracken dominated heathland reduced from 788 ha to 303 ha. Between 2008 and 2012, in the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio mountains, mature / degenerate heather reduced from 384 ha to 367 ha
The Heather and Hillforts project Landscape
Page | 14 Partnership Scheme ran from 2008 to 2012, focusing on the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio mountains heathland areas. Significant work was undertaken to reduce the extent of bracken through aerial spraying, as well as work with landowners and graziers to improve the condition of heathland. Heather condition surveys were carried out in 2005 and 2010, showing an improvement in the age structure of heather as well as a reduction in the extent of bracken cover.
Woodland and veteran Many of these woodlands represent Grazing preventing natural Ideal State: trees a link with the landscape as it regeneration. A woodland in ‘favourable condition’ has a appeared following the last ice age Loss due to localised varied structure with at least three age and support a diverse range of flora quarrying. classes spread across the average life and fauna. Ash woodlands are Lack of specific woodland expectancy of the commonest trees, areas of particularly important in the Alyn management and cessation open space – both temporary and Valley where it has been of traditional management. permanent relatively undisturbed mature / designated SAC. In other parts of Fragmentation of ownership. old growth stands, understory and some the AONB oak woods are Invasion by naturalised build-up of fallen and standing dead wood. It significant. species leading to a change should be comprised predominantly of in structure and composition native species and there should not be signs Veteran trees are trees which, (sycamore and beech). of rapid loss of native trees and shrubs. because of their size and age are Loss of species such as red There should also be signs of seedlings considered of exceptional cultural, squirrel. growing through to saplings to young trees landscape and nature conservation Development pressures. at sufficient density to maintain canopy value. Veteran trees are often Effects of air pollution. density. associated with parkland, and are Acidification of base-rich usually found in more lowland Extent: soils through the scavenging areas. There are few in the north of effect of commercial Broadleaved (including mixed) the AONB and are found in greater conifers. woodland: 1809.43 ha (4.65% of
Page | 15 number in the south. Some fine Many semi-natural AONB area) of which 795.8 ha (2.04% examples can be found on the woodlands have declined as of AONB) is Semi Natural Ancient Eglwyseg (Yew / Field Maple), at a result of replanting with Woodland or Replanted Ancient the Horseshoe Falls, at Trevor exotic conifers. Woodland. Church and Chirk Castle. Pests and diseases 1. Indicators: Present / future tree 199.9 ha (11.04%) are within diseases could have a international and national designation significant impact on the (SAC and SSSI). local landscape character. Phytopthora Ramorum – 2. Favourable Management: Bilberry and Larch (is listed 54.79 ha (3.03% resource) are within as an EU controlled Country Parks and DCC Countryside organism). Service managed sites. Chalara fraxinea – Ash 17.72 ha (0.98% resource) are within dieback. NWWT managed sites. Phytophthora Alni – alder. Canopies opened by 3. Condition: disease may be subject to Woodland SSSIs higher rates of wind-throw, NRW continue to monitor the and invasion by condition of all SSSIs and SACs. unrepresentative species becomes more likely.
River Valleys River valleys are not only important Water pollution from Ideal state: for the watercourse itself but also sewage, acidification, urban The morphology of rivers and streams and the bank and associated land or drainage, agricultural run- their associated plant and animal riparian zone. They are dynamic off and mine and industrial assemblages vary according to their systems and provide a wide range damage. geographical area, underlying geology and of ecological niches supporting a Loss of bank-side vegetation water chemistry. However, all rivers in their diverse flora and fauna. They also through overgrazing and natural state are dynamic systmes, form important wildlife corridors, poaching. This can also lead continually modifying their form. A healthy enabling dispersion and migration to erosion of river margins river will have good water quality, free from
Page | 16 of species. and siltation of the river outside pollution, and marginal and bank- channel with losses of fish side vegetation that supports an array of There are three significant river spawning gravels and wild flowers and animals and provides valleys in the AONB. The River Dee habitat diversity. corridor links between fragmented habitats. from Corwen to Newbridge, the Modification of the shape Rivers which display a mosaic of features River Alyn from Cilcain to and course. such as riffles and pools and exposed Llanferres and the River Wheeler Potential loss of indicator sediments can support a diverse range of from Bodfari to Melin-y-Wern. species such as otters, water plant and animal species. voles and fresh water pearl mussel. Extent: Invasive non-native species 62.77 km (34.53 km River Dee, 19.55 such as Himalayan balsam, km River Alyn and 8.69 km River Chinese mitten crabs and Wheeler) mink competing with native species. Indicators: Recreational impacts such as The River Dee is designated at SAC walking, angling, boating and SSSI. and canoeing can cause 3.31 km (16.93%) of River Alyn are disturbance to both the within SAC. habitat and resident species. 1.43 km (16.46%) of River Wheeler Inappropriate land drainage passes through wildlife sites. and flood defence works. Climate change may affect 2. Favourable management: the habitat and species 1.06 km (8.16%) of the River Alyn through flooding and falls within Loggerheads Country temperature change. Park. Abstraction and discharge of 1.73 km (5.01%) of the River Dee falls water for hydro-power within Ty Mawr Country Park, and generation. Denbighshire Countryside Sites. Meeting the requirements of the Water Framework 3. Condition: Directive and Catchment Otters are known to be present on all Management Plans. three rivers. Water voles have been recorded on the Llangollen Canal,
