Public Document Pack

To: Members of the Clwydian Date: 19 June 2017 Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Direct 01824 712589 Joint Committee Dial:

Email: democratic@denbighshire.gov.uk

Dear Councillor

You are invited to attend a meeting of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee, Friday, 23 June 2017 at 10.00 am in Conference Room 1a, County Hall, Ruthin.

Yours sincerely

G Williams Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services

AGENDA

1 INTRODUCTIONS, APOLOGIES AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

2 ELECTION OF CHAIR

3 MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 25TH NOVEMBER 2016 - (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 3 - 8)

4 DRAFT MINUTES OF AONB PARTNERSHIP HELD 10TH MARCH 2016 (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 9 - 18)

5 JOINT COMMITTEE BUDGET (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 19 - 40)

6 FUTURE LANDSCAPES WALES AND ADOPTION OF VISION (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 41 - 72)

7 AONB ANNUAL REPORT (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 73 - 108)

8 VOLUNTEER STRATEGY (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 109 - 132)

9 UPDATE OUR PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPE - VERBAL UPDATE

10 SUMMARY OF AONB PLANNING CONSULTATIONS OCTOBER 2016 TO MARCH 2017 (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 133 - 136) Item for information only.

11 FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME (COPY ATTACHED) (Pages 137 - 140)

12 FUTURE MEETING DATES 24th November 2017, 23rd February 2018, 22nd June 2018 and 23rd November 2018.

MEMBERSHIP

Councillors

Hugh Evans Huw Hilditch-Roberts

COPIES TO:

All Councillors for information Press and Libraries Town and Community Councils

Agenda Item 3

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CLWYDIAN RANGE AND DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY JOINT COMMITTEE HELD IN THE DELYN COMMITTEE ROOM, COUNTY HALL, MOLD ON FRIDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2016

Councillors: Hugh Jones - Chair (WCBC), Derek Butler (FCC) and Barbara Smith (DCC)

Also Present - Andy Worthington (Chair AONB Partnership), Paul Mitchell (Natural Resources Wales), Howard Sutcliffe (AONB Officer), Gary Williams (Head of Legal and Democratic Services, DCC), Tom Woodall (Access and Natural Environment Manager, FCC), Huw Rees (Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, DCC), Martin Howarth (Parks, Countryside and Rights of Way Manager, WCBC), David Shiel (Assistant AONB Officer), Helen Mrowiec (AONB Senior Recreation Officer), Paula O’Hanlon (Senior Finance and Assurance Officer, DCC), Karen Holthofer (AONB Communications Officer, DCC), Gareth O Williams (Principal Finance Officer, DCC), John Roberts and Michael Skuse (AONB Partnership and Friends of AONB) and Sharon Thomas (Committee Officer, FCC)

1. INTRODUCTIONS, APOLOGIES AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Bernie Attridge (FCC), Hugh Evans (DCC) and Huw Jones (DCC).

The Chair welcomed Barbara Smith to her first Joint Committee Meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

2. MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 24 JUNE 2016

Accuracy

Minute number 6: Gareth Williams advised that it was he who had presented the report on the Joint Committee Outturn and Accounts 2015/16 and Budget 2016/17. He would also need to be added to the attendance list for the meeting.

Matters Arising

Minute number 3: The Joint Committee was now represented by Huw Jones at meetings of the World Heritage Board. The AONB Officer had investigated the lack of representation at the Cadwyn Clwyd Board. He has been advised that the Chair of the Board felt the AONB was sufficiently represented by the Local Authority Members who sit on the Board. The AONB Officer felt it was now up to these members (Cllrs Huw Jones and Hugh Jones) to make further representation if they felt that the matter should be pursued.

1 Page 3 Minute number 6: The suggestion for the presentation by Friends of the AONB to relevant Scrutiny Committee of each of the three Local Authorities would be followed up, to help raise awareness of the important work of the AONB.

RESOLVED:

(i) Subject to the two amendments, the minutes of the Joint Committee meeting held on 24 June 2016 be received and approved as a correct record. (ii) That AONB Officer progress the presentation by Friends of the AONB to the relevant Scrutiny Committees at each of the three Local Authorities.

3. DRAFT MINUTES OF AONB PARTNERSHIP HELD ON 21 OCTOBER 2016

As Chair of the Partnership, Andy Worthington, highlighted some of the key points, namely the presentation on ‘Our Picturesque Landscape Project’ and positive involvement by the working groups on addressing general congestion and parking issues within the AONB.

During an update on the National Grid initiatives, the importance of improving access in Bryneglwys was acknowledged as part of the tourism strategy for the AONB. On the National Grid Improvement initiative, an expression of interest had been submitted in October. The single bid had been successful and work was underway on the approach to be taken, involving discussions with local landowners.

The valued contributions from the five different working groups to the work of the Partnership was recognised.

The Chair thanked the Chair and Members of the AONB Partnership for their work.

AGREED - The minutes of the AONB Partnership meeting held on 21 October 2016 be received and approved as a correct record.

4. LOGGERHEADS CAR PARK

The Assistant AONB Officer reported on the success of extended parking provision at Loggerheads, in the form of an overflow car park. Work on the realignment of the entrance was due for completion by the end of the year.

5. AONB BUSINESS PLAN

The AONB Senior Recreation Officer presented the draft Business Plan which set out the background to the AONB as well as its financial and management arrangements. A section on the core budget indicated low admin and office costs linked to AONB work, and the work of core staff in attracting funding and sponsorship was highlighted. An overview was given of the project budgets and progress with the work programme. The final version of the Business

2 Page 4 Plan would be updated to reflect the current work programme content and would be circulated to the Joint Committee following the meeting.

During discussion, the following points were raised:

 Prioritising resources by setting priorities based on feedback of working groups and involving expertise from partner organisations and Local Authorities.  The need to maximise opportunities for time limited grants.  Potential funding opportunities arising from the proposed development centre for North Wales.  The importance of submitting quality applications for funding to Cadwyn Clwyd, within the limited criteria.

RESOLVED - That the draft Business Plan be endorsed, delegating its delivery to the AONB Officer.

6. JOINT COMMITTEE BUDGET

Gareth Williams presented the report on the Joint Committee Budget and Outturn for 2016/17, advising that progress was on track. He gave unofficial notification of a £7.5K uplift in the contribution from Wrexham County Borough Council for 2016/17 to match the amount from Flintshire County Council. The Chair agreed to follow this up.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the financial outturn for 2016/17 and progress against the agreed budget strategy be noted. (ii) That the Chair forward a confirmation email to Gareth O Williams of Denbighshire Finance confirming the increased contribution.

7. SUMMARY OF ACCESS AND RECREATION GRANT

The AONB Officer presented a report on the Access and Recreation grant, for information only.

The AONB Senior Recreation Officer gave an overview of the four projects which had been successful in securing a total of over £33K of additional funding from Welsh Government. She welcomed the prompt responses to requests for information which had helped to support the bid for this time limited grant. The aim was to identify further projects which could be pursued in the event of this grant becoming available for future years.

8. OUR PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPE

In providing an update, the AONB Senior Recreation Officer reported that consultants had been appointed to look at five different elements of the project. Following the completion of community engagement events, work was underway in relation to the Plas Newydd area and Wernffrwd site in

3 Page 5 Llangollen which were important in gaining access to the World Heritage Site. Additional funding had been secured from Cadwyn Clwyd for the interpretation of the schemes.

During discussion, the following points were raised:

 Recognition of the work undertaken by Sarah Jeffery.  The need to engage with local town/community councils to identify sites for improvement and to pursue opportunities for funding accessible by voluntary sector groups.  The importance of continued close working with communities to achieve beneficial outcomes for all.

RESOLVED - That the update be noted.

9. WORLD HERITAGE SITE

As Chair of the World Heritage Site Board, the Chair advised of plans to adopt a structure similar to that of the Joint AONB Committee, involving Cabinet Members of the three Local Authorities in Wrexham, Denbighshire and Shropshire being on an Executive Board with a Partnership supporting the Board. The strategic plan of the Board would focus on a more ‘bottom up’ approach. Details were also shared on the establishment of a new managerial post to work closely with the AONB team, to be funded by the three Authorities and the Canal & River Trust.

RESOLVED - That the update be noted.

10. FRIENDS OF THE CLWYDIAN RANGE AND DEE VALLEY

The AONB Senior Recreation Officer reported that the membership of the Friends of the AONB had increased to over 170 which had far exceeded expectations. She thanked the Friends for their work and gave an overview of their recent excellent events and contributions to projects. New events were being planned and a high-quality newsletter was published quarterly.

Comments were made in recognition of the positive working between the Friends and the AONB team, and this was valued by the Joint Committee.

RESOLVED - That the update be noted.

11. SUMMARY OF AONB PLANNING CONSULTATIONS MARCH 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 2016

The AONB Officer presented the report for information only, indicating that there were only ten developments where the Local Planning Authority had not accepted the AONB comments. Thanks were expressed to Tony Hughes for his work in collating the report.

