Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape / Changes in Agricultural Land Management Practices

The historic role of governance of the drainage The remaining c.1200km of field ditches that criss- system was an important factor in shaping and cross the Levels are maintained and funded by reinforcing landscape characteristics over time. individual landowners. The extensive network of Throughout the Gwent Levels, it was the farmers field drainage ditches and reens are one of the most working in partnership with the Caldicot and distinctive landscape features of the Levels, and are Internal Drainage Board who were also of high biodiversity value. These watercourses responsible for maintaining the system of reens and are vulnerable to neglect through lack of appropriate ditches which makes the area habitable for people maintenance, changes in drainage and land use. and wildlife. The Caldicot and Wentlooge Internal The lines of pollarded willows planted to strengthen Drainage Board’s responsibilities were transferred to the bank sides of reens are an important part of NRW in 2015. NRW is now responsible for maintaining the historic landscape as well as of ecological the c.64 km of main reens and c.137km of lesser importance, and are vulnerable from a lack of reens within the new Caldicot and Wentlooge Internal management and neglect. Drainage District that covers the Gwent Levels. In addition, NRW maintain the main rivers - the Over the years, there has been a slow but significant embanked natural watercourses, such as Monksditch shift from traditional farming practices to more and Elver Pill Reen, whose banks are raised during intensive agricultural regimes. There has also been a periodic cleaning. fragmentation of farm businesses, which has given rise to the problem of dispersed or disconnected land The earthworks associated with the embanked natural holdings seeing pressure to infill ditches to allow for watercourses and artificial reens are major historic modern farming. There are also increasing numbers features within the landscape, and are vulnerable of smallholders with holdings typically less than 10ha to damage. In places such as Monksditch near the whose main income is not farming, but who use the sub-station and the north end of Blackwall in land for horses, other livestock or amenity reasons. Magor, the reen sides are revetted by stone walls and Neither type of land owner fit well into current agri- timber facings, which are also vulnerable to change. environmental schemes. The continued management of this system is critical to ensure that diferent types of historic features are Some local farmers and landowners have protected for the future. emphasised that local expertise and traditional water management practices are essential to sustain this unique landscape and its nationally important wetland habitats.

Living Levels 118 Living LevelsLiving Levels 119 119 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

SSSI Condition

The Gwent Levels SSSI is under The field ditches maintained a larger proportion of open and threat from scrub encroachment by individual landowners are wet ditches than the 4 Caldicot along the field ditch and reen vulnerable to loss as larger Gwent Levels SSSIs. In some cases edges, especially where it is fields are created from several the double hedge had grown present on both sides, which smaller ones. For example, in over a ditch completely forming a is shading out features of the remaining agricultural areas tunnel causing extreme shading. conservation interest such as of the Caldicot Level, 18% of the aquatic plants. Traditionally, boundaries that existed during Overall at least 63% of the field more of the ditches would have 1886 have been lost, while in ditches across the seven SSSIs of been kept open as wet fences to Wentlooge Level the figure is 40% the Gwent Levels were heavily keep stock in, with occasional (LCA, 2017). The lowest tier of shaded ditches (category 2 2d pollarded willows planted to the drainage hierarchy, surface and 4c), and therefore unlikely help strengthen the banks. An ridging, is the most vulnerable to be able to support the special increasing problem are the of all. This consists of the “grips”, flora interest of the SSSI, see table numbers of livestock brought skilfully created by hand digging overleaf. At least 5% were dry into the area, rather than born or ploughing. These slight and (category 2d and 3), but as many and raised on the Levels. As a fragile earthworks are vulnerable of the double hedge (category 2) result they are unaware of wet in fields that are under drained ditches were assessed by aerial fences and farmers change and ploughed. images only its likely there are a practices to protect them. A lack higher percentage of dry ditches of responsibility of land owners According to the most recent SSSI than recorded in the surveys. to manage the field ditch edges condition assessment carried out threatens the whole area and may by NRW, SSSI also exacerbate localised flood has the smallest proportion (33%) risk through scrub encroachment of double hedged ditches (category and ditch blocking by trees. The 2 and 2d) and largest proportion dominance of double hedged of wet open ditches (category 5) at ditches and reens is increasingly 30%. Nash & Goldclif and Whitson threatening not only biodiversity, had the highest proportion of but also the ability of the double hedged ditches at 68% drainage system to work and and 70% respectively. The two drain the land and protect it from Wentlooge Gwent Levels SSSIs had localised flooding.

Living Levels 120 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Ditch category % of ditches in the Gwent levels SSSIs and Newport Wetlands SSSI where category was recorded

1 Ditch hedged on 1 side 12 2. Ditch hedged both side 57 2d. Ditch double hedged and dry 3 3 No hedge but ditch is dry 2 4 Intermittent hedge * 2 4a intermittent on one side of 5 ditch 4b intermittent hedge on both 6 sides 4c Hedge along 1 side, 3 intermittent hedging on opposite side No hedge alongside but ditch 10 is wet

*Category 4 was split to 4a, 4 b and 4c for ditch surveys from 2011 so only Whitson SSSI was surveyed in 2010 prior to the category split

Figure 12 — Field ditch categories of the Gwent Levels SSSIs

Living Levels 121 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Condition of Field Block Units – Field Ditch habitat performance indicators (PI)

Over each SSSI at least 60% of field block units should be in ‘favourable condition’ for the site to be considered in favourable condition for that PI. For a field block to be in favourable condition the target is that each Field Block unit must have no more than 50% ditches to be category 2, 2d, 3 or 4c i.e. no more than 50% shaded ditches.