Page | 17 and at either end of the Wheeler valley with extensive field ditches giving population potential to expand. There is only one pocket of water vole records in the Alyn valley, though further surveys may reveal more. Invasive species are known to be present on all three river systems, both mink and Himalayan balsam in particular, although Japanese Knotweed is more widespread on the River Dee. The River Dee also has populations of Signal Crayfish. All three rivers have wet woodland and meadow habitats supported by back channels in many places providing good bank-side cover and corridors for wildlife. A number of rights of way cross and run parallel to all three rivers, in particular the Alyn indicating recreation pressure is present. Recreation pressure on the River Dee is significant; it is popular for fishing, canoeing and rafting. A number of businesses use and are dependent on access to the river.
Page | 18 The Historic Environment
RESOURCE/ DESCRIPTION ISSUES STATE SPECIAL FEATURE
Historic Historic Settlement and Environment Archaeology
There are a number of historic Deterioration and lack of Protection: settlements within the AONB. funding for the upkeep of Scheduled Ancient Monuments are Llangollen is the largest with a structures and monuments. nationally important archaeological population of around 3,000. The Erosion of sites following sites or historic buildings, afforded town was granted its charter in 1284 archaeological excavations. protection against unauthorised and straddles the Dee via an arched Lack of awareness of ancient change. bridge built in about 1500. The monuments and sites. There are 95 Scheduled Ancient historic core of the town lies on the Lack of facilities for study Monuments in the AONB, the southern side, focusing on the groups. protection of which are overseen by church and the river crossing. Later Inappropriate land Cadw. Many of these sites provide development occurred largely as a management. evidence of past mining, quarrying result of the woollen industry. Since Lack of archaeological data. and settlements. early times, the town has been an Damage from metal Scheduled Ancient Monuments cover important stopping place, detection. 156.04 ha (0.4% of the AONB). especially for people travelling Off Road Motorcycle and 4x4 There are 17 Conservation Areas in from London to Ireland. Until the damage, particularly on the the AONB, covering 88.85 ha (0.23% early 1800s, roads were notoriously Llantysilio and North Berwyn of the AONB). hazardous but Telford’s new road to mountains. There are 645 Listed Building in the Holyhead (now the A5) had a Historic Parks and Gardens AONB. profound effect on the development are privately owned; Valle Crucis Abbey, Eliseg’s Pillar of early 19th century Llangollen and dependant on landowners to and Llangar church are guardianship North Wales in general, allowing maintain and enhance. sites and managed by Cadw. the London mail coaches to travel Not all open to the public. faster and more safely.
Page | 19 Not statutorily protected; Ideal state: The Cistercian Abbey of Valle need to engage with and Sites are maintained in a favourable Crucis lies near the confluence of support landowners. condition. Cadw are currently the Eglwyseg and the Dee rivers, No arrangements for reappraising their monument north of Llangollen. The monitoring the condition of condition surveys and are fragmentary 9th century cross, the Historic parks and gardens. developing a Monuments at Risk Pillar of Eliseg, is set on a small No Management / methodology, as yet information is circular mound which is a Bronze Enhancement Plans. not available for the AONB but this Age Barrow, just to the north of the will be extremely valuable Abbey. information in the future.
Historic parks and gardens form an State: important and integral part of the Sites are visited by Cadw every 5 or historic and cultural fabric of an 10 years. area. They are listed in the Cadw / SAM condition data is not consistently ICOMOS Register of Parks and available yet, but Cadw are working Gardens of Special Historic Interest towards this. in Wales. The registered sites are Of the 645 Listed Buildings in the Penbedw, Golden Grove, St AONB, 56 are considered to be ‘at Beuno’s, Colomendy, Valle Crucis, risk’. Bryntysilio, Llantysilio Hall, Vivod, Plas Newydd, Trefor Hall, Chirk Castle and Argoed Hall. Although Understanding: not protected in the same way as Recent archaeological work on Listed Buildings they are graded in Elisegs Pilar has been undertaken by a similar way. It is anticipated that Bangor and Chester Universities, this legislation in the new heritage Bill has identified that the pillar sits on a to be announced shortly will give pre-existing Bronze Age burial more weight to this designation mound. Excavations have also taken place at Penycloddiau by Liverpool University, Moel y Gaer Bodfari by Oxford University and at Fron Newydd near Caer Drewyn by
Page | 20 Bangor University.