4 Page 6 12. FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME

The AONB Manager presented the report and confirmed that a bid to Cadwyn Clwyd was being considered for traffic congestion and car parking.

During discussion, the following points were raised:

 Progress on the Dark Skies project was expected to move from Amber to Green.  On the suggestion to re-introduce a bus from Loggerheads, it was noted that there had been insufficient demand and that resources were being diverted to cover services following the collapse of GHA Coaches. There was potential to explore bus services across the AONB using existing services or smaller shuttle buses.

RESOLVED - That the updated Forward Work Programme be noted.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Chair gave feedback on a recent NAAONB meeting for AONB Chairs that he had attended in London regarding the future of AONBs following Brexit. Amongst the various topics was that on agricultural policy and funding which was not replicated in other areas of commerce. The meeting had highlighted opportunities for national AONBs to take the initiative on agricultural funding and determine desired outcomes from Brexit.

14. FUTURE MEETING DATES

It was agreed that the AONB Officer would liaise with Members of the Joint Committee to determine which of the suggested meeting dates on the agenda would proceed. Members with any preferences on the dates were asked to contact Karen Holthofer who would inform Steve Price.

RESOLVED - That the AONB Communication Officer liaise with Members of the Joint Committee and agree suitable dates for the future meetings.

Councillor Hugh Jones (WCBC) Chair

5 Page 7 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 4

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership

Minutes of the Meeting held on Friday 10th March 2017 At Conference Room 2 Llangollen Pavilion at 10:00 am

AONB Partnership Members Representing Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Councillor Martyn Holland Representing Land Management Councillor Huw L Jones Sandy Archdale Councillor Hugh Jones (Chair of the Joint Committee) Councillor RJ Dutton OBE Representing Access and Recreation Councillor Lloyd Kenyon Andrew Worthington OBE (Chair) Councillor Paul Cunningham (Vice Chair) Councillor Colin Legg Individual Interest John I Roberts Howard Sutcliffe (AONB Officer) Helen Walker David Shiel (Assistant AONB Officer) David Davies Tony Hughes (AONB Planning Officer) Karen Holthofer (AONB Communications Officer) Representing Rural Interest Ceri Lloyd (AONB Sustainable Development Officer) Christine Evans Roger Cragg Representing Wrexham County Borough Council Anna Irwin (Senior Conservation and Environment Officer) Representing Business Interest Dewi Davies Representing Denbighshire County Council Huw Rees (Head of Countryside & Heritage Services) Urban Interest Fiona Gale (County Archaeologist) (Dee Valley and World Heritage Site) Del Roberts-Jones Representing Flintshire County Council

Representing Landscape Interest Tom Woodall (Head of FCC Countryside Service & ROW) Michael Skuse Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Observer Representing Historical Interest Paul Mitchell Tony King

Representing the Built Environment Philip Durrell

Representing the Natural Environment Les Starling

Apologies for absence were submitted from: - Councillor Merfyn Parry, Councillor Stuart Davies, Christine Evans, Gareth Wyn Jones, Martin Howarth, Helen Mrowiec, Ian Papworth, Sharron Jones

Welcome

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The Chair welcomed members to the spring meeting of the AONB Partnership.

1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on October 21st 2016 Matters arising Philip Durrell, Les Starling to be added to attendees Sandy Archdale to be added to Landscape Management

2.3 National Grid Visual Improvement Initiative (VIP) including the Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI) The AONB had submitted an Expression of Interest for projects associated with the Morwynion Valley and Tremeirchion (National Grid) overhead lines. The LEI project was being developed locally and led by the Land Management and Natural Environment Working Group. This item was ongoing.

2.4 Scottish Power Overhead Line Undergrounding Programme This initiative was for low voltage schemes. The sites proposed for undergrounding were: Moel y Parc, Horseshoe Pass (up to the Ponderosa), Ty Mawr Country Park, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Horseshoe Falls and the Toll booth Café area on the A5.

Moel y Parc application This existing scheme was scheduled for completion this year. Signage would be erected to inform visitors that the work had been carried out at the instigation of the AONB.

The County Archaeologist added that she was also in negotiation with Scottish Power regarding a potential scheme at Moel Hiraddug to remove redundant poles and lines.

2.5 Sewage Works near Poncysyllte Aqueduct The AONB Officer updated members on various actions that were being taken to press for removal or remediation of this eyesore within the World Heritage Site. An officer from NRW (Tom Lewis) had been identified to assist the AONB with the issue. Welsh Water had recently held a Public Consultation and the AONB Officer had raised the issue of the sewage works. Roger Cragg said that relocating the plant or pumping the sewage to another treatment works would not be easily achieved and would be an expensive option. He suggested that consideration be given to a more modern installation, using a Rotating Biological Contactor (RCB). This method would include covered tanks and offer some concealment of the sewage works. An example RBC was situated at Llydiart Anne, Llantysilio.

The Landscape Character and Built Environment Working Group were leading on this item.

5. AONB Annual Forum This year’s Forum had been held on the evening of November 30th at Twm o’r Nant Theatre, Denbigh, with the theme of ‘The Natural Environment of the AONB’. The Speakers for the evening were:

Amy Green o Amy provided a presentation on the (North Wales Wildlife Trust) Alyn & Chwiler Living Landscape Project

Martin Clift o Martin provided a presentation on the (RSPB) North Wales Moors Project & Black Grouse Recovery Project

Sarah Bird o Sarah provided a presentation on the (Chester Zoo) Juniper Plant Project at Prestatyn Hillside

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The AONB had an active role in all three projects. The Forum had been a very successful evening with over fifty people attending.

5.1 Local Members & Community Councils within the AONB - Annual Forum The AONB Officer explained that an evening or afternoon was offered annually to the Local Members & Community Councils within the AONB, providing an opportunity to meet with the AONB Team. The Forum was to update those attending on the work that the AONB had accomplished within the last year.

This year’s Forum was held on the afternoon and evening of February 2nd at Froncysyllte Community Centre and although attendance at the Forum had been disappointing, links with the Councils of Chirk, Cefn Mawr and Llangwyfan and Llanbedr had been created, and the AONB Officer had since been out to meet with other Local Members.

It was suggested that the venue of Forum should be rotated around the AONB and it was proposed that the next Forum to be held in the north. It was also proposed that there should be a ‘champion’ for the AONB on each of the Town and Community Councils in order to raise awareness of any AONB related matters. However, it was recognised that this could not be completed until after the May elections. John Roberts added that the Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB were inviting Community Councils to consider becoming a Community Partner in order to champion the AONB. A presentation to Wrexham Town and Community Forum was also proposed, and members agreed that this would be a worthwhile initiative Action 1. The Forum to be rotated around different venues within the AONB, and the next Forum being held in the north

2. A proposal for an AONB Champion to be proposed to each of the Town and Community Councils (via letter)

3. The AONB Team to approach Wrexham Town and Community Forum to inquire if the AONB could complete a presentation to its members

8. AONB Award for 2016 The AONB Officer explained that this year’s awards were presented to the Community of Llandegla and to Mike Worsley and James Yale (Volunteer Award) on January 20th by the Chair of the Joint Committee at Llandegla Community Shop. It was a very worthwhile day, and it was recognised as good practice for the AONB Team/Partnership to go to the community of Llandegla to present the awards, and to reflect on the work of volunteers within the AONB. Councillor Martyn Holland said that the Community of Llandegla had been delighted to have received the award.

The Chair of the Joint Committee said that it was important to recognise the volunteering spirit and community commitment that were within the AONB. Mike Worsley and James Yale were also delighted to receive the AONB Volunteer Award. The AONB Officer asked meeting members to be actively seeking, and proposing businesses or individual nominations in preparation for next year’s awards.

The minutes were agreed as a correct record of the meeting

2. Update from the AONB Officer Working Groups The AONB Officer said that most of the groups now benefited from external members who were not members of the Partnership. These members helped to raise the profile of the Partnership, and he praised the Working Groups for the work that they were doing on behalf of the Partnership and the AONB.

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AONB Joint Committee The next meeting of the Joint Committee would be held on Friday June 23rd at 10:00 am in Conference Room 2 County Hall Ruthin.

National Association of AONB’s (NAAONB) The Chair of the Joint Committee and the AONB Officer had recently attended the NAAONB’s Annual Meeting. The potential effects of Brexit were discussed, along with a presentation on National Capital.

Hedge Laying Competition The AONB Officer said that that this was the third year that the competition had been held. He explained that the volunteers had put a lot of effort into laying hedges throughout the county. Hedge laying was a traditional craft that allowed a hedge to be partially cut and laid down at an angle, which resulted in regrowth of the hedge coming from the bottom. This skill was an old technique that was essential for the much needed regeneration of hedgerows. Hedgerows were also essential habitats for wildlife. This year’s competition had been held on private land near Bodfari and in total 77 metres of hedge had been laid by 26 competitors. Discussion ensued and members agreed that if the Natural Environment was to be properly protected, younger generations would need to be educated in these traditional skills. All agreed that it was an excellent event.