St Brides Nash & Redwick Whitson Rumney & Magor & Newport Goldclif & Lland- Undy Wetlands evenny % of field blocks 34 23 24 12.5 31 28 60 having less than 50% Cat 2, 4c, 3

Result Fail Fail Fail Fail Fail Fail Pass

This table show that currently Condition of Reens In terms of main reen condition, only the Newport Wetlands SSSI St Brides, Whitson and Redwick is in favourable condition for the For an SSSI to pass PI for main and Llandevenny SSSIs pass for field ditch PI as it is the only one to reens, at least 60% of main reens condition of main reens and the meet the PI of 60% of field blocks will have had submerged flora (not other three SSSIs fail . being in favourable condition. Elodea) recorded at 60% survey points. For an SSSI to pass PI for the smaller IDD reens, at least 60% of IDD reens will have submerged plants (not Elodea) recorded at half of the points.

Rumney & St Brides Nash & Whitson Redwick Magor & Newport Peterstone Goldclif & Lland- Undy Wetlands evenny % of main 33 60 33 80 71 0 No EA reens which reens have at least present 60% of channel points having submerged plants

Result Fail Pass Fail Pass Pass Fail

Living Levels 122 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

IDD Reens

In terms of the PI for submerged flora in the channel of IDD watercourses, Rumney and Peterstone, St Brides, Whitson and Newport Wetlands SSSIs pass and the other 3 SSSIs fail.

Rumney & St Brides Nash & Whitson Redwick Magor & Newport Peterstone Goldclif & Lland- Undy Wetlands evenny IDB Channel % 72 68 53 875 55 37.5 100 of reens which have at least 50% points with submerged flora

Result Pass Pass Fail Pass Fail Fail Pass

None of the 7 SSSIs pass for the Where main reens and IDD reens In terms of other features, whilst additional PI for IDD reens for are in poor condition, work by stone, brick, concrete and wooden ‘vegetation type’ in the channel NRW will be ongoing to address bridges over the watercourses and margin of field ditches. this including investigating factors all survive, many are in decay or Main reens and IDD reens are of water levels, frequency and type have collapsed and, as a result, the permissive power of NRW. of reen management and water the integrity of the public footpath Management of the reen network quality. The reens of Gwent Levels network is afected in places – an to maintain the water conveyance - Redwick and Llandevenny have important consideration for access and attenuation capacity of the been monitored again this summer proposals as well as the heritage network is primarily undertaken and water quality monitoring potential of the surviving features by periodic desilting alongside will be undertaken where reens of the drainage system. more routine de-weeding/ flailing are in poor condition to find out of bankside vegetation. The if that is where the problem lies. In addition, slurry storage and reen management also benefits There is liaison between NRW management, and fly tipping agricultural practice. Conservation and Biodiversity are challenges for water quality staf and colleagues undertaking improvements on the Levels. Fly The Caldicot and Wentlooge reen management via the annual grazing and overgrazing on the Internal Drainage District (IDD) ‘Maintenance Programme’ saltmarsh beyond the sea wall on within NRW manage a selection consultation to ensure that the the Wentlooge Level is having a of Ordinary Watercourses deemed SSSI and broader wildlife interest negative efect on the botanical critical for water level manage- features are maintained. and ecological interest of the ment, whilst those designated as intertidal areas. Overgrazing is main rivers, are managed by NRW’s also an issue on common land Flood Operations. within Wentlooge Level, such as Peterstone Great Wharf.

Living Levels 123 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Field Underdrainage

Recently NRW has received more Underdrainage can also lead to and more requests from farmers particular issues in relation to run- to underdrain. Field drainage of rates and water quality: on the levels was traditionally achieved by ‘gripping’. At the time Run-of rates of notification, CCW considered that conserving the old grip Rates of surface water runof to system and discouraging any surrounding ditches is increased further underdrainage, was by underdrainage and can become a key tool for managing the ‘flashy’. This will potentially afect site to maintain water levels the features of the SSSI due to and the quality of water of the fluctuating water levels. watercourses and therefore maintain the special features of Water quality the SSSI which are dependent on the water. Recently some Underdrainage usually goes hand farmers have stated that farming in hand with increased fertiliser practices have moved on and that application. Any fertilisers/ refusal to allow underdrainage herbicides applied to the land significantly impacts on their will run of into the adjacent field ability to farm productively on ditches via the drainage pipes. the Levels. The Partners believe This could lead to increased that underdrainage would lead to eutrophication for the water, and a general lowering of the water consequent adverse impacts on table in the fields with the likely the plant and invertebrate features consequence that the surrounding of the SSSI. ditches and reens would need to be held at a lower level for the drainage to work.

Living Levels 124 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Image Credit: Gareth James

Farm Economics

The loss of the local cultural management, particularly in and in the surrounding area which and economic drivers that have relation to biodiversity and wider impact the Levels. Developments created and sustained the Gwent environmental benefits. There including the proposed M4 relief Levels over thousands of years is has been a movement towards road and the Cardif and Newport widely recognised by its farmers positive land management but tidal lagoon proposals are likely and farming communities. It is policies are not currently in place to afect both the character of the clear that current policy and land to support this. Economic and landscape and its ability to provide management practices are fail- social barriers exist that prevent ecosystem services. ing to ensure its sustainability for farmers from managing the land future generations. This has been in a way that supports sustainable Our imminent exit from the raised at numerous individual management of natural resources. European Union provides an ongoing consultations as part Payment for Ecosystem Services historic opportunity to reset of the preparation of the second has been discussed for over 10 the drivers of agriculture and round application. Farmers, years but the tools and processes reward farmers not just for food landowners and communities to develop PES and the policies production but for creating and recognise the challenge but are to support them are still not in maintaining resilient ecosystems. currently unable to see a viable place. The budget available to It is inevitable that farming will solution. This is evident in the fund environmental agreements continue to need financial support proliferation of new management locally in the Gwent Levels, from government to remain ideas from large solar farms to such as Section 15 agreements viable. However, this support intensive dairy units which are a through Natural Resources could be targeted at agricultural departure from the high nature is declining and under pressure practices that are sustainable value farming that has created to deliver an increasing number and provide public goods and this landscape and place at risk its of objectives. Welsh Government services that local people want. landscape character and the desig- funding for Environmental NGO’s Changes in agri-environmental nated features that make it special. has also declined in recent years schemes and agricultural subsidies and finding a long term sustainable are significant drivers with the All of this is currently driven by source of funding to replace that potential to alter the balance and European Agricultural policy which has been lost is vital. quality of land uses and sensitive and supported by public money landscape elements within the in the form of basic payments The current lack of understanding Gwent Levels’ landscape, including from the EU. At present there of the ecosystem services fragmentation of ecological is increasing pressure on provided by the Levels landscape networks and damage to important budgets available to fund land has led to difculties in addressing historic landscape features. proposed unsustainable development both on the Levels