Extent: There are 12 Historic Parks within the AONB covering 611.67 ha (1.57% of the AONB). The essential settings of 14 Historic Parks are within the AONB covering a total of 1,152.01 ha (2.96% of the AONB). 9 more Historic Parks and Gardens are directly adjacent to the AONB.
Historic Industrial Features and World Environment Heritage Site
When Thomas Telford finished Prevention from decay and Protection: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in 1805, it need for on-going The World Heritage Site is afforded was the tallest canal boat crossing maintenance. protection as such. in the world. On 27 June 2009, Inappropriate methods or Much of the World Heritage site is UNESCO made this masterpiece of materials for repairs through owned by the Canal and Rivers Trust. civil engineering a World Heritage lack of understanding, skills Site, along with 11 miles of canal or materials, or changing Extent: including Chirk Aqueduct and the modern standards. The World Heritage site covers 62.62 Horseshoe Falls at Llantysilio, near Vegetation growth in the ha within the AONB (0.16% of the Llangollen. Pontcysyllte represents World Heritage Site and the AONB). a ‘masterpiece of human creative Buffer Zone affecting views The World Heritage Site Buffer Zone genius’ and is an outstanding in and out. covers 3,129.54 ha within the AONB example of a construction that Maintenance of effective (8.04% of the AONB). ‘illustrated a significant stage in protection of the Site and human history’. Buffer Zone through Status: designations and planning Not currently on UNESCOs list of Construction work on the policies. World Heritage in Danger. 46 sites
Page | 21 Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Management of visitor listed in 2014. Union Canal began in 1795 and was pressure. completed in 1808. The canal gave Need to develop the Industrial Archaeology access to the Ruabon collieries and presentation of the Protection: stimulated the growth of the Outstanding Universal Value Some of the key industrial sites are limekilns and pottery works at – how to get the story across. protected as scheduled. The canal Froncysyllte and Tref-y-nant. Site surveys not followed up. and many associated monuments are Sites being lost to land use scheduled. The Nant y Pandy The Vale of Llangollen Railway was change. tramway and slate works at opened in 1861. For nearly a Some industrial remains are Glyndyfrydwy are scheduled but in century, the railway took over much in poor condition. poor condition. Parts of the Minera of the traffic formerly carried by Much of the industrial lead mines at Meadow shaft are a road and canal. The Llangollen heritage of the Alyn Valley is SAM as is the Hoffman kiln in the Railway Society now operates the outside the public estate. Minera Quarries. line between Llangollen and Lack of awareness of Corwen. archaeological heritage, the Condition: relationship of quarries, The Glyndyfrydwy slate works World Heritage Status means that inclines and associated buildings and parts of the tramway the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and works which together have are in a poor condition. Canal has been inscribed on the cultural integrity. Key features like the Leete at World Heritage List, offering it Some sites unrecorded or Loggerheads Country park, Cascade increased awareness. This with no scheduled Woods lead mining site and others awareness leads to an increase in protection. are unprotected the level of protection and Some sites recommended conservation given to inscribed for scheduling in the Metal sites. It is one of 28 properties Mines survey of the 1990s inscribed in the UK. Worldwide have not taken place. there were 1,007 World Heritage The vast majority of Sites in 2014. industrial (and indeed all
other periods of site) are Loggerheads was the focal point for undesignated. They are lead mining in the 18th and 19th noted on the HER Historic century and remnants of this Environment Record which industrial past remain along the is set to become statutory in
Page | 22 river and in the woods. There was the new Planning Bill. extensive lead mining in the Alyn Valley, Prestatyn Hillside, Bryn Alyn, and areas of Esclusham Mountain, World’s End and Minera.
The name Loggerheads derives from a dispute over mineral rights which was eventually settled in the high court. The boundary stone adjacent to the A494 and boundary stones within the Park mark the position the legal boundary was determined to be.
There was extensive slate quarrying in the south of the AONB, on the Llantysilio and North Berwyn mountains. Only the Berwyn quarry on the Horseshoe Pass remains open today.
There are a number of features associated with these mines, such as the Leete at Loggerheads, and tramways from the Moel y Faen quarry to Llangollen canal, and Moel Fferna to Glwyndyfrdwy through Nant y Pandy, where there are extensive ruins relating to slate working.