East Cheshire & West Cheshire Countryside Services The AONB Officer explained that he along with other members of the AONB Team had recently visited East Cheshire and West Cheshire Countryside Services. East Cheshire Countryside Service was continuing to operate efficiently. However, West Cheshire was to lose its Countryside Management Service. By comparison, Welsh Countryside Services had been treated more favourably by its Local Authorities.

North East Wales Grazing Scheme (NEWGS) The AONB Officer said that NEWGS was a Sustainable Management Scheme, and an Expression of Interest (EOI) had been submitted. The first EOI bid had been unsuccessful. However, the second application had been approved. The project would be for held for over three years to develop grazing for cattle, ponies and sheep. The project would focus on landscapes that were not currently being grazed and would include Prestatyn Hillside and Coed Moel Famau as well as sites within the Dee Valley. The scheme was a Welsh Government Funding initiative that would work in partnership with landowners and conservation officers. Shepherding would also be re-introduced as part of the project. The Chair thanked both Rachel Jones and David Shiel for all their hard work on the application.

3. Presentation: ‘Sustainable Development Fund’ Sustainable Development Officer, Ceri Lloyd provided a clear and concise power point presentation explaining that 18 projects and 3 grants schemes had been completed this year, with £55,000 being claimed from Welsh Government. SDF Funding had also contributed to the creation of five jobs.

Countryside o The Countryside Grant Scheme was in partnership with Grant Scheme FWAG, with up to 50% of the total cost of a project funded.

Telephone Kiosks o This project was in partnership with Cadwyn Clwyd, with the potential for redundant red telephone kiosks to be transformed into Information Points or Defibrillator points.

Actif Woods o This project was located in both Flintshire and Wrexham Flintshire - Twelve adults with mental health difficulties attended Actif woods to complete Woodland Management activities including charcoal making. The project was held for twelve weeks. Wrexham - Woodland Gym - woodland walk events

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were held.

Woodland Skills o Volunteers had assisted with the erection of a new Centre building that would be completed on 22nd March. An invitation would be circulated to the Partnership to attend the opening of the building.

Nature Spy o Partnership member Helen Walker had been supporting Nature Spy. Volunteers had been recruited to examine the species within the AONB. Nature Spy had been visiting schools within the AONB in order to introduce children to the project and the AONB. A camera was hidden within the school grounds. All recordings were on the ‘Cofnod’ site.

Nature Spy Some members raised concerns regarding the safety of the camera equipment, the Sustainable Development Officer responded that equipment was quite secure. One camera had been vandalised at a school but fortunately the school was insured for the damage to the equipment.

4. Partnership Working Groups The Chairs of the Working Groups provided a brief verbal update on the progress of their groups.

4.1 Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) Working Group Chair of the SDF Working Group, Mike Skuse, reported that subject to Welsh Government confirmation there would be £55,000 available for SDF funding for the forthcoming year. £5,000 would be deducted for administration costs and £5,000 for the Countryside Grant Scheme. The following allocations had been made:  £10,000 to encourage disadvantaged people to visit the AONB.  £5,000 to assist in the training of traditional skills to young people  £3,000 for the Good Grub Club, to assist with the Dee Valley Farmers to work with local butchers There had been an underspend of £40,000 from the Welsh Protected Landscapes budget from which the AONB had bid for £20,000 to assist in further funding four projects that had already received an SDF grant. Mike went on to explain that the emphasis from Welsh Government appeared to focus on funding larger scale projects that would include an economic or health benefit. This appeared to be associated with the Environment Act and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, both of which implied that protected rural areas, including National Parks and AONBs, must include economic benefit and health benefits within their proposals. Two more ideas for possible funding had recently been discussed. One was for part funding the Ordnance Survey to produce a 1/25000 map for the AONB. The other was to fund the planting of trees to compensate for loss through Ash Die back (in hedgerows and in unused or infertile pockets of land on farms).

With regard to the Good Grub Club the Assistant AONB Officer said that there was still outstanding work required on promoting local produce into suitable outlets, and expanding opportunity.

It was also proposed that the Local Access Forums in Flintshire and Wrexham be approached regarding the possibility of access being enhanced for disabled people to visit the AONB through a joint project. The Chair thanked Mike Skuse and the group for all the work that had been completed. Action Local Access Forums in FCC and WCBC to be approached regarding enhanced disabled access – possible joint project

4.2 Landscape Character and Built Environment Working Group

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Chair of the Working Group, Councillor Martyn Holland, reported that the group had met on the 20th January. Matters discussed included:

Poncysyllte Sewage Treatment Works The issue was constantly being raised, the sewage works required improvement or relocation as previously discussed

Undergrounding of powerlines at Moel y Parc The Moel y Parc Project would go ahead but no start details had been announced.

Ash Die Back Sam Milner and Richard Sumner (both of NRW) had given a presentation on Ash Die Back. A Management Plan was discussed to assist with managing the disease and the decline of trees.

Dark Skies Status The AONB’s application for Dark Skies Status Funding had been granted. Denbighshire Draft SPG Consultation: Recreational Public Open Space Recreational Public Open Space Consultation had also been considered by the group.

Summary of Planning Consultations: It was noted that of the three Local Planning Authorities the largest number of AONB comments that had not been accepted related to Denbighshire. Members had raised concerns and the issue was being monitored long term. It was suggested that some members of DCC planning Authority be invited to a working group meeting to discuss further.

Loggerheads Additional Car Park The car park was now open and was being significantly used. The AONB Officer thanked Councillor Holland for his support regarding the car park.

Moel Famau Visitor Pressure The volume of visitors to Moel Famau was discussed together with the impact upon the local residents who lived close to the access roads to the area. Dog fouling issues at Moel Famau Country Park had continued to be a concern.

Discussion ensued. The Assistant AONB Officer explained that as part of its Tourism Growth Plan, the AONB Team were working closely with DCC Economic Development Department to consider options on how to move an initiative forward to encourage visitors to disperse to other parts of the AONB and towns like Ruthin and Mold. They were also considering the multi-use of car park tickets that could offer the visitor free parking in for example Ruthin or 20% percent off the admission fee at Ruthin Gaol etc. In summing up the Chair of the Joint Committee said that alternative sustainable transport should be considered and a strategic plan would be required to address access to the AONB and the impact of visitor pressure on the area.

Action Officers from the AONB and DCC Planning Authority to be invited to attend a Future Working Group Meeting.

4.3 Heritage, Culture and Communities The Chair of the Working Group, Christine Evans was unable to attend the meeting and the lead officer for the group, County Archaeologist, Fiona Gale reported on behalf of the group.

Historic Environment Act 2016: The new Act was outlined and it was explained that new guidance would soon be available which would link into the Act.

Project Work The Group was considering various sites including Minera Quarry. The County Archaeologist would explore funding opportunities from Cadw, Cadwyn, and SDF.

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Welsh Government Access Project: This was a Welsh Government Access project at Gop Cairn, Trelawnyd, which would enhance access and interpretation at the site. A leaflet would also be produced.

Clwyd Trust Limestone Caves Project: The County Archaeologist explained that the aim of the project was to try to assess which caves could have had human occupation. ‘Our Picturesque Landscape Project’ had also been discussed and the group was now working towards its Forward Work Programme

4.4 Land Management and the Natural Environment Chair of the Working Group, Gareth Wyn Jones, was unable to attend the meeting. However he had provided a brief which Les Starling presented to meeting.

National Grid Landscape Enhancement Scheme in the Tremeirchion & Morwynion The AONB had been invited to submit a full application for the project. The proposal was a 4 year scheme with 15 landowners already engaged to participate in the Morwynion Valley on projects such as hedge maintenance, heathland and roadside nature reserves. However, there were frustrations regarding the application process being too complicated, with a lack of understanding on aspects of the project amongst the National Grid and regulator, who ultimately approved the application. Officers were working hard to overcome this situation, given that the project was an excellent opportunity for the AONB.

North East Wales Grazing Scheme The Group was looking forward to seeing the project develop. There were 35 proposed sites all with a conservation interest that would benefit from the grazing project. Scrub removal and boundary maintenance such as fencing and hedging formed an important part of the proposals.

Llantysilio Mountain Proposed works demonstrating the increasing biodiversity value of the site were in progress. The RSPB were currently involved in various initiatives on the mountain.

Sheep Worrying This was an increasing problem and the Group supported the AONB's work in partnership with North Wales Police to launch an awareness campaign for dog owners called ‘Operation Flock’. This campaign along with the AONB's support would be welcomed by farmers and landowners alike. The lack of awareness and promoting of the Countryside Code was highlighted at the meeting.

4.5 Recreation, Tourism and Business Engagement The Chair of the Working Group Dewi Davies, was not able to attend the meeting. The Senior Recreation Officer provided a brief written update on the Group’s work. Unfortunately due to staff capacity a meeting had not been held since the last Partnership meeting. However, a date for a meeting has now been set and Jim Jones from North Wales Tourism would be attending.

Limestone Legacy Project A draft leaflet had now been produced and had been circulated to the group for comments.

Visitor Access Data The data has been circulated to the group.

