Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 The Dingle Local Nature Reserve 1 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 Contents Executive summary Mission statement The Council’s objectives Transformation plan 1 .Description 2. Amenity value of site 3. The woodland habitat 4. New Land 5. Invasive species 6. Biodiversity management Action Plan Appendixes 1. Maps 2. Promotion 3. Events 4. Designation 5 Images 6. Interpretation 7. Surveys 8. Better Woodlands for Wales plan 1. Baseline ecological survey of the Dingle 2004/05 2. Bryophyte survey 2005 3. Fungi survey 2004 4. Breeding birds survey 2005 5. Bat survey 2005 6. Otter survey 2004 7. Water Vole survey 2004 8. Invertebrate survey 2005 9. Surveys 2012 10. Bat Survey 2014 2 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 Executive Summary Owned and managed by the Isle of Anglesey County Council (IoACC), the Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni is a popular 18 hectare deciduous woodland. It is located in the centre of the market town of Llangefni and is bisected by the Cefni river. The Management Plan’s aim is to continue to improve and enhance visitors enjoyment and understanding whilst maintaining and improving the biodiversity of the site. The Dingle Local Nature Reserve receives over 60’000 visitors every year. One of the main attractions on this site is the 1km long wooden boardwalk constructed with grant aid in 2002and allows access for all to the woodland. 10 acres of adjacent land was purchased in 2007. This was planted with 6000 deciduous trees and footpaths created linking it with the existing woodland. It is now an integral part of the reserve. The woodland is an important resource in terms of education, health and wellbeing, culture and tourism. The site is managed by the Isle of Anglesey County Councils Countryside and AONB Service. The Management Plan sets out its principle management objectives and provides a detailed work programme of site management. 3 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 Mission Statement To run a well managed site where visitors can enjoy quiet informal recreation in a biologically diverse woodland. To conserve and enhance the woodland for future generations to enjoy. To balance the conservation of the landscape and wildlife of the site with informal recreation and the needs of the local community. To provide opportunities for the public enjoyment of both the reserve and the wider countryside. 4 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 Objectives The County Council’s aim is: TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE ISLAND, ITS CITIZENS AND COMMUNITIES Outcomes: To achieve this aim, we want to create an Anglesey: • Which has a thriving and prosperous rural economy 1.1 We will be at the forefront of energy R&D and production of low carbon and renewable energy for the benefit of current and future generations 1.2 We will support and encourage entrepreneurship, business and employment growth. 1.3 We will be one of the most visited tourist destinations in Wales • Where people achieve their full potential 2.1 Our children and young people’s needs and aspirations are met 2.2 We will be better educated and more skilled to meet the needs of the labour market 2.3 We will value and promote equal opportunities for all. 2.4 We will take pride in our language and culture and promote our cultural heritage • Where people are healthy and safe 3.1 We will safeguard and improve the “life chances” of vulnerable children and adults ion our society. 3.2 We will live our lives safe crime, disorder and danger. 3.3 We will ensure that the housing needs of the island are met. 3.4 we will live longer and healthier lives • Where people enjoy, protect and enhance their built and natural environment for future generations 4.1 We will work with partners to provide the necessary infrastructure capacity to meet the needs of our citizens, businesses and communities. 4.2 We will promote, protect and make sustainable use of our unique built heritage and natural environment. 4.3 We will ensure clean and environmentally sustainable communities • where people are proud of their Council 5.1 We will listen to our citizens and deliver on our promises. 5.2 We will work in partnership to improve the outcomes for our citizens. 5.3 We will value our staff and treat our citizens and environment with respect. 