Page | 23 Historic Hillforts and Defensive Structures Environment The chain of Iron Age Hillforts along Erosion to the hillforts and Extent: the ridgeline of the Clwydian Range other defensive structures 10 Iron Age Hillforts in the AONB, are its most high profile and unique through recreation and covering 105.14 ha (0.27 % of total archaeological sites. These 6 sheep scrapes. AONB). hillforts, between Moel Hiraddig Damage through 3 Motte and Bailey castles. near Dyserth and Moel Fenlli near inappropriate land Small remnants of a 12th century Llanferres, provide one of the management, such as castle at Dyserth. highest concentrations in Western quarrying, tree planting and 2 later 13th Century stone castles. Europe. over grazing. Ploughing / Agricultural Protection: Moel y Gaer is one of the summits pressure. 5 Iron Age Hillforts are owned by the of Llantysilio Mountain, on the north Damage from metal Local Authorities. side of the river Dee and west of the detection. All Iron Age Hillforts are designated Horseshoe Pass. There is evidence Increased awareness and as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. for human activity here dating back access could lead to Dinas Bran Castle, owned by to at least the Bronze Age (2,300 – increased erosion issues. Denbighshire County Council, is 1,200 BC), with a large burial cairn designated as a SAM, SSSI and it is on the summit of Moel Gamelin. also within the buffer zone of the WHS Several centuries later, during the and within the Historic landscape of Iron Age (1200 BC – 74 AD), Moel y the Vale of Llangollen Gaer was chosen as the site for a Chirk Castle is jointly managed by small hillfort. Cadw and the National Trust.
Tomen y Rhodwydd, Tomen y Castell Dinas Bran, a medieval Faerdre and Glyndwr’s Mount are all castle located within the earthworks SAMs. of an earlier Iron Age Hillfort, Remains of Dyserth Caslte are a SAM. towers over the town of Llangollen
giving it a strong sense of place and Condition: historic context. Similarly, Caer Erosion work was carried out on Moel Drewyn Iron Age Hillfort, along Fenlli, Moel Arthur, Penycloddiau , with the 6th century church at St Moel y Gaer Llanbedr, Moel y Gaer Mael and St Sulien and associations Llantysilio and Caer Drewyn as part
Page | 24 with Owain Glyndwr give the town of the Heather and Hillforts scheme. of Corwen a strong historical root. Erosion repair work has taken place Pen y Gaer Hillfort is located near at Tomen y Rhodwydd and extensive Garth adjacent to Trefor Hall stabilisation work was carried out at woods. Owain Glyndwr’s Motte. Management plans were drawn up Completed in 1310, Chirk is the last for the six monuments within the Welsh castle from the reign of Heather and Hillforts project area. Edward I that is still lived in. Prior to work taking place in Heather Features from its 700 years include and Hillfots, condition surveys were the medieval tower and dungeon, carried out on the 6 hillforts, this 17th century Long Gallery, grand work was repeated in 2012 and an 18th century state apartments, improvement in condition was servants’ hall and historic laundry. demonstrated at each of the sites. Continual monitoring will be needed Motte and Bailey castle sites are to maintain this. found at Tomen y Rhodwydd near Llandegla, Tomen y Faerdre near Understanding: Llanarmon-yn-Ial and Glyndwr’s The Heather and Hillforts project, from 2008 Mount near Llidiart y Parc. to 2012, greatly increased our understanding of 6 hillforts in the AONB. A The site of Gop Cairn at Trelawnyd, programme of archaeological digs (at Moel not technically a defensive y gaer Bodfari, Penycloddiau, Moel y Gaer structure but hinting at nearby Llanbedr) and community archaeology settlement, is thought to date to the events have developed a greater Neolithic period from about understanding within the local community. 3000BC. It is a vast mound, The Clwydian Range Archaeology Group constructed on the top of a hill, (CRAG) was established during Heather and perhaps marking burials in a Hillforts, and now runs successfully as an nearby cave. independent voluntary group who have made important discoveries on land adjacent to Moel Arthur Hillfort.
Recent archaeological work has also been
Page | 25 undertaken on Moel y Gaer Bodfari by Oxford University and Penycloddiau by Liverpool University. Bangor University have been excavating at Fron Newydd adjacent to Caer Drewyn as well as at the small defended settlement of Moel Fodig, just outside the AONB.