Living Levels 125 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Image Credit: Nigel Pugh

New initiatives and models that Ŕ "DUJWFNBOBHFNFOUPGTDSVCUP Ŕ 1SFTFSWJOHGPSGVUVSF seek to both secure sustainable reduce the dominance of double interpretation the area’s natural resource management of hedged ditches and reens; archaeological resources, the Gwent Levels and a stable and historic features and geological secure income for the regions’ Ŕ *ODSFBTJOHHSBTTMBOETUSJQT interests from damage and loss, farmers is needed to ensure that along field drains and directly and by maintaining high the future ecological value of this watercourses in areas of arable ground-water levels reducing unique landscape is not lost. land to capture sediment and soil desiccation and further nutrients (NRW have been benefitting wetland ecology; Changes in agricultural land recording arable fields that management practices - key lack bufer strips as part of this Ŕ .BJOUBJOJOHUIFTUSPOHTFOTF considerations summer’s SSSI survey ); of tranquillity, wildness and remoteness, traditional grazing The LCA highlighted a series Ŕ 8PSLJOHJOQBSUOFSTIJQ and hay production, and of key considerations for the with farmers to encourage distinctive skylines and big long-term management of environmentally sensitive skies; with the predominantly the Gwent Levels to maintain land management practices undeveloped, pastoral landscape landscape distinctiveness and that harvest and conserve underpinned by a viable and biodiversity value. Key long-term water, and prevent pollution vibrant agricultural recommendations for the drainage of watercourses by creating and economy; system and agricultural land bufer areas between points management practices include the of potential difuse fertiliser Ŕ 1SPNPUJOHBOENBJOUBJOJOH desirability of: applications/nutrient inputs and extensive management of sensitive riparian habitats; wetland habitats and grasslands Ŕ $POTFSWJOHUIFUSBEJUJPOBMPQFO to allow for greater floristic mosaic character and wildlife Ŕ 1SPUFDUJOHUIFQBUUFSOBOE diversity and biodiversity, value of field ditches and reens, function of field ditches and particularly alongside drains and their associated historic grip grips with reens, wetland and ditches surface drainage and headland habitats and meadows features, aiming to increase their supporting large and connectivity with core sites of characteristic populations of ecological interest; birds and invertebrates, and other biodiversity;

Living Levels 126 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Loss of Historic Orchards

There are a number of remnant orchards means losing the habitats orchards on the Caldicot and and wildlife found within them: Wentlooge Levels that were once blossom provides an important a more typical landscape feature early nectar source for insects; of the Gwent Levels. However, the the decaying wood in older fruit end of cider making locally means trees provides homes for bats and that most orchards are no longer birds and very rare insects such as commercially viable. the Noble Chafer Beetle; mistletoe grows most readily in apple trees In 2007, ‘Traditional Orchards’ were and is an iconic plant and home to made a priority UK BAP habitat, six species of invertebrate which recognising their importance to are wholly reliant on the plant. The wildlife. ‘Traditional Orchards’ fruit is then a hugely important can be made up of any fruit tree food source to birds, particularly varieties, but are mainly apple, migrant thrushes, and mammals, pear, plum and cherry. In Wales, before the long winter months. Figure 13a the most common orchard types Along with the dangers to wild- Historic orchards, Redwick 1882 are cider apple and perry pear life, the loss of orchards risks the orchards. Due to commercially heritage fruit varieties found within driven agricultural advances, tradi- them. Orchard owners would tional orchards across the UK have traditionally have cultivated their declined; up to 90% of the original own varieties of apple, pear or habitat has been lost. Several other fruit, to suit conditions orchards have already been lost in their own orchards. Of particular from the area, as the maps below interest on the Gwent Levels is the show. This rate of loss is not local- wet exposed conditions (including ised to Redwick, but has been seen often very wet soils) which are not across the Gwent Levels and at all conducive to fruit tree beyond. It highlights just how growing. It is important to record many orchards there once were, this knowledge and research and and thus the importance of those pass it on for others to make remaining orchards, some of use of in the future, particularly in which may have been in place for light of climate change and at least 150 years. Losing these changing conditions. Figure 13b Modern Orchards, Redwick 2010

Living Levels 127 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Climate Change