The Chair of the Partnership thanked all of the Chairs of the Working Groups for their reports and said that it was evident that the Working Groups were now fully operational and providing a significant contribution. The Chair of the Joint Committee added that the reports from the Working Group Chairs demonstrated the huge amount of work that was taking place and the wide range of projects that were being completed. This exhibited just how active the AONB was. This was all the more admirable because all of the Partnership members gave their time voluntarily and that this was very much appreciated by the AONB.

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5. AONB Partnership – Summer Meeting & Field Trip The next Partnership Meeting will be held on Friday June 16th. It was agreed at the last Partnership meeting that the Summer Partnership meeting would include a field trip (following the Partnership Meeting). Members considered various sites within the AONB for the field trip to be held, and it was decided that the Partnership would make a site visit to Tomen y Rhodwydd Action The next Partnership Meeting would be held on Friday 16th June at the Old School House, LLanarmon yn IaI followed by a site visit to the Motte and Bailey castle – Tomen y Rhodwydd

6. AONB Dark Skies Initiative The Assistant AONB Officer explained that the application to Cadwyn Clwyd and the SDF Fund had both been successful. Dark Sky Wales and Bro had been appointed to assess the quality of the skies of the AONB and to advise on how the application should be taken forward. He went on to explain that AONB was probably not large enough to apply for a Dark Sky Reserve status. However, a Dark Sky Park designation could be an achievable objective. A Stakeholder event would be held on 20th March, along with six public events throughout the year. A mobile planetarium would be used at all the events. Mapping would be completed to gather dark sky readings at 40 venues within the AONB, with volunteers being trained on how to monitor the skies. The Chair of the Joint Committee and the Chair of the Partnership along with the Chairs of the Working Groups had been invited to the Stakeholder Event.

7. Natural Resources Policy Consultation The AONB Officer briefly explained the purpose of the Welsh Government Consultation: The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 required Welsh Ministers to prepare, publish and implement a national Natural Resources Policy – a document setting out their general and specific policies for contributing to achieving sustainable management of natural resources (SMNR) in relation to Wales, including what they consider should be done in relation to climate change and biodiversity.

The AONB Officer explained that the AONB had been working closely with the Welsh National Parks and AONB’s and a collective response had been submitted on behalf of all the protected landscapes in Wales (previously circulated). Discussion ensued. The Chair of the Joint Committee said that some elements of the response could link to the aims of the Health and Wellbeing Future Generations Act and suggested that maybe this was something a Working Group could consider and how it related to the work of the AONB. this might also assist with project funding applications.

8. Any Other Business Radio 4 Ramblings Programme The County Archaeologist reported that broadcaster, journalist and author, Clare Balding had recently visited the AONB to explore two of the hillforts as part of the Radio 4 series, ‘Ramblings’. The programme was available as a podcast or could be accessed through the Ramblings programme page on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006xrr2

Our Picturesque Landscape Project The Assistant AONB Officer explained that the second stage of the application would be submitted by August, and provided a brief update of the project:

Historic Sites o Consultants were examining the historic sites within the World Heritage Site

Connectivity with Species o Connectivity with species was currently being

8

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monitored, and mapping had been competed to take the project forward

Community Consultations o Community Consultations were now complete and some projects had come forward

Wernffrwd, Llangollen o Detailed plans had been drafted for new access on to the WHS

The Dell, Plas Newydd o New views would be opened up

Key Views o Six key views of the WHS had been considered. Positive Woodland Management was now being examined in order to open up the views

Interpretation Plan o The Plan was currently being developed

Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB The AONB Officer congratulated the Friends on reaching 180 members, and added that the group was going from strength to strength and thanked the Senior Recreation Officer and all involved for their hard work.

Dementia Friendly Gardens Councillor Paul Cunningham asked if the AONB could consider more areas/gardens for dementia suffering patients. The AONB Officer said that there was a garden in Corwen that was being developed with dementia sufferers however, this was something that the AONB could look to develop further.

9. Future Meeting Dates:

AONB Partnership Meetings:

Friday 16th June 2017 Friday 6th October 2017

9

Page 17 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 5

JOINT COMMITTEE Of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 23rd June 2017

Lead Member / Officer: Gareth Williams

Report Author: Paula O’Hanlon / Huw Rees

Title: Joint Committee Outturn and Accounts 2016/17 & Budget 2017/18

1. What is the report about?

The report gives details of the AONB’s revenue budget outturn position as at 31st March 2017 alongside the draft budget figures for 2017/18.

2. What is the reason for making this report?

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the AONB’s financial position as at 31st March 2017 and to seek approval of the budget for 2017/18.

3. What are the Recommendations?

Members are asked to note the financial outturn for 2016/17 (Appendix 1) and formally approve the 2017/18 budget (appendix 2). Members are also asked to review the Annual Governance Statement (Appendix 3 and note the Reserve Balances as at 31st March 2017 (Appendix 4).

4. Report details.

The report provides a summary of the AONB’s revenue outturn for 2016/17 detailed in Appendix 1. The final outturn position shows an overall underspend of £14,950 (Core £6,402 and Area £8,548), which has been placed in a reserve for use in future years. In addition a further £24,381 has been placed in reserve and earmarked for specific projects in 2017/18. Of the £44,752 that was previously placed in reserve for projects £29,126 was drawn down in 2016/17 to fund project activity.

Page 1 of 3 Page 19 The report also provides a copy of the Welsh Audit Office Annual Return for the Year Ended 31 March 2017 (Appendix 3) for consideration and approval. The return has been reviewed and signed by DCC’s Internal Audit Section.

5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

Effective management of the AONB’s revenue budgets will help the delivery of the agreed management plan priorities for the current year and underpins activity in all areas, particularly our relationships with funding partners and our joint priorities.

6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

There are no direct costs associated with this report.

7. What are the main conclusions of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) undertaken on the decision? The completed EqIA template should be attached as an appendix to the report.

N/A

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The financial position is a standing item at each meeting of the Joint Committee.

9. Chief Finance Officer Statement

This report outlines the financial position for the AONB for 2016/17. The final underspend has been placed in reserve to be utilised in future years.

The approval and signing of the formal Welsh Audit Office Annual Return for the Year Ended 31 March 2017 (Appendix 3) is a statutory requirement prior to External Audit carrying out an audit of the accounts.

Staffing remains the most valuable resource however it must be noted that due to investment in staffing and increases in NI and pension contributions the budget is coming under increased pressure. Denbighshire has increased its contribution for the 2017/18 financial year by £7.5k but activity based budgets have had to be reduced also to reflect this pressure. The draft budget for 17/18 assumes that there will be no increases to the contributions from either FCC or WCBC.

As at the 31st March 2017 the balance in the AONB Reserve stood at £77,697 but £40,007 of this figure is earmarked for specific projects which will progress during the 17/18 financial year. The balance of £37,690 is available to help offset any future funding pressures or to be utilised as the Joint Committee recommends.

The agreed budget for 2017/18 will ensure the financial stability for the JC over the next 12 months. However it must still be recognised that the budgets of all public sector bodies are coming under increasing pressure due to the economic climate and

Page 2 of 3 Page 20 the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, which means that future funding levels may not be relied upon.

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

The proposed budget is dependent on income from NRW, Welsh Government and the three Local Authorities. Any changes to these income levels will pose a risk to the future delivery of projects and our ability to deliver against the priorities in the AONB Management Plan.

11. Power to make the Decision

Local authorities are required under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 to make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs.

Page 3 of 3 Page 21 This page is intentionally left blank CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 1 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS)

CORE - REVENUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2016/17

Budget Outturn 2016/17 2016/17

£ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 206,265 206,249 Training & Conference 1,000 2,473 Subscriptions 2,900 3,283 Insurance 924 1,399 Total Employee costs 211,089 213,404

Vehicle and Travel Vehicle Hire 450 439 Mileage 4,000 3,166 Use of Public Transport 500 1,013 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 4,950 4,617

Other Protective Clothing 1,000 1,370 Uniforms 1,500 438 General Equipment 150 679 Event / Partnership Expenditure 5,000 4,981 Audit Fees 1,134 0 IT costs 900 1,613 Telephones 1,100 2,377 Publications 100 0 Total Other Expenses 10,884 11,457

Projects Grants 54,545 68,572 Total Project costs 54,545 68,572

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 281,468 298,050

INCOME

NRW Salary Grant -118,063 -117,612 SDF Grant -54,545 -69,996 LA Funding -108,860 -116,835 Private calls income -9 TOTAL INCOME -281,468 -304,452

Total Net Expenditure 0 -6,402

Page 23 CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 1 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS)

AREA - REVENUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2016/17

Budget Outturn 2016/17 2016/17

£ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 130,098 123,243 Medicals 99 Training 260 Insurance 589 836 Total Employee costs 130,687 124,438

Vehicle and Travel Fuel 4,000 3,410 Fleet 11,500 10,834 Travel 899 Public Transport 200 0 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 15,700 15,142

Other General Equipment 250 84 Site Management 6,000 2,317 IT 250 497 Telephones 350 1,737 Internet 70 68 Professional fees 0 350 Advertising 360 0 Total Other Expenses 7,280 5,053