Historic Small Historic Features Environment These are features that are unique These features tend to Extent: to the AONB. They are unlikely to ‘disappear’ and part of this 23 K6 Red Phone Boxes. be listed and conserved but they is because there is not a 15 Trig Points. are part of the fabric of the comprehensive list held Total number of features unknown. landscape. Examples: Red anywhere. They also % loss of features identified telephone boxes, water troughs, disappear through being unknown. milestones, stone stiles and gate modernised or through road posts, old wells, old road signs, improvement schemes. The new Heritage Bill is likely to contain a named rocks, milk stands and section on proposals to produce robust World War I and II relics. ‘local lists’ of these types of features.
Historic Boundaries Environment The main types are native Loss of hedges and walls Extent: hedgerows on slopes and dry stone due to agricultural Length of traditional boundaries in walls in the limestone and upland improvement. the AONB unknown. shale areas. The other types are Loss due to lack of 12 km of hedgerow have been hedgerows on a stone retaining maintenance. restored through the AONB wall (Clawdd Wall). These linear Loss of skill to maintain in a countryside grant scheme between features are valuable wildlife traditional way. 2007 and 2014. habitats, which act particularly well Expense of maintenance. 0.5 km of dry stone wall have been as wildlife corridors between Modern maintenance not rebuilt through the AONB habitats. suitable. countryside grant scheme between 2007 and 2014.
Page | 26 An unusual feature unique to Corwen within the AONB is Need survey of boundaries with those that boundaries using upright slate have greatest impact on the landscape slabs – an example of this can be prioritised for action. seen at Gro Isa just north of Corwen next to the River Dee. % of boundaries in good condition unknown.
Page | 27 Access and Leisure
RESOURCE/ DESCRIPTION ISSUES STATE SPECIAL FEATURE
Access and Leisure Iconic Visitor and Cultural Attractions No coherent identity for the Provision: The Vale of Llangollen and Dee area, there are three distinct 36 Caravan Parks / Camp Sites in the Valley forms a striking gateway to tourism units – the Clwydian AONB. North Wales as the topography Range, the Dee Valley and Number of tourism businesses – changes rapidly from flat the World Heritage Site. unknown Shropshire Plain to a steep sided There is no coordination of Number of AONB threshold signs - ? Welsh Valley, with accompanying visitor management. Number of Car Parks in the AONB – changes in building styles and Interpretation and unknown. materials, culture and way of life. awareness of the culture and Number of Public Toilets in the AONB The area has a special role as a history of the area is low. – 8 gateway to and cultural window on People pass through the 4 Country Parks in the AONB – Welsh life and marks the English- area travelling to west o Loggerheads Welsh borderlands. Wales. Need to raise o Moel Famau awareness of the area and o Ty Mawr Further north, the Clwydian Range encourage people to stop in o Minera Lead Mines is the first chain of hills inside the the AONB. Welsh border. With strong cultural Lack of high quality facilities Extent: links to Liverpool and the North – public transport, car 4 Country Parks covering 1,007.05 ha West of England, the area is heavily parking, cafes, toilets, (2.59% of AONB). visited. information. o 1 Country Park currently Localised degraded closed. ‘Honey-pot’ sites environment due to There are 20 sites (including Country
congestion, litter and Parks) in the AONB managed by The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and vandalism. AONB / Local Authorities. These
Page | 29 Canal is a feat of civil engineering Existing and new cover 1075.78 ha (2.76% of the of the Industrial Revolution, development where there AONB) completed in the early years of the has been a lack of attention Natural Resources Wales estate 19th century. The property is to design, character, (formerly Forestry Commission) inscribed as a World Heritage Site materials and integration covers 1299.37 ha (3.34% of the and is recognised as an innovation within key views and at key AONB). ensemble that inspired many locations which contribute to projects all over the world. visitor experience. Condition: Access for the less able is Minera Lead mines currently closed Loggerheads Country Park challenging. to the public. provides an important link to the Lack of / closure of visitor wider Clwydian Range and is seen facilities. as a base from which to explore. Traffic management, congestion and car parking. Moel Famau is a significant tract of Poor public transport links heather moorland in the Clwydian and infrastructure. Range. The Jubilee Tower is on the Busy road crossings. summit. Some industrial remains are in poor condition. Ty Mawr Country Park and farm lies Visitor pressure in key on the banks of the River Dee conservation areas. beneath the arches of the Cefn Viaduct.
Minera Lead Mines Country Park is a starting point for the Clywedog Trail and accessing the beautiful countryside of Minera Mountain.
Offa’s Dyke National Trail and the Panorama Drive, which run along the foot of Eglwyseg Rocks, offer stunning high level views.
Page | 30 The Horseshoe Pass is a popular tourist viewpoint and scenic drive.