The Sea wall/embankment and The current Management of flooding and network of main rivers and reens Shoreline Management Plan adapting to climate change – are an important part of the considered the feasibility of key considerations existing flood defences within the managed retreat along the Severn study area as shown on Figure 10 A Estuary, but identified limited Key long-term recommendations number of historic flood events on opportunities for such measures from the LCA associated with the Gwent Levels are embedded in along the Gwent Levels coastline. management of flooding and local memories and in the fabric of In addition, peat deposits and adapting to climate change in the many local buildings signalled by wetland habitats, as well as the Levels include the desirability of: commemorative plaques. estuarine muds, soils and habitats, can store and sequester large Ŕ &OTVSJOHUIBUŤPPESJTLBOE Strategies for management of quantities of carbon. shoreline management plans flood risk within the Gwent Levels continue to recognise the have been developed by NRW in Seasonal and unseasonal flooding, outstanding historic landscape plans for the South East Valleys afected by the changing climate, significance and high nature catchment (covering Wentlooge presents a challenge to the conservation value of the Gwent Level), the Usk catchment agricultural productivity of the Levels, and the fundamental role (covering Caldicot Level) and the area, to some of the species and that water management plays in Severn Vale catchment (covering habitats present and to some sustaining these interests. Level). Together with homes and livelihoods. Conversely, the Severn Estuary Shoreline drought sometimes also challenges Ŕ 8PSLJOHJOQBSUOFSTIJQXJUIBMM Management Plan, these plans farming and wildlife that depends those with a stake in the long- recognise the outstanding historic on presence of water. term sustainability of the area landscape significance and high to develop consensus around nature conservation value of the Any disturbance of the alluvium, approaches to addressing the Gwent Levels, and the fundamental or lowering the water-table, challenges of climate change, role that water management plays threatens to alter the condition of and its environmental and in sustaining these interests. the buried archaeology. economic consequences.

The efect of rising sea levels and a fixed sea wall is the loss of important intertidal habitats such as salt marsh, a phenomena known as ‘coastal squeeze’. In the future, it may become increasingly necessary to manage and plan for a changing coastline by developing robust networks of semi-natural wetland habitats (intertidal habitat, marshes and inland lagoons) with the potential to reinforce landscape character, increase opportunities for biodiversity and making the coast more resilient to flooding from the sea.

Image Credit: Jaggery

Living Levels 128 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Invasive Non-native Species

INNS (invasive non-native accurate baseline data to scope The lack of a good baseline for species) are costing the Welsh the issue at landscape-scale. INNS in the Gwent Levels is a real Government approximately £125 During the Development Phase, problem. A large data gaps exist million annually and rank as the an INNS working group was set across the Gwent Levels with second greatest threat to global up to include attendees from those records that are present biodiversity. Despite this, public organisations with an interest or often not accurate to field level. awareness of the threat and cost responsibility for INNS control In addition, the data in their of INNS is low, and those that are on the Gwent Levels, a local current format does not enable aware are often unsure what they resident and retired ecologist with a map to be easily produced that can do to help. experience of invasive species distinguishes between the various work, and a Local Authority INNS species. Other records There are known invasive non- Invasive Plant Species Ofcer from may exist but have not been native species locations across outside the area (there are no such digitised. At present, confirmed the Gwent Levels There is also ofcers within the project area). INNS records are small in number the threat of invasion from new (relative to other parts of Wales), species not yet present in the The group developed a ‘root however the high conservation landscape. Although there is some cause brainstorm’ to define fully value and inter-connectivity of good information for parts of the the INNS problem. the Gwent Levels ditch system landscape, the INNS picture is not makes the landscape vulnerable to complete and there is a lack of invasion and the severity of INNS impact could be high.

Figure 14 Causes of INNS Wishbone diagram

Living Levels 129 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Fly-tipping

Fly-tipping and means of crime. This has been brought preventing it through bunds is up by residents at nearly every apparent in parts of the Levels. consultation and engagement Fly-tipping has been a problem event held throughout the on the Gwent Levels for as much Development Phase. As a result as 20 years and local residents of the Good Levels/Bad Levels have identified it as a major exercise with communities, fly- concern for them. With the latest tipping was raised by 62 people as statistics showing that there was an example of ‘Bad Levels’ – the a 14% increase in fly-tipping in below gives some examples of the Wales during 2015/16 (Fly-tipping sorts things people were saying. Action Wales, 2017), more needs to be done to combat this visual

Theme: Fly-Tipping/Litter/Pollution

Positive Negative

Number of 1 62 Comments Collected

What People Said What People Said

Newport CC generally good at cleaning it At every meeting fly-tipping is raised-we (fly-tipping) within 48 hours feel sorry for the Council and we clear our stretch ourselves of litter Police or Council? Both say it’s ‘their’ (the other’s) responsibility Wentloog end-scrufy and unloved-needs a cleanup Gradually being destroyed by FLY-TIPPING Not enough people reporting it-therefore it’s always the same people so doesn’t look like a problem Lots of obstacles in front of people wanting to dispose of rubbish CCTV needed, cameras at each end of the routes in Nothing gets enforced Private land owner’s allowing dumping- blights to the landscape Came from Cardif to get away from litter - moved into fly-tipping

Living Levels 130 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Unless fly-tipping is greatly the project. In order to map the the LLLP has baseline data on reduced there is a risk to the incidences of fly-tipping on the the issue. The below map shows success of the scheme. A specific Levels, key partners have been the current data set and key fly- Fly-tipping Action Group has been ensuring that all fly-tipping tipping hotspots. set up to help tackle the issue incidents are logged on to a on the Gwent Levels to identify new app-based system called Responding to a question about the most suitable and efective FlyMapper. This is a system that measures to reduce fly-tipping, measures to counter fly-tipping has recently been developed the majority of residents think to be included in the LCAP. This to improve the recording and that stronger enforcement would group was set up to include as management of fly-tipping be the most efective way to broad a cross section of people as incidents. Throughout the reduce the fly-tipping on the possible, including Community Development Phase in 2017, levels and over a third specifically Councillors, Police and Fire partners have been gathering data recommend the use of cameras. Services, and has been the on fly-tipping incidents using the vehicle for engagement around FlyMapper system to ensure that