Projects Management Plan 5,000 2,981 Total Project costs 5,000 2,981

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 158,667 147,613

INCOME NRW Salary Grant -11,466 -11,500 NRW Salary Match -12,000 -8,000 LA Salary funding -135,201 -136,661 TOTAL INCOME -158,667 -156,161

Total Net Expenditure 0 -8,548

Page 24 Page 25 This page is intentionally left blank CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 2 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS)

CORE - REVENUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT - PROPOSED BUDGET 2017/18

Proposed budget Budget 2016/17 2017/18

£ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 206,265 212,358 Training & Conference 1,000 2,000 Subscriptions 2,900 3,300 Insurance 924 1,399 Total Employee costs 211,089 219,057

Vehicle and Travel Vehicle Hire 450 450 Mileage 4,000 3,200 Use of Public Transport 500 1,000 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 4,950 4,650

Other Protective Clothing 1,000 1,000 Uniforms 1,500 500 General Equipment 150 429 Event / Partnership Expenditure 5,000 4,000 Audit Fees 1,134 1,134 IT costs 900 1,700 Telephones 1,100 2,400 Publications 100 100 Total Other Expenses 10,884 11,263

Projects Grants 54,545 50,000 Total Project costs 54,545 50,000

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 281,468 284,970

INCOME

NRW Salary Grant -118,063 -118,635 SDF Grant -54,545 -55,000 LA Funding -108,860 -111,335 TOTAL INCOME -281,468 -284,970

Total Net Expenditure 0 0

Page 27 CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 2 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS)

AREA - REVENUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT - PROPOSED BUDGET 2017/18

Budget Proposed budget 2016/17 2017/18

£ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 130,098 143,174 Training 0 300 Insurance 589 836 Total Employee costs 130,687 144,310

Vehicle and Travel Fuel 4,000 3,500 Fleet 11,500 16,000 Travel 0 1,000 Public Transport 200 0 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 15,700 20,500

Other General Equipment 250 150 Site Management 6,000 4,800 IT 250 500 Telephones 350 1,800 Internet 70 70 Advertising 360 0 Total Other Expenses 7,280 7,320

Projects Management Plan 5,000 1,500 Total Project costs 5,000 1,500

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 158,667 173,630

INCOME NRW Salary Grant -11,466 -11,500 NRW Salary Match -12,000 -8,000 Reserve - NRW funds for Dee Valley Warden 0 -4,000 LA Salary funding -135,201 -150,130 TOTAL INCOME -158,667 -173,630

Total Net Expenditure 0 0

Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Appendix 4 CR&DV AONB Reserve 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Opening Closing Opening Closing Opening Revenue Project Revenue Project Revenue balance Balance balance Balance balance Project funding Closing Balance budget funding budget funding budget 01.04.14 31.03.15 01.04.15 31.03.16 01.04.16 31.03.17 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Opening balance 0 -16,268 -10,441 -5,827 -67,492 -22,740 -44,752

Underspend / overspend General -10,441 -10,441 -4,299 -14,740 -14,951 -29,690 NRW matchfunding for Dee Valley Warden -8,000 -8,000 -8,000

Projects Outreach Walks Funding 16/17 -5,827 -5,827 -5,827 5,000 -827

Corwen projects -1,425 -1,425 0 -1,425 Outreach Engagement project -6,500 -6,500 2,000 -4,500 Nordic Walking Project HWB -2,828 -2,828 2,828 0 EBD Asst Outdoor Provides -10,000 -10,000 8,050 -1,950 EBD Pop Up Shop food Trail -5,000 -5,000 7,400 2,400 Scottish Power Overhead lines - Llysfasi -5,500 -5,500 0 -5,500

Page 39 Page NRW - John Reanney June-Aug -3,000 -3,000 3,000 0 Flintshire AONB Badge -2,000 -2,000 848 -1,152 Other/Misc income/sales etc -2,672 -2,672 -2,672

SPG project -2,500 -2,500 Other -1,581 -1,581 Canal & Rivers Trust Study -4,000 -4,000 SDF AONB Outreach -10,000 -10,000 SDF Llantysilio Mountain -2,000 -2,000 Market Street Pillars -1,000 -1,000 Access Project AONB (Highways) -3,300 -3,300

In Year balance -10,441 -5,827 -12,299 -38,925 -14,951 29,126 -24,381 Closing balance -10,441 -5,827 -16,268 -22,740 -44,752 -67,492 -37,690 -15,626 -24,381 -77,697 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 6

JOINT COMMITTEE Of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 23rd June 2017

Lead Member / Officer: Howard Sutcliffe

Report Author: Howard Sutcliffe AONB Officer

Title: Item 6 Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales- ‘The Review of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks in Wales’

1. What is the report about?

The recently produced document: Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales- ‘The Review of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks in Wales’

2. What is the reason for making this report?

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Team have been involved over several years working with the other Protected Areas, Welsh Government and Natural resources Wales to make our Protected Landscapes fit for purpose. This included contributions to ‘Taking the Long View’ and the more recent’ Marsden Report’ on Protected Landscapes, by Professor Terry Marsden and the current review, ‘Future landscapes: Delivering for Wales.’

3. What are the Recommendations?

That Joint Committee scrutinise and endorse the Review and adopt the shared vision from the Review. Each of the Protected Areas has been requested to look at adopting this joint vision that follows by Welsh Government:

Wales as a nation values its landscapes for what they provide for the people of Wales and elsewhere. The designated landscapes of Wales deliver both within

Page 41 and beyond their boundaries to enhance their social, economic, environmental and cultural resources; delivering the maximum well-being benefits for present and future generations whilst enhancing the very qualities that make them both distinctive and cherished.

4. Report details.

See attached appendix 1.

5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

The priority areas cover both National Parks and AONBs, but there are several important actions:

 NRW should fully explore with partner organisations the interaction between designated landscapes’ Management Plans and emerging Area Statements.  Members or Boards of all partners to adopt the vision and engage with staff, Members and partners, incorporating it into relevant publications.  Adopt the Governance Principles as a model for any future designation. Undertake a more detailed review of current governance against the Principles and make recommendations for change.  The Welsh Government and NRW to develop and introduce a consistent approach to planning and performance reporting.  The Welsh Government in partnership with the AONBs to produce proposals for a more secure resourcing model.  Designated landscape management organisations and partnerships to further develop and refine their own understanding of local economic resilience and economic opportunities.  Strengthen collaboration and support between the designated landscapes and areas with UNESCO Global Geopark, UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and International Dark Sky Reserves to maximise economic and education benefits. Review funding priorities for Sustainable Development Fund and other investments by the designated landscapes and partners in order to ensure their effectiveness in supporting local economic initiatives based on local priorities and need, linking to place planning.

6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

There is a zero cost other than officer time, WG have allocated funds to support travel, meetings and accommodation.

Page 42 7. What are the main conclusions of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) undertaken on the decision? The completed EqIA template should be attached as an appendix to the report.

N/A

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The AONB Partnership and Officers’ Working Group have been consulted.

9. Chief Finance Officer Statement.

There are no additional costs directly associated with this report

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

None

11. Power to make the Decision

The Legal basis to lies in Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act of 1972 and the Local Government Act 2000, where Local authorities can enter arrangements to ’Discharge functions jointly with one or more other local authorities by means of a Joint Committee’

Page 43 This page is intentionally left blank Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales The Review of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks in Wales May 2017

© Crown copyright 2017 WG30197 Digital ISBN: 978 1 4734 9520 3 Mae’r ddogfen yma hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh. Page 45

CONTENTS

Foreword by Lesley Griffiths AM, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs

Introduction by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM

The Proposition

DELIVERING FOR WALES 1 LANDSCAPES MATTER 2 A NEW CONTEMPORARY VISION 3 REALISING THE POTENTIAL OF LANDSCAPE 4 WORKING BEYOND BOUNDARIES

FIT FOR PURPOSE 5 NEW GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES 6 IMPROVING PERFORMANCE 7 INNOVATIONS IN RESOURCING 8 DRIVING WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE

A DESIRE FOR CHANGE

9 THE IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES

Annexes The Marsden Report List of contributors to Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales

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Foreword by Lesley Griffiths AM, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs

The Future Landscapes Wales Programme has been highly collaborative in nature and has involved a wide range of stakeholders in its debates and deliberations. Developing the relationships necessary to build trust and achieve consensus takes time but then provides a firmer foundation for progress. This approach demands a change of role for the Welsh Government, to open the door on setting the strategic policy and legislative framework and a commitment to work in concert with partners to deliver the response to the challenges identified. Wales’ natural resources and ecosystems underpin all aspects of our well-being including our prosperity, health and culture. We depend on high quality natural resources to provide our food, clean water and air. In Wales we have a quarter of the land recognised as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or National Park and these designations need to integrate with and take forward the aspirations of our new world-first legislative framework which emphasises the sustainable use of our natural resources as the bedrock of future prosperity and well-being.