Access and Leisure The Offa’s Dyke Trail and Promoted Routes On-going maintenance of Extent: promoted routes. 772.6 km of Public Rights of Way The AONB has an extensive Erosion in sensitive areas. 324.4 km of Rights of Way and network of paths, bridleways and Impact of access on stock permissive routes promoted by byways. Some have great historical and farming, particularly by AONB / Local Authority publications. significance including the Leete dogs. (42% of the network). Path and old Drovers’ Roads. The Limited Rights of Way for 114 km of Promoted Cycle Routes on network brings specific economic horse riders and cyclists. Public Rights of Way / permissive benefit to the local economy. Congestion in honey pot paths. (14.8% of the network). areas. Length of blocked / unusable paths There are a great many Blocked and unusable paths unknown. publications promoting primarily restrict opportunities. Significant car parks serving the walking opportunities. Number of unsupported network include Loggerheads, Moel promoted routes. Famau and Ty Mawr Country Parks, Open Access Uncertainty with the public Car Parks in Corwen and Llangollen,
to where access land areas and Llantysilio Green. Access Land comprises mountain, are. Number of Laybys suitable for moor, heath and down, common Disturbance to nesting birds parking unknown land and all land over 600m in and other wildlife. 3 Railway stations serving the AONB height. (Prestatyn, Ruabon and Chirk) Adventure activities 10,380.18 ha of Access Land (26.67% Access Land is an important Population health issues of AONB area), of this component of the Clwydian Range increasing. o 6441.35 ha is common land and Dee Valley, and provides Conflict between user o 3938.83 ha are mapped as access to areas, particularly groups using the resources open country. hilltops, not served by the Rights of of the area, in particular the Number of adventure activity Way network. It is found throughout River Dee. providers unknown. the AONB, but the majority in found Tourism spend in the AONB in 2012 - in the south, covering the large Litter, noise, damage. Mountain biking pressure on £39.4 million.
Page | 31 extents of open moorland on the bridleway network and Ruabon, Llantysilio and North wider countryside. Berwyn mountains. Impact of access on key conservation sites. A number of permissive access routes have been developed to guide walkers to points of interest and significance, such as Liberty Hall south of Corwen, and the summit of Moel Gyw.
Adventure Activities
There is growing concern that people’s lifestyles are becoming too sedentary. They seek to ‘de- stress’ through adventure experiences such as rock climbing, caving, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain bikes, horse riding etc….
The landscape of the AONB supports adventure activity businesses, including the mountain Biking centre at Coed Llandegla.
Access and Health and well-being – Leisure Deprivation Maintaining and improving 2 Communities First Areas within the In general, the AONB is not an area access to local services. AONB with high levels of deprivation People living in deprived 7 Communities First Areas within 3km when assessed against most areas do not get a benefit of AONB. deprivation indicators, including from the AONB. Percentage of LSOA’s (Lower-level
Page | 32 income levels, educational Super Output Areas) in AONB within attainment, employment, health, the most deprived quartile in Wales housing quality and physical for access to services – 26.3% (10 of environment. Overall, the AONB is 38) within the least deprived 25% areas Percentage of people with limiting of Wales (Welsh Index of Multiple long-term illness Deprivation 2005). However, one o East 17.2% aspect in which the AONB o North 21.7% demonstrates notably high levels of o West 19.5% deprivation is access to services, o South 21.2 % which is a result of the sparsely o Wales 22.7% populated rural character of the area. As the population is older than the average, access to local and specialist health care, and support services, all contribute to a sense of community wellbeing.
Although still below the Welsh average, levels of limiting long term illness have increased in the AONB between 2001 and 2011.
Page | 33 Culture and People – The Built Environment
RESOURCE/ DESCRIPTION ISSUES STATE SPECIAL FEATURE
Culture and Settlement People – The Built The settlement pattern of the Development in the AONB No. of AONB villages / settlements defined Environment Clwydian Range is characterised by and its setting is not always in development plans: villages and hamlets on either side in sympathy with the local Denbighshire 23 of the main ridge, such as Llanbedr landscape character and Flintshire 6 DC, Cilcain and Nannerch, and settlement pattern. Wrexham 2 along river valleys, including Total – 31 Bodfari and Llanferres. Most of these villages are compact and nucleated in form. These settlements are supplemented by scattered farmsteads and isolated dwellings which extend higher up the slopes.
The settlement patterns in the south of the AONB are found primarily along river valleys. Smaller villages include Bryneglwys, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog, Pentredwr and Froncysyllte. The towns of Llangollen and Corwen both straddle the River Dee. Similar to the Clwydian Range, scattered farmsteads and isolated dwellings are found higher up the slopes.
Page | 34
A number of larger settlements adjoin the AONB, including Prestatyn, Meliden, Dyserth, Gwernymynydd, Trefor, Cefn Mawr and Chirk.