Figure 15 — Fly-tipping Hotspots Map

Living Levels 131 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Disconnection with Heritage and Loss of Skills

Many skills are extremely and residents would have had a audience. However, there is no specialist and are in danger of responsibility for the maintenance coordinated curriculum-based being lost, for example heritage of a proportion of the c.1200km learning and much of the learning fishing practices which make use of ditches that network the area. resources are currently focused of traditional willow weaving More recently, the Caldicot and on each organisation’s individual skills that use local resources. Wentlooge Drainage Board exerted learning objectives. Currently, Gwent Wildlife Trust currently run significant influence over people schools that visit the sites are an events programme but there living in the area and there was mainly very local and this means is little covering any heritage a strong moral obligation and that there are few schools targeted aspects directly related to the sense of pride in keeping the from deprived areas, despite the Gwent Levels other than natural water flowing. Despite the IDD fact that these schools are less heritage training such as ‘Otter still collecting drainage rates from likely to have the space in their Spotting’, water vole surveys approximately 400 households school to deliver outdoor learning. and currently only a few locals on the Levels, the community’s attend these training events. RSPB knowledge and connection to the According to the results of a Cymru, National Trust and Keep role of the drainage system is now schools questionnaire that was Wales Tidy similarly run training restricted to a small number of drawn up by the Learning Working courses but generally natural individuals and landowners. Group in the Development Phase, heritage subjects dominate. There the most useful Gwent Levels is a need to develop training to Increasingly, knowledge of topics for educators would be meet the long-term management the historic landscape is being farming and historic land use, and monitoring needs of the confined to an ageing and wildlife, heritage skills and flooding landscape heritage and to support disappearing expert field and there – but to encourage sustainability sustainable local businesses. is much still to uncover. Knowledge and use by teachers, these must be and understanding of the origin linked to the Curriculum Cymraeg Through consultation undertaken of the Levels is particularly poor throughout the area by the among younger generations and Compounding this, the history Community Engagement Ofcer in communities on the edges of the Levels and the stories during the Development Phase, it of the historic landscape. Many from these communities are is evident that the history of the Partners within the Living Levels currently largely absent from Levels is ‘hidden’ from the mind Programme such as NCC, MCC, relevant collections held in the of the communities living within CC, GWT, and RSPB Cymru are public domain (for example it, and therefore also from the currently delivering over 5000 the local museums relevant wider public. Until the early 20th learning sessions in this area to for the area - the Cardif Story century, many of the landowners a predominantly primary school Museum, and museums).

Living Levels 132 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Gwent Family History Society and the Chepstow Archaeological Society - all of whom have been approached by the Community Engagement Ofcer to discuss and promote the project during the Development Phase. The activities of these diferent groups have not been co-ordinated and areas of the Levels, particularly on Wentlooge Level, are unrepresented. The LLLP provides the opportunity to produce a comprehensive study of what is recognised as one of the most outstanding historic landscapes in Wales.

More important than the gathering and analysis of these sources of data about the Gwent Levels is The only systematic study of the reclaimed areas. The regional the opportunity it ofers to inform the history and development Historic Environment Record and excite those who live in the of the Gwent Levels was that (HER) provides a comprehensive area about the co-operative published by Stephen Rippon summary of this archaeological efort involved in sustaining the (Stephen Rippon, Gwent Levels: the work but does not attempt to traditional management of the Evolution of a Wetland Landscape capture data on the individual drainage system over centuries. (York, 1996). Using tracings of and linear elements which make the Commissioners of Sewers up the characteristic Gwent Engaging new residents in Maps of 1830/31, he was able to Levels drainage system. A new their unique history will create characterise the diferent parts statutory requirement on the advocates for sustaining and of the historic landscape of the HERs is to extend their scope restoring this landscape for Levels and identify the sequence to cover these aspects of the generations to come. Up-skilling and potential date of the diferent historic landscape. The Sewers them with the training required to episodes of reclamation. This Maps and the slightly later ones maintain important heritage assets pioneering and highly influential do not include fieldnames in their which support the local economy study looked at the macro-scale apportionments. This has left a will ensure a sustainable legacy. and did not realise the full potential major gap in the collection of of the Sewers Maps or make such names undertaken as part of any attempt to interrogate the the Cynefin project, which could thousands of other documents be filled by the LLLP. There has relating to the Commissioners’ been no study of the vernacular work in Gwent Archives. This architecture of the Levels - much material is catalogued, but of which is in decay, ruin or under not calendared, nor any key the threat of demolition. documents transcribed. None are available on-line. There are a number of historical and archaeological societies There have been 30 years of whose interests cover diferent intensive and often spectacular parts or aspects of the Gwent archaeological investigations on Levels. Examples include the the Gwent Levels foreshore and Caldicot and District Historical in advance of development on and Archaeological Society, the

Living Levels 133 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Figure 11 Access and Recreation