5.4 We will be ambitious and outward looking 5 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 Transformation plan The County Council’s Transformation Plan sets out the way we hope to improve the authority over the next three years. Our vision for Anglesey is that by 2016: “we will be a professional and well-run Council, innovative and outward-looking in our approach, committed to developing people and partnerships in order to deliver efficient and effective services of good quality, that are highly valued by our citizens.” This means that by 2016 the Isle of Anglesey Council will have: increased the pride in Anglesey, of its elected members, management, staff, services and amenities respect within the local government family in Wales, locally, regionally and nationally elected members, managers and staff who make a difference and grow in capability as a result an understanding of and be proactively managing the performance of our services, targeting improvement actions where and when this is needed areas of innovation, good practice and service excellence that other organisations seek to benchmark themselves against productive, transparent and trusting relationships with our partners satisfied our auditors in terms of leadership, governance and organisation 6 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 1.DESCRIPTION This linear 18.82 ha broadleaved woodland is mainly situated along the northern valley side of the Afon Cefni. It is situated in the north west of Llangefni close to the centre of the town. Oak is dominant over much of the site, but exotic tree species, particularly Sycamore, Scots Pine, Beech and Sweet Chestnut, are frequent. Wych Elm was abundant until the onset of Dutch Elm Disease after which they were felled. The woodland is covered by a Tree Preservation Order The river flood plain supports a strip of reedswamp, until recently, dominated by Himalayan Balsam with Reed Canary Grass and Willow present. Improvements have seen the construction of 1km of wooden boardwalk, 4 oak bridges, wooden sculptures and sculpted benches with on and off site interpretation. General Information 1.1 Site: The Dingle / Nant y Pandy Status : Local Nature Reserve Tree preservation order covers the site Part of the reserve is semi natural ancient woodland Size: 18.82 hectares/ 46.50 acres Situation: Llangefni County: Anglesey Site manager: Anglesey County Council Contact details: The Countryside & AONB Service 01248 752428 1.2 Location See maps Grid ref.456759 OS 1.50000 Landranger 114 1.3 Owner: Anglesey County Council Cwmni Tref Llangefni 1.4 Date of acquisition See map (2) Area 1 - 1924 from Baron Hill Estates Area 2 - 1991 from Railway Board Area 3 - 2000 from liquidators KPMG Area 4 - April 2007 by Cwmni Tref Llangefni from Alun Smyrna Jones and Mair Baxter. 1.5 Legal rights of access See map (3) Two public footpaths No. 1 and No 2, cross land within the ownership of the council. 7 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 Footpath No 1 has been improved by the Highways department as a shared use cycle and footpath. This path is now used by cycles and pedestrians but has not yet been designated. 1.6 Management infrastructure Site managed by the Countryside & AONB Service, Isle of Anglesey County Council. 1.7 Map coverage O.S 1.50000 LANDRANGER 114 O.S 1.25000 EXPLORER 262 BGS 1.50000(British Geological Survey) Anglesey Special Sheet - Drift edition 1.8 Photographic coverage 1:10000 black and white aerial photographs (IOACC) 1:10000 colour aerial photographs (CCW) Other photographs of the site held by (IOACC) Mapinfo aerial photos 2000 Compartments See map (4) Four compartments Compartment 1 Nant y Pandy - Situated in the section which follows the steep valley slopes on the north eastern side of the Afon Cefni Compartment 2 Coed Plas - situated on the slopes behind the church Compartment 3 - situated on the south western side of the Afon Cefni Compartment 4 – Coed Smyrna situated between Coed Plas and Compartment 1 (10 acres of previously grazed land recently added to the Local Nature Reserve in April 2007) 1.9 Environmental information Physical Climate Anglesey generally has cool summers and mild winters. Extreme weather is avoided due to its proximity to the sea and the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Hydrology The Cefni, which is the longest river on Anglesey, flows in a south easterly direction through Nant y Pandy (compartment 1). It then flows to the south west where it enters the sea at Malltraeth. A small lake, Llyn Pwmp, which is held back by a stone weir, has 8 Management Plan Dingle Local Nature Reserve Llangefni 2015 - 2020 been reduced in size in the twentieth century. It was previously used to supply water for the Cefni mill, to provide water for the Anglesey Central Railway Company, and by using an electric generator, to provide light for Llangefni in the 1920's. Geology The underlying geology is Gwna Green Schists. Elevation The elevation ranges from approximately 30 to 40 metres above sea level. Soils The soils are predominately brown earths, although there are likely to be gleyed and alluvial soils in the valley bottom. The vegetation indicates that the soil is slightly acid.