The first State of Natural Resources Report for Wales says that all ecosystems in Wales have issues in terms of their resilience and that with this the services and benefits they provide to Wales may be at risk. The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union represents a significant upheaval for the key sectors which shape the use of natural resources at a time when we recognise that action is needed to build the resilience of ecosystems. The Proposition developed by Future Landscapes Wales sets out the response of the designated landscapes to this challenge. It draws on the strengths and opportunities of genuine partnership and collaboration and advocates greater flexibility in structures and response so that the needs of places and communities can be met. The substantial work undertaken firstly by Professor Terry Marsden and his Panel and then by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM and the working group now positions the designated landscapes in a role which can help address increasingly complex environmental challenges, inequalities in well-being and health, and to deliver more vibrant rural communities. The challenge now is to deliver against this ambition, not in isolation, but together as part of the collaborative approach Wales will need to address the complex environmental and social issues we face.

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Introduction by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM

As someone who has lived all his life around Snowdonia, the invitation from Welsh Ministers, Carl Sargeant AM and then Lesley Griffiths AM, to chair the working group on Future Landscapes was a special privilege.

From the beginning, taking the Marsden Report as our starting point, this process was a different one, new and inclusive, as we moved to agree between stakeholders on principles and a programme of action. It was decided at the start in our terms of reference that we would not replicate the traditional process of agreeing an independent report and then waiting for a ‘government response’.

From the start the main feature of the working group was partnership, including everyone from national park authorities and areas of outstanding natural beauty, from agricultural and tourism businesses, voluntary organisations and trusts, with government officials contributing equally to the discussions. For me this could be a productive and a creative model of developing public policies and drafting devolved legislation for the future.

The basic principle guiding our work is seeing and understanding the role of designated landscapes not as separate excluded areas, but as a distinctive part which could contribute to good practise for the rest of our country’s landscape. In our view this follows in the spirit of the Marsden Report and the distinctive Welsh route of the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

We see a ‘special’ value in all our varied landscapes, as having a distinctive amenity whether officially designated or not, to be the foundation of living sustainably.

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The Proposition

Delivering for Wales The designated landscapes should be the drivers of the sustainable management of natural resources in their areas in the framework set by Welsh legislation. The special qualities of the designated landscapes go wider than their visual and amenity value and embrace their vital role as a provider of wider public and private benefit both within and beyond their areas. There should be a clear formal relationship between the identified special qualities of a designated area and the partnerships, powers and policies that drive its sustainable management. The bodies and partnerships have a particular opportunity to help realise the economic potential of their communities and to exemplify and promote green growth and the resilience of ecosystems. All landscapes have special qualities. The bodies and partnerships with responsibility for the designated landscapes should together promote the social, cultural and economic value and sustainable use of all landscapes, working across boundaries with Natural Resources Wales and with local partnerships.

Fit for purpose Future governance models should allow for localities beyond the designated landscapes to work in partnership to deliver sustainable approaches to management and should reward or acknowledge this action. The current models of governance within a designated landscape should evolve, informed by core principles, to reflect changing needs and opportunities. Governance should include a wide range of delivery and partnership models, encompassing shared or delegated responsibilities, linked to a common vision. A consistent approach to planning and performance reporting should be developed then adopted by the existing or any future designated landscapes. Formal review points for existing or new governance models should be introduced to ensure they remain fit for purpose, with the possibility of areas proposing new arrangements. Wider partnerships and innovative funding models should be adopted, where resources are attracted and investments influenced to deliver on the sustainable management of natural resources in the area.

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DELIVERING FOR WALES

1 LANDSCAPES MATTER “…I hold consistently and with passionate conviction that the social and ethical dimensions of land are essential elements in any mature encounter with place. And the practical consequence of this is the difficult business of encounter with the human societies who have inhabited a location – those who have lived there over centuries and whose existence is written into the cultural landscape, as well as those who live there now”. Father Dorian Llywelyn, - The Picturesque, Arian Byw/Live Culture, 2004

The intrinsic link between people and place forms an important cornerstone of well-being in Wales. Landscapes in all their forms (rural, urban, coastal, marine, industrial, etc.) shape the feelings and identity of individuals, communities and the nation. Landscapes help people to understand their past. They inform the present and help express society’s collective hopes for the future. The desire of Future Landscapes Wales is to unlock the full potential of all landscapes in Wales, including designated landscapes, so that they adapt to contemporary issues and safeguard the well-being of future generations. Places, and the territories within which they exist, form a fundamental component of human existence. They contain the natural resources required to support well-being and the cultural landscapes that, through the historical inter-relationship between people and place, reinforce identity and belonging. In this regard:  Designated landscapes must drive the sustainable use and management of natural resources.  Every place, large or small, urban or rural, on land or at sea, is part of a patchwork of interconnected places; each needs to be able to realise its own potential to be increasingly vibrant, more prosperous, appealing and welcoming.  Wales’s suite of designated landscapes must continue to deliver so as to be recognised as being of international significance and important national assets.

As visual expressions of identity the landscapes of Wales play a significant role in the process of creating a distinct nation. Some are considered iconic, represented in imagery used worldwide to convey messages about Wales’ collective identity. Of particular resonance in Wales is the sense of bro, which is at the heart of community identity and the way many people in Wales express their distinct sense of belonging to a particular place.

“Every mature nation has its symbolic landscapes. They are part of the shared set of ideas and memories which bind people together” (Meinig 1979, 164)

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The designated landscapes are now far more than passive ‘green lungs’ for the urban populations that they were once considered. The work of the Future Landscapes Wales programme confirmed that they are dynamic, productive, and support a clearly contemporary narrative. Wales has set out bold ambitions in the recent Well-being of Future Generations and Environment Acts. This provides the framework for the sustainable management of natural resources and the path to resilient ecosystems which are key to increasing economic, cultural and environmental benefits.

It is this connection between contemporary need and opportunity, landscape, identity, and well-being that provides the platform for a new vision for the designated landscapes in Wales. The designated landscapes must exemplify the practice of tackling complex environmental and social challenges through robust local collaboration in a way which maintains and enhances the contribution to the well-being of Wales. This requires the ability to function effectively at a national level to inform and influence strategic priorities and plans, whilst maintaining a credible mandate and the relationships necessary to deliver within a local area.

2 A NEW CONTEMPORARY VISION The designated landscapes of Wales have a pivotal role to play in the future prosperity of Wales. National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are acknowledged and cherished as important national assets. However, there is an agreed understanding both within and beyond designated landscapes that, with recent legislative changes, they can still deliver more. There is a significant appetite for a more collaborative approach to developing and implementing a strategic vision that places the well-being of people at its centre and better supports the shared intention of working beyond traditional boundaries. The work of the Future Landscapes Wales programme achieved support for a new vision from all the designated landscape leaders and a wide range of stakeholders.

Our Vision Wales as a nation values its landscapes for what they provide for the people of Wales and elsewhere. The designated landscapes of Wales deliver both within and beyond their boundaries to enhance their social, economic, environmental and cultural resources; delivering the maximum well-being benefits for present and future generations whilst enhancing the very qualities that make them both distinctive and cherished.

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3 REALISING THE POTENTIAL OF LANDSCAPES

The crux of the reform being advocated by the Marsden Report may be summarised as ‘promoting’ the current National Park duty to have regard for the socio-economic well-being of the area into one of its purposes, and to apply these same purposes to AONBs. All other recommendations may be read as relating to the structures, powers, and tools to advance this. This specific amendment to the existing purposes has been considered against the broader and more modern expression of the two recent Welsh Acts and in the light of current practice. In the current legislative framework the contemporary interpretation of this broader function of National Parks and AONBs is in the delivery of the sustainable management of natural resources, set in the context of the Well-being Goals, with a formal relationship to the special qualities of the area.

The Future Landscape Wales Programme has reviewed current practice across designated landscape management plans and initiatives, finding lead organisations and partnerships already engaging in considerable broader activity. Despite this, the analysis has identified a gap between this activity and perceptions of economic development activity and potential in designated landscapes. In the context of the new legislation, the Programme also identified a need to revisit the question of what makes these areas special. While areas have now defined their special qualities they are not clearly included as part of the legislative framework. There was also discussion that the areas, though designated in the first instance for landscape quality, and for recreation opportunity in the case of National Parks, were also important for a wide range of other characteristics, such as nature, water supply, food and carbon and that a modern account should embrace these wider characteristics. New legislation is needed to further some aspects of the Proposition, including making changes to recognise the special qualities of National Parks and AONBs as part of a more formal role in the sustainable management of natural resources. Further work should be undertaken to develop specific detail on the propositions around: a) sustainable management of natural resources being the basis for future statutory functions; b) special qualities reflecting a broad understanding of the importance of these areas and their ecosystems and be given greater weight in decision-making; c) governance arrangements being enabled to evolve to reflect local circumstances; d) communities being able to put forward proposals for new areas to be recognised for their special qualities.