Development of Tourism, Leisure and Recreational Facilities

The existing access and recreation alternative metro-like access Ŕ 5IFCVTDPOOFDUJWJUZUPUIF facilities within the study area structure across the majority east is relatively serviceable are shown on Figure 11. There of the area, with the main with the Newport to Chepstow is currently no co-ordinated substantive gap being the route serving the majority of welcome to the Levels. There are a Cardif to Newport of (main) the towns/villages. However, range of opportunities to develop road cycle route; the bus connectivity to the west improved facilities for access and is restricted to the A48 (albeit recreation for encouraging people Ŕ 'SPNUIFMBUFUIDFOUVSZUIF with frequent services). There to access, appreciate and enjoy the main line London railway has is a ‘call in advance’ service Gwent Levels’ landscape, history been a barrier between the to Lighthouse Inn and other and nature. Footpaths, cycleways Levels and communities lying communities in the west of and interpretation signage need to the north, for example at the project area but this is very to be sensitively designed, but , and more widely across poorly promoted and not visible can be accommodated in all the the Wentlooge Level including when using services such as landscapes within the LLLP area. Marshfield in Newport, St Travel Line Cymru; Mellons and Rumney in Cardif ; Many of the current issues Ŕ #SPXOBOE8IJUF)JHIXBZT identified with the current Ŕ 'JOEJOHXBMLTJOGPSNBUJPOGPS signage is limited to the major visitor experience in the Gwent the area is difcult, requiring tourism facilities such as Levels relate to lack of physical visits to each of the local , the Sports access, lack of information, authority websites as there is no Village, Caldicot Castle and the a poor experience and poor recognition of the Levels as a Wetlands Centre; signage. Following consultation whole although each authority with a range of public and other has promoted routes in the area; Ŕ 8IJMTUUIFSFJTBQFSDFQUJPOUIBU organisations and the three there are few facilities across the stakeholder workshops held Ŕ 5IFSFJTOPJOGPSNBUJPO Levels, there are in fact more during the Development Phase, structure across the area – tourism businesses and services the current situation is including no information/ than many perceive – see summarised below: orientation panels at key Appendix 4 of the Destination points of arrival, and little Management Plan for a full list. Ŕ 5IFMPOHEJTUBODFXBMLSPVUFT  leaflet racking (whilst there are However, these are often not including leaflets produced re walks in linked to the main attractions together with the network the Levels, it is a challenge to and linear/circular routes. of cycle routes, create an pick them up in many locations across the area);

Living Levels 134 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Ŕ $BSQBSLJOHJTVOTJHOFEBOE Ŕ 5IFBDDFTTSPVUFTUPUIF8BMFT Ŕ 5IFUSBJOMJOLTUPUIFFBTU-FWFMT can be difcult to find. Public Coast Path are not signed for provides opportunities and and business comment has visitors arriving by car, and there will/may be near- future indicated that at key times (e.g. where parking is remote from rail links to the new Sunday lunchtime) some pub the path, there is no signage developments and to St Mellons car parks are too busy to allow to take the visitor to the Wales as part of the Cardif Capital non-customer use, even with Coast Path/Sea wall; Region Metro proposals; a charge; Ŕ 'MZUJQQJOHJTBOJTTVFFTQFDJBMMZ Ŕ #BTFMJOFEBUBBDSPTTUIFXIPMF Ŕ $ZDMFSBDLQSPWJTJPODPVMECF in the west, and there are area must be put in place and improved in most areas, in also some areas where the new activity must build in more particular to allow the cyclists to environment can be seen an consistent and robust visitor keep their bikes in sight whilst intimidating, which does not feedback channels. they have a refreshment break; present a positive experience for the visitor; Ŕ %VFUPMPOHTUBOEJOH landowner objections there Ŕ 5IFCVEHFUBOETUBťOH are some short but significant resource available to maintain gaps preventing rights of way footpaths, interpretation and linking onto the Wales Coast information installations Path. Other ’possible routes’ run is extremely limited, and through very wet fields or are continually under pressure; so poorly surfaced they are not even walkable; Ŕ 5IFGPSFTIPSFJTJOUFSOBUJPOBMMZ designated for birds and Ŕ 5IFSJHIUTPGXBZBOEHSFFO is sensitive to disturbance. lane network are also patchy, Working with NRW as partners, though improving access to proposals need to ensure the green lanes especially for bird interest is not adversely equestrian access is a high afected, or disturbance caused priority for Local Authority by creating new access and/ investment currently; or encouraging more visitor numbers or a wider range of user groups including cyclists to use existing routes;

Living Levels 135 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

SWOT Analysis of Visitor Appeal

Visitor’s needs and demands can generally be defined in terms of the following 5 A’s

Ŕ "UUSBDUJPO "DUJWJUJFT "DDFTT  Accommodation and Amenities

Potentially strong (albeit not widely recognised) with regard to Attractions, Activities and Access, the LLLP area currently struggles in respect of its Accommodation and Amenities.

As an emergent product and with limited resources to impact on a wider market place under its own “banner” the success of Gwent Levels product promotion and an increase in both awareness and visits to the area will rest on the successful presentation and mainstreaming of Levels product within partner activity.

The Destination Management “toolkit” of messages and imagery the perceived scale of the Plan and engagement activities could assist in this. This would help landscape and provide local have concluded that the Gwent to unify and provide an umbrella destinations on the doorsteps Levels area is not a recognised for presenting the “Levels” many of urban communities within tourism destination area. Nor individual assets. the countryside close to where is it likely to gain ground in a people live; landscape of many that do exist Development of tourism, (both destination and organisation) leisure and recreational facilities Ŕ 1SPWJEJOHOFXPSNBOBHJOH in the area. Also, another (new) – key considerations existing small car parks at primary destination brand may not known starting points for walks be recognised and used efectively In addition to these to encourage their use, avoiding by partners (quite apart from recommendations from the the erosion of verges as a the issues regarding the levels of Destination Management Plan, key result of casual car parking on sustained activity and resources long-term recommendations from narrow roads and minimising required to establish a primary the LCA include the desirability of: large-scale car parks and leisure brand in the marketplace). Instead, facilities within areas that could it will be important to harness Ŕ 4FOTJUJWFSPVUJOHPGGPPUQBUIT diminish the special qualities of the wider area’s visitor base and and bridleways to minimise the distinctive landscape; potential latent demand (including disturbance in relation to Cardif) to ensure that the Levels is habitats of high biodiversity Ŕ 4FFLJOHPQQPSUVOJUJFTGPS presented as an easily identifiable value for birds; permissive access, particularly product/suite of products. in areas that are close to Consistency in referencing the Ŕ 4FFLJOHPQQPSUVOJUJFTUP settlements, public rights of way, Levels is needed throughout develop local circular walks viewpoints or heritage features, partners’ promotional materials – a and viewpoints, which reduce including archaeological sites.