Culture and Conservation Areas People – The Built Conservation Areas are designated Incomplete / out of date Extent: Environment by local planning authorities to Conservation Area There are 17 conservation areas in protect areas of special Character Appraisals. the AONB, covering 88.85 ha (0.23% architectural or historic interest Lack of Management / of AONB) where it is desirable to preserve or Enhancement Plans for o Denbighshire 9 enhance their character or Conservation Areas. o Flintshire 6 appearance. They are one indicator No arrangements for o Wrexham 2 of the quality of the built monitoring the condition of % of AONB villages / settlements environment. Designations should Conservation Areas. recognised in development plans be underpinned by up to date which are Conservation Areas – Character Appraisals, and planning 41.9% (13 of 31) authorities should prepare % of Conservation Areas with an up Management / Enhancement Plans. to date Character Appraisal unknown Designation also brings some % of Conservation Areas with a additional controls on Management / Enhancement Plan development, but these can be unknown increased via Article 4 Directions if No. of Article 4 Directions unknown permitted development is harming the special character of the area.
Culture and Listed Buildings People – The Built Buildings of special architectural or Concerns over the number Extent: Environment historical interest are Listed by of listed buildings at risk. There are 645 Listed Buildings in the Cadw. There are strict controls over There is a need to update AONB
Page | 35 development of Listed Buildings and maintain the Buildings at 56 are considered to be ‘at risk’. and their setting to ensure their Risk list for each Local Significant Listed Buildings include special character is conserved or Authority. Chirk Castle, Llangollen Bridge and enhanced. The number and grade The Jubilee Tower at Moel the Jubilee Tower. of Listed Buildings in an area is Famau is one of the most another indicator of the quality of prominent and distinctive the local built environment. Local Listed Buildings in the authorities are advised to AONB, but is in need of undertake 5 yearly surveys of the restoration / conservation to condition of Listed Buildings in their secure its long term future. area to identify buildings at risk.
Culture and Development Control People – The Built The control of development in the Need to maintain Joint No. of planning applications referred Environment AONB is an important means by Committee activity in to the JAC which the character and respect of responding to o 2011/12 – 199 appearance of the area can be development proposals. o 2012/13 – 212 maintained or improved. Maintain and develop the o 2013/14 – 221 Development proposals outside the Joint Committee’s credibility % of JAC comments adopted by area can also have an impact on and influence as a planning LPA’s important views in or out of the consultee. o 2011/12 – 68% AONB. Three LPA’s; need to ensure o 2012/13 – 72% consistent approach across o 2013/14 – 74% The three local planning authorities administrative boundaries. No. of possible unauthorised (LPA’s) consult the Joint Committee Urbanisation of villages and development cases referred to LPA’s on planning applications which poor urban design. o 2011/12 – 13 might impact on the AONB. Need for a more proactive o 2012/13 – 21 response to unauthorised o 2013/14 – 10 development in the AONB.
Culture and Planning Policy and Guidance People – The Built .Within a plan led system for the Clear and robust policies Local Development Plans:
Page | 36 Environment control of development, relevant required to conserve and Denbighshire LDP 2006 – 2021 and up to date planning policy and enhance the AONB. (adopted 2013) guidance is an essential component Need for Joint Committee to Flintshire LDP 2015 – 2030 (In of protecting and conserving the engage with LDP process; preparation: adoption planned in character and appearance of the WG guidance no longer 2018) AONB. requires LDP’s to include Wrexham LDP 2 2013 – 2028 (In national AONB policies. preparation: adoption planned in The local planning authorities Three LPA’s; need to ensure 2018) publish Local Development Plans consistent approach to (LDPs). Adopted Supplementary AONB policy and guidance Unitary Development Plans (now Planning Guidance (SPG) notes across administrative superseded by Local Development Plan complement development plans. boundaries. system): The Joint Committee has prepared No specific SPG for the Flintshire UDP 2000 – 2015 ( adopted non-statutory Development AONB to conserve and 2011) Guidelines for the AONB. National enhance local Wrexham UDP 1996 – 2011 (adopted planning policy is set by the Welsh distinctiveness. Non- 2005) Government, and the Joint statutory Development Committee is usually consulted on Guidelines cannot be proposed changes to national adopted by the LPA’s. policy. Need to maintain AONB profile and Joint Committee activity in respect of responding to planning and other policy consultations.
Page | 37 Culture and People – Sustainable Communities
RESOURCE/ DESCRIPTION ISSUES STATE SPECIAL FEATURE
Culture and Sense of place People – Sustainable Community, belonging, attachment Lack of awareness of the Communities and a sense of place. Associated AONB and its purposes with this is the Welsh language, within parts of the local strong community vaues and a communities. sense of local pride which are all a Unfocused community and part of the natural beaty of an area. voluntary actions that There is an understanding that ‘the contribute to local land makes us what we are’. distinctiveness.