In the meantime, there is scope to align better the designated landscapes with the sustainable management of natural resources as set out in the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. NRW should co-operate with the lead body or partnership of the designated landscapes to explore the potential for the Area Statement to be incorporated into the area’s statutory Management Plan. NRW should also explore the potential of their powers to innovate and experiment to introduce new ways of working within and outwith the

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current designated landscapes, which may better support ecosystem resilience and the sustainable management of natural resources. This will provide a refreshed sense of what people value and their sense of sustainable use. Tying that formally to a revised purpose should be a priority for primary legislation, but could be undertaken in the meantime as part of developing Area Statements.

4 WORKING BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Behavioural and institutional change The William’s Commission1 outlined the importance of long term behavioural change as a necessary prerequisite for cultural change across public services in Wales

In order to deliver on the new vision for designated landscapes the new ways of working developed throughout the Future Landscapes Wales programme must be fully adopted. This approach emphasised the value of relationships built on trust and true collaboration, where partners took ownership of both problem and solution. Moving away from traditional hierarchies will be underpinned by a set of collective beliefs. These beliefs respect and strengthen the relationship between people and place and in turn lead to better shared outcomes:

 Well-being and the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources underpin all outcomes,  Sense of place and community resilience is strengthened by an integrated approach to policy and implementation,  Approaches that respect and strengthen the relationship between people and place lead to better outcomes,  Local and national accountability of the designated landscapes strengthens their ownership and management,  Clarity of purposes of the designated landscapes guides outcomes,  Dedicated bodies or partnerships for the management of the designated landscapes enable coordination of delivery and provide accountability,  Inclusiveness and engagement inform priorities, develop aspirations and improves understanding,

1 Williams et al., William’s Commission on Public Service, Governance, and Delivery, Welsh Government, 2014,

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 Communicating the intrinsic value of designated landscapes promotes long term appreciation of their worth,  Distinctiveness and cultural values are unique and irreplaceable which are to be managed for the benefit of future generations,

These values draw from the sustainable development principle and its five ways of working in the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Although the reform of institutional structures cannot in itself deliver behavioural change, the relationship between the two must be considered. The characteristics of a system support particular behaviours.

Working beyond boundaries The management bodies of the designated landscape of Wales have a duty to react to contemporary needs and can offer opportunities which include:  Delivering broader well-being benefits within their boundaries  Assisting other landscape management partnerships across Wales to unlock the full well-being potential of their landscapes  Operating on a regional basis together and with a range of partners to deliver common goals The Future Landscapes Wales programme considered how to develop this and improve capacity to deliver on the duties of the Future Generations agenda and concluded that a hub type approach may be the most progressive. This would involve the teams from the designated landscapes supporting areas of Wales which have diminished capacity, to benefit from the level of understanding, expertise and proven track record to deliver of the designated landscapes. This may mean closer operational arrangements between existing designated areas on a regional and national basis, but also between the designated landscapes and areas without a statutory designation. There was a clear appetite to explore further the concept and options for delivering this model.

5 NEW GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

To provide a framework within which the governance arrangements for a designated landscape can be considered, a set of good governance principles have been agreed.

These principles are set within an international context based on the IUCN Principles for Effective Governance2 and ‘Good Democratic Governance on a Local Level on the European Landscape Convention Accountability’. They also reflected the Welsh dimension of the sustainable management of natural resources principles from the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 goals and ways of working.

2 Governance of Protected Areas Report, IUCN, 2013

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The good governance principles were developed around five key areas:

 Legitimacy, participation and voice  Developing and implementing a strategic vision for the area  Effective performance management  Accountability and transparency  Fairness and rights

Table 1: Summary of Principles of good Governance for designated landscapes

Legitimacy, participation and voice • Acceptance in society • Representation and participation • Active dialogue and consensus • Subsidiarity

Developing and implementing a strategic • Inspiring and consistent vision vision for the area • Consistent with national outcomes • Reflect obligations • Adaptive management and innovation

Effective performance management • Management effectiveness • Learning culture, skills and knowledge • Advocacy and outreach • Acknowledging and addressing weakness or poor performance • Efficient use of financial resources

Accountability and transparency • Integrity and commitment • Decision making and reporting • Allocation of resources • Communication

Fairness and rights • Ethical and fair decision making • Impartial and without discrimination • Respectful of language and culture • Respect rights • Active engagement

These Principles should be used to assess any changes to the governance of existing designated landscapes and for the governance of new areas being proposed for landscape designation.

The designated landscapes need to work in close partnership with many sectors including business, third sector bodies and academia. The potential for sustainable management of

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natural resources in an area is strengthened by the existence of a dedicated body or partnership. This makes the designated landscapes more than ‘lines on a map’. A dedicated body or partnership must take responsibility for co-ordinating activities in the area and in doing so should be held accountable locally and nationally.

Within the safeguards of the governance principles and a robust accountability model, it should be possible to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ into a wider range of local delivery models, including partnerships and shared or delegated responsibilities. The range of tools and powers which a lead body has should also reflect local priorities and need.

Future Landscapes Wales considered the broad range of governance models which exist for designated landscapes and for organisations involved in the management of natural resources against their ability to meet and deliver the Principles. It was found that the existing structures in Wales exemplify many of the principles well and they provide a good basis upon which to explore innovative ways to better reflect local needs for the sustainable management of natural resources, whilst also maintaining enough consistency to influence and inform national policy more effectively. However, to fully realise the potential will require open and collaborative partnerships and behaviour, with a real ability and interest in developing new models and to take risks.

Ensuring governance is fit for purpose suggests the desirability of formal review points for existing or new governance models. Such reviews should empower areas to propose new arrangements which would see them evolve to reflect changing needs and opportunities.

The appetite for reviewing national oversight arrangements remains, particularly to explore the most efficient way to plan the sharing of resources and to collaborate effectively. Further work should be undertaken to develop an approach which provides a balance between the local and national for framing a flexible, locally determined, place based approach within the agreed wider sense of direction. The membership of the Future Landscapes Wales Programme has been drawn from a wide range of stakeholders which are representative of the many demands and aspirations made in the designated landscapes. In the short term, it should continue to meet to have oversight of implementation with a view that it could evolve into a national partnership with a formal role in oversight of designated landscapes.

6 IMPROVING PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The need for measuring output, outcomes, and evaluating impact remains necessary as part of the desire to improve performance, and is of interest to the media and the public in terms of holding government and organisations to account. The designated landscapes are valued by the public of Wales, influence or make decisions which impact on people’s lives, and administer and invest public money. Adopting a robust and proportionate approach for the performance and accountability of the managing body is both necessary and laudable. Both performance and accountability require the objective measurement and reporting of activities against the planned and actual result. What currently exists in the AONBs and 12 Page 56

National Parks has evolved over time in response to new statutory requirements, national or local pursuit of the latest incarnation of good practice, and the sometimes contradictory demands of funding or accreditation bodies. In recent years the focus has shifted from measuring outputs to outcomes and this has increased the complexity of the task, perhaps disproportionately or beyond the capacity of the individual landscape bodies. The aspiration emerging from Future Landscapes Wales is an approach tailored to the designated landscapes which offers consistency across all the designations, but which is flexible enough to be tailored to the scale and status of a managing organisation or partnership and adopted by new areas.

Work should begin immediately to develop a proportionate, consistent yet flexible, integrated approach to planning and performance reporting, which discharges duties under the Well-being of Future Generations Act and can be adopted as substitutes or supplements to the other statutory reporting requirements. This approach should then be adopted by the existing National Park Authorities and AONB Partnerships and be adopted by any future designated landscapes.

This offers a unique opportunity to integrate, simplify, and through this increase transparency for stakeholders. The aim is:  increasing consistency in the range of, and approach to, targets and indicators;  providing a mechanism which facilitates collaboration and enables cross fertilisation of good practice; and  strengthening oversight and scrutiny of delivery and impact.

7 INNOVATIONS IN RESOURCING

Public funding is never likely in itself to meet all the opportunities of our landscapes. Wider partnerships and innovative funding models will be needed which are capable of attracting new resources as well as influencing investments by others. The Future Landscapes Wales programme has identified different resourcing opportunities for the designated landscapes which fall broadly into four categories:  Influencing the resources and investments already active in an area  Attracting resources to support the direct activities of a delivery body  Attracting resources for specific projects  Securing public funding for core governance of a delivery body.