Living Levels 136 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Image Credit: Nigel Pugh

Historic expansion of settlements

Land Use housing allocations/settlement Ŕ $BSEJŢōTFYQBOTJPOFBTUXBSE extensions around the Levels - including the St Mellons With the exception of national and small-scale unplanned or development, the Rover Way infrastructure projects that permitted development e.g. from development and the Newton are subject to the policies and agricultural structures, farm yards and Wentloog Corporate Park decision-making of the Welsh becoming haulage firms, caravans, which have created a large Government, the Monmouthshire, and equine paddocks. This has number of new industrial Newport and Cardif Local been a particular concern among units and housing which are Development Plans set out policies older residents who have lived out of character with the local for guiding development and land through some dramatic changes to landscape and in many places use change within the study area the Levels over the past century. poorly connected to the historic in accordance with the national landscape and green spaces. Planning Policy for Wales. The LCA highlights the following pressures in addition: The LCA notes that there is a need Extensive urban land uses have to identify enhanced connectivity encroached onto the Gwent Ŕ 4FUUMFNFOUFYQBOTJPOQSFTTVSFT between the districts and their Levels during the 19th and 20th from strategic housing sites respective open space provision, centuries and there remains around Undy and Magor, , and Wentlooge Level. There are continued pressure for residential, Caldicot and Marshfield - ribbon, significant barriers including industrial and commercial infill and non-vernacular both the Lamby Way Landfill Site development around the edges of development pressures. and the railway line at present the Levels – all key components in but development opportunities driving a buoyant local economy Ŕ *OUIF8FOUMPPHF-FWFM  arising from the Metro scheme but sometimes at odds with intensification of existing land and closure of Lamby Way present conservation objectives. uses, such as golf courses, significant opportunities for fishing lakes etc. improvements. The cumulative impacts of both large-scale infrastructure projects Ŕ /FXQPSUōTFYQBOTJPOFBTUXBSE and small-scale developments - including both industrial, retail was highlighted as a key concern and residential units including for stakeholders who contributed the Queensway Meadows and to the Landscape Character Traston Road developments, workshops and residents consulted and to the West of Newport the as part of our engagement Dufryn Housing Estate, school programme, particularly regarding and retail units.

Living Levels 137 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Image Credit: Nigel Pugh

Renewable energy generation Currently, there is a pre-application 2km from the mouth of the for a 49.9MW solar farm scheme . However, the recent Wind turbines are also a distinctive, that covers 345 acres (139 ha) Hendry review recommended frequent and highly visible form of and is spread over 6 parcels of build completion of the approved renewable energy infrastructure on land within 2 SSSIs in the Gwent Swansea Tidal Lagoon prior to the Levels. Because of the windy Levels (Nash and Goldclif SSSI and approving planning permission for and exposed nature of the Levels Whitson SSSI). The proposal falls the Cardif project and at the time landscape, there is a significant within the new Developments of of writing no planning applications potential for further wind energy National Significance (DNS) regime. for either the proposed lagoon generation. The LCA states that At the time of writing, the proposal schemes at Cardif or Newport had “single/small scale development was at a pre-application stage and been submitted to the Planning of wind turbines are generally no decision had been made. Inspectorate. out of scale and form with the existing landscape” and “ vertical Proposed Cardif and Newport M4 Corridor around Newport elements can have a significant Tidal Lagoons Scheme detrimental visual impact on the coastal levels and adjacent Nationally significant infrastructure On 21 June 2016, Ken Skates - the estuary edge”. Furthermore, projects also include two proposals Cabinet Secretary for Economy “proposals for large-scale photo for tidal lagoon schemes, which and Infrastructure – announced voltaic arrays in ‘solar farms’ can would present significant changes that a public inquiry will be held on also have potentially significant to the existing seascape character the M4 Corridor around Newport landscape and visual efects where of the Severn Estuary within (‘the Scheme’). The Scheme for poorly designed or sited. “Quite the LLLP area. If approved, the the M4 Corridor around Newport a few residents and stakeholders proposed ofshore Tidal lagoon consists of: also raised the issue of some of electricity generating station with the proposed renewable energy a potential generating capacity of The construction of a new section generation projects as a concern, up to a possible 2800 MW would of 3-lane motorway mainly mostly for reasons of visual impact be installed between Cardif following the protected TR111 but also regarding water quality Bay and the mouth of the River ‘Black Route’, between Junctions and quantity in relation to runof Usk. A seawall would be built 23 and 29 (Magor to Castleton), from solar in to the reen and and attached to the foreshore. including a new crossing of the ditch network and habitat loss for At its western extent it would River Usk south of Newport; and priority species. be approximately 2 km from the Complementary measures; entrance to Cardif Bay, and at its eastern extent approximately

Living Levels 138 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Reclassification of the Through this process a Planning existing motorway between Inspector and an Assistant Magor and Castleton; Inspector will consider the cases for and against the Scheme and A connection between the M4, alternative routes. The Inquiry M48 and B4245; started in February 2017 and at the time of writing this LCAP was Promoting the use of cycling - ongoing and likely to continue as an alternative to the car for into the Autumn with a decision journeys of up to three miles by unlikely now until late 2018. providing new infrastructure or The Inspectors will then need to improving existing infrastructure; prepare a report setting out the evidence submitted to the Inquiry Promoting the use of walking - and their recommendations as an alternative to the car for (based on that evidence) to the journeys of up to three miles Welsh Ministers on whether the by providing new or improving development should proceed. existing infrastructure. Ultimately, it is the Welsh Ministers’ decision whether to proceed with the M4 Diversion, but Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates has said that the Welsh Ministers will abide by the Inspectors’ recommendations.