Culture and Population People – Sustainable The AONB is sparsely populated As life expectancy Resident Population (2011) -18,690 Communities but there is some variation across increases, there will be o 8,000 of these within the Dee the area, the Dee Valley is the most increasing numbers of older Valley populous mainly due to the larger people in society. A sharp Population Density (2011) towns of Llangollen and Corwen. rise in the number of over o North – 0.7 (persons per km However, there are a number of 80s will see a generation sq) larger and more populous keen to relax but potentially o West – 0.4 settlements in close proximity to reluctant (or unable) to o East – 0.4 the Clwydian Range such as Mold, travel far. o South - 0.4 Ruthin, Prestatyn, Chirk and the Over the past fifteen years, a o Wales 1.5 Wrexham urban fringe. sustained rise in the birth Families with dependent children rate has caused a mini baby o North – 378 The age profile of the AONB shows boom. o West – 839 an older population than Wales, Grandparents will be o East – 426
Page | 38 Denbighshire and Flintshire. ‘younger’ than ever before; o South - 301 and retiring baby boomers The number of families with will priorities their leisure dependent children has risen time. between 2001 and 2011, Pressures and opportunities particularly in the western area of arising from the close the AONB. proximity of the AONB to a much larger population.
Culture and Housing People – Sustainable The AONB is an attractive area in Increasing the number and 368 Council Houses in Denbighshire Communities which to live. It is also within easy range of affordable homes in and Flintshire areas of AONB. commuting range of large the AONB to meet local (Wrexham CBC Council House employment centres such as needs. numbers unknown). Deeside, Chester, Wrexham and High levels of demand for No. of dwellings unknown beyond. This influences the local council / housing association Council / Housing Assoc Waiting housing market by pushing up accommodation in some Lists unknown house prices, often beyond what areas. Second homes in the AONB unknown many local people can afford. The Need for robust planning number of social / rented council policies to ensure that new and housing association properties housing development in the AONB is limited. The addresses affordability and problems of availability and local need issues. affordability for local people are compounded by a higher percentage than the Welsh average of second / holiday homes in parts of the AONB.
Culture and Employment People – Sustainable A high proportion of AONB Lack of economic self- No. of working residents unknown Communities residents are economically active containment resulting in No. of jobs in the AONB unknown
Page | 39 when compared to the Welsh fewer people ‘embedded’ in % of population economically active average but most commute out of their local area and reduced (2011) the area to nearby towns and other sense of community. o East 70% centres of employment. The area Fewer local jobs than the o North 67% does not therefore exhibit high working population. o West 67% levels of economic self- Reduction in the number of o South 68% containment, which can impact on active agricultural holdings o Wales 66% community cohesion. The public and the overall increase in % of residents living and working in sector is the largest source of the average holding size. the AONB unknown employment, but agriculture and Resources to deliver AONB % of residents employed in forestry continues to be an Sustainable Tourism agriculture or forestry (2011) important employer when Strategy and Action Plan. o East 5.4% compared to the Welsh average. o North 5.6% o West 9.3% o South 4% No. of active agricultural holdings unknown. Average size of agricultural holding unknown. No. of tourism related businesses supporting the AONB unknown % of population retired (2011) o East 20% o North 20% o West 21% o South 18% Levels of long term unemployment (2011) o East 0.9% o North 1.6% o West 1.2% o South 1.7% o Wales 2.4%
Page | 40 Culture and Facilities and Services People – Sustainable Access to local facilities and Maintaining key existing 40 places of worship in the AONB. Communities services such as schools, shops, rural facilities and services Facilities in Denbighshire area of post offices, community meeting that meet the needs of local AONB. places and public transport all people, and preventing the o 57 Pubs / hotels / bars. contribute to a sense of community further loss of such facilities. o 118 shops. wellbeing. Access to such services Review of education No. of primary schools in AONB – 14 in the AONB can be limited. Rural provision and the number of Nos. on school roll unknown services are in decline and rural schools. No. of settlements with a public continue to be under threat given Developing access to new house – 21 (68%) the economic outlook and the facilities and services such No. of settlements with a community viability of providing such facilities as high speed broadband hall – 17 (55%) in isolated and sparsely population and mobile phone coverage. No. of settlements with a shop / PO – areas. Ensuring effective public 13 (42%) transport network links to No. of settlements with a regular service centres. daily bus service – 19 (61%) Broadband ‘notspots’ – Unknown No. of mobile blackspots – unknown.
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