Living Levels 139 Figure 16 — Proposed M4 Scheme Route Map

Living Levels 140 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Impact of the M4 Scheme habitat and wildlife impacts cited was also a great deal of concern in the EIA, notably the impact to over the potential for ribbon If the scheme is approved and the Shrill Carder bee populations development as a result of the new does go ahead construction would north of the motorway (currently M4 and the possible impact on coincide with delivery of the LLLP 40% of the population could be community cohesion, particularly (currently Welsh Government lists cut of leading to die of). It would if the area becomes even more the possible start date as April likely lead to the permanent of a commuter belt when the 2018 but the public inquiry has displacement of the recently Severn Bridge tolls are removed lasted several months longer than established breeding cranes at the end of 2018. There was also originally anticipated so it is likely as the motorway crosses their concern over the potential for that this date will slip if approved). nesting and foraging site. In fragmentation of habitats north of Construction would take three terms of visual and sensory the road. years to complete. The proposed impact there are concerns over new M4 would deliver 23km of the noise disturbance impacting It was also acknowledged by six lane motorway of which 8km on key peace and tranquillity some that the M4 may ofer an will cut through four Gwent Levels aspects of Gwent Levels sense opportunity for robust planning SSSIs (Redwick and Llandevenny, of place and visual impact of the to conserve the Gwent Levels in Whitson, Nash and Goldclif and raised structure. future, especially if the new M4 St Brides) and will include parts of were to become a ‘development the Magor Marsh Nature Reserve. While a key component in helping line’ which could be held to In addition, 125ha of SSSI habitats, sustain the national economy, the preserve the historic landscape 2.5kms of main reen and 9km of Welsh Government’s proposals with subsequent compensatory field ditches will be removed to for the M4 around Newport are funding allocated to its make way for the scheme with likely to exacerbate feelings of conservation in the long-term. new drainage channels to be community fragmentation and However, this was not the majority created adjacent to the motorway. isolation and present a significant view which prevailed amongst the Associated with this plan, there are challenge for protecting the communities we have spoken to. a number of concerns about the integrity of the historic landscape, There was also some scepticism potential for ecological disturbance biodiversity and sense of about the likelihood of the from the habitat destruction and tranquillity – a key part of the allocated funding being adequate pollution of the reen network from identity of the area at present. to achieve this. runof which could be potentially There were mixed views within devastating for the nationally the partnership and amongst the important wildlife. There are also community on the impact of the proposed . There

Living Levels 141 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Partnership response The Partnership has agreed that it will not engage in political Organisations on the LLLP Board lobbying in regards to any existing, are either opposed, in favour or planned or future development hold an impartial view on matters and planning issues in the Gwent related to the relief road. The Levels, including the proposed LLLP has had no direct contact M4 motorway diversion, and will with consortiums involved in remain neutral on these matters developing proposals for the in all external communications M4 Scheme. Whilst the inquiry under the Living Levels Partnership is ongoing the Partnership has name. However, there is a agreed to keep a close watch collective desire to pursue a over developments and review more coordinated and strategic this stance in light of any further approach to development which developments. All capital projects will minimise the impact on and assets produced as part of the the historic environment and HLF grant will occur outside of the communities and avoid the proposed route. Partners have also piecemeal approach which has considered the potential impact taken place to date which has left of access roads and the wider many of the communities we have footprint and have concentrated spoken to with the impression that plans away from afected sites. the landscape is sufering from a ‘death by 1000 cuts’ attitude towards the Levels and that it is a ‘forgotten landscape’.

Living Levels 142 Part One – The Scheme Plan / Threats and Opportunities in the Landscape

Expansion of settlements and Ŕ $BSFGVMMZTJUFEUSFFQMBOUJOH Ŕ &OIBODJOHDPOOFDUJWJUZ new built development - key using locally appropriate between the western part of considerations native species alongside new Caldicot Level/the eastern part or altered roads in places to of Wentlooge Level and local Key considerations from the reduce the perceived scale of communities/greenspaces in LCA associated with settlement road developments, integrate Newport. Other opportunities expansion and integrating with the existing network of include linking the wetland park existing and new infrastructure rectilinear boundaries and add created as part of the into the landscape in terms of variety to local views; development with Caldicot its relationship to the landscape Level and promoting enhanced setting of the Gwent Levels include Ŕ 5IFDSFBUJPOPGOFXBOE access to the Newport the long-term desirability of: improved connections between Wetlands National Nature Cardif City and Wentlooge Reserve and the Great Traston Ŕ *EFOUJGZJOHBOEDPOTFSWJOH Level as part of the Cardif Meadows Nature Reserve. any existing remnant historic Strategic Development Site H, landscape features on the including the provision of access Ŕ 1SPNPUJOHFOIBODFEBDDFTTUP fringes of settlements, such across the railway line. Such the Magor Marsh Nature Reserve as smaller pastures, open field opportunities may link with, and the Wales Coastal Path for ditches/reens, orchards and or be identified through, the residents of the Monmouthshire green lanes, and incorporating Hendre Lake Management Plan. Severnside Settlements these within proposed green In addition, once it has ceased infrastructure networks ; to be operational the restoration of the Lamby Way Landfill Site Ŕ 4FFLJOHPQQPSUVOJUJFTUP provides an opportunity to create grassland habitats develop a country park to act as on existing road verges, a western gateway to the coast bare ground and newly and the Gwent Levels. constructed embankments, to provide valuable ecological corridors for pollinators and invertebrates through an intensively farmed landscape;

Living Levels 143 Image Credit: Tony Smith