Influencing Public bodies and statutory undertakers who make decisions which affect land in an AONB or National Park are already under a duty to have regard to the purpose for which the area is designated. There have been repeated calls in this and previous reviews for such a duty to be strengthened; with reference to requiring such bodies to further the purpose or to report

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on what positive action they have taken. Underlying such calls is the recognition that fulfilling the purposes and potential of the designated landscapes requires a broad collaborative response. Future Landscapes Wales recognises the potential for National Park Authorities and AONB Partnerships to convene and influence stakeholders and this should be strengthened in their delivery approach. The appropriateness of the current duty for certain bodies to have regard to a statutory designation’s purposes should be within the scope of future primary legislation in this area. It is an historic legislative mechanism intended to safeguard the special qualities of an area, and has the potential to stimulate greater collaboration. That it is considered ‘weak’ in this regard would suggest that more proactive approaches to engagement and collaboration should be pursued, which should extend beyond the limited number of bodies who fall within scope of this statute. A collaborative approach in support of an area’s special qualities may be achieved more effectively through building relationships and trust, rather than reliance on compliance on a duty to have regard. Both approaches will require parties to understand and appreciate the aspiration for an area and their own impacts and contribution. The designated landscape bodies can play a critical role in facilitating the necessary joint endeavour for the management of the landscapes which includes, but extends beyond, those who are caught by the duty to ‘have regard’. Public, private and third sector organisations and individual land owners and mangers are constantly making investment decisions which impact positively or negatively on the sustainable management of natural resources in an area. The existence of a lead body or partnership for an area should enable such decisions to be influenced or incentivised positively. Enabling communities to shape land-use in ways which respects local traditions and the sense of place was supported throughout the Future Landscapes Wales programme. Incentivising positive land management and collaboration was identified as key to getting public, private and third sector resources to maximise resilience and benefits for all.

Attracting Resourcing models for nationally important landscapes across the globe are focused on effective facilitation of natural resource management and landscape scale collaboration. Opportunities to diversify the funding base should be pursued. Some sources require significant input of staff time that may result in unsuccessful bids or only secure relatively small funds, so a more strategic and collaborative approach to bids should be pursued by the designated landscapes. There may be wider environmental, community or economic benefits or leverage from some schemes and the risks and returns on that investment have to be acknowledged. Designated landscapes need to develop or acquire the necessary skills to diversify their approach to resourcing the sustainable management of natural resources in their areas. Complimentary opportunities from public, private and third sector should be explored and exploited. There are already good examples of innovations and diversification in the

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resourcing of Wales’ National Parks and AONBs. Better opportunities should be made of sharing these good practices whilst also improving efficiencies. Ways of working should be established which incentivise public, private and third sector organisations to collaborate where they share vision and purpose. Pooling of resources can lever greater impact and income than could be achieved when individual organisations pursue their own specific and separate objectives.

Securing Core Funding In terms of resourcing, most designated landscapes in the world have a lead body or partnership which receives public funding to deliver their governance and also extends to facilitate work on the ground. The scale and complexity of governance structures have obvious resource implications. Efficiency should be pursued, consistent with effective governance. The current model in Wales has a clear distinction between the core revenue grant from the Welsh Government for National Park Authorities and their activities and the funding for the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty coming in large part from Natural Resources Wales and constituent local authorities. Within both approaches there are significant variations in funding levels between the eight designated landscapes which may have limited relationship in terms of their size or pressures. The long term resourcing approach for the designated landscape bodies and partnerships should be explored.

8 DRIVING WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE

The designated landscapes should be the drivers of the sustainable management of the natural resources in their areas in the framework set by Welsh legislation. The special qualities of the designated landscapes go wider than their visual and amenity value and embrace their vital role as a provider of wider public and private benefit both within and beyond their areas. There is a substantial challenge to create resilient ecosystems within and beyond the designated landscapes. But, their restoration can enable the sustainable management of natural resources to underpin social, economic and cultural benefits. The State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) indicates that no Welsh ecosystems contain all the necessary attributes of resilience, including those in our designated landscapes. A priority for designated landscapes is to act upon these findings and ensure the management and use of natural resources focuses on maintaining and enhancing the status of their attributes – the connectivity, condition, scale/ extent and diversity. Further action in designated landscapes to address biodiversity decline is therefore necessary to maintain and enhance ecosystem resilience.

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Designated landscape management organisations need to further develop and refine their own understanding of local economic resilience and economic opportunities, and continue to collaborate with other economic development agencies, including local authorities. They should draw on their power to convene local bodies, businesses and groups in order to support and create opportunities for employment. There is the potential to deliver both economic and environmental gains if joint objectives are set alongside each other from the outset. The bodies have a particular opportunity to exemplify and promote ‘green growth’ as a means of fostering economic growth and development, which is socially equitable and ensures that natural resources are sustainably used and managed. The bodies responsible for the designated landscapes should together promote the social, cultural and economic value and sustainable management of all our landscapes, working with Natural Resources Wales and with local partnerships. To achieve this, communities need to be inspired, empowered and supported to:

 Develop their own vision and long term goals for the future, which can be manifest in the plans and activities of Public Service Boards and the lead body or partnership of a designated area  Collaborate across the community and with all stakeholders to develop the skills needed to generate prosperity and employment  Involve all sections of the community in an approach that focuses on the needs of current and future generations  Create opportunities for young people to stay in and return to their community  Maintain and enhance natural resources and the resilience of ecosystems for the benefits they provide for the well-being of present and future generations and their intrinsic value  Help define how success is to be recognised and measured.

A number of specific opportunities to assist communities and designated landscape management organisations in this task have been identified. The development of a ’place planning’ approach may be a means of meeting the need for innovative, place based collaboration that addresses economic and environmental challenges. The concept of place planning acknowledges that resources and needs differ from area to area. Place plans can represent a cultural shift, enabling appropriate development that supports national, local and community objectives for well-being. The idea is to empower communities to enhance their influence over development sites, local distinctiveness, new green economy ideas and community infrastructure. This will be a community-led approach characterised by greater collaboration between authorities and communities, a better understanding of community needs and responsive delivery. Such an approach is consistent with the existing and emerging frameworks of Local Development Plans, designated landscape Management Plans and Area Statements and is an opportunity to inform and influence their content leading to whole place plans.

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Examination of the key elements of work already underway to promote green growth in Wales has identified the need for better policy integration and increased understand of how designated landscapes can positively engage in the agenda, including, but not limited to:  Leverage for Green Growth projects through the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)  Develop sustainable land management schemes tailored to an area to replace or complement existing agri-environment payments, including working with clusters of land managers  Maximising the benefits of the designated landscape / National Park / AONB brand for portraying a positive image of Wales to the world, and attracting inward investment and tourism  Sharing of existing best practice such as developing local food supply chains and community based renewable energy schemes

Incentives for sustainable management of natural resources, including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), has potential for local economic opportunities for land managers and communities to benefit from work that maintains and enhances natural capital, such as carbon sequestration or upland water storage, and for potential buyers to meet various strategic and operational aims by investing in them. Wales’ designated landscapes deliver a complex array of ecosystem services. Bundles of these services may be considered together for investors in natural capital. A new regulatory framework and public funding may be required to instigate these investments and brokers are also needed. The designated landscape management organisations and partnerships are well placed to provide the high level understanding of ecosystems and the services they provide locally to inform appropriate investments. They are also well connected with the land managers and communities who could benefit from such investments. There may be merit in developing place-specific sustainable land management schemes tailored to supporting local needs framed in terms of the special qualities of a designated landscape. EU Transition offers the opportunity to explore this. Any new scheme will need to create multiple outcomes, be seen as investment not subsidy and foster public understanding of the benefits derived from restoring and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems. The wish is to introduce flexibility which enables priority ecosystem needs and public goods to be addressed in an area. Communities and the natural environment can benefit more from sustainable tourism utilising the lens of designated landscapes. There should be proactive engagement with tourism providers to identify how they can contribute to sustain the natural assets on which their businesses rely including through initiatives such as:  Green apprenticeships  Visitor payback  Adventure tourism  Contribution to biodiverse green infrastructure (e.g. cycle paths and bridleways)  Promotional events

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The development of alternative niche markets through securing and supporting UNESCO Global Geopark, UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and the International Dark Sky Reserve can help make the most of green and heritage tourism. The acknowledgement through these awards of the international importance and qualities of the Welsh landscape should be harnessed to maximise the economic and education benefits for communities. There is the opportunity to strengthen collaboration between these areas and the designated landscapes, recognising the significant synergy between their purposes. The designated landscape management organisations have the potential to further facilitate engagement between local businesses, local authorities, Visit Wales and third sector groups within and outside of the boundaries to better understand demand and development potential.

A DESIRE FOR CHANGE

9 THE IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES

The Proposition set out in this report aims to capture the ambition for a collaborative and dynamic approach to designated landscapes and the sustainable management of natural resources on a landscapes scale. Its full realisation will involve multiple stakeholders and partnerships who can work collectively and flexibly, not only taking a planned approach but identifying and responding to opportunities to further the ambition. The Implementation Priorities as set out in this report aim to capture the activities currently identified by the Group as being necessary to begin this journey. The priorities will change as opportunities emerge or projects conclude in success or failure. The route from ambition to delivery is not simple and linear, and to seek to distil addressing the complex environmental and social issues faced in the designated landscapes into a rigid plan will likely result in modest or token gains at best. A nice project here, a good practice case study there, but ecosystem resilience remaining beyond reach. Implementation will require an acceptance by all partners that they must take responsibility and ownership over their own actions. Each partner contributes vital knowledge, experience and access to resources in their broadest sense. No one single body holds the key. Through Future Landscapes Wales the Welsh Government has sought to emphasise this point, adopting an approach which has empowered all partners to take ownership. The Welsh Government has taken a seat alongside others and not presumed to be at the head of the table. This has challenged convention, and has been challenging in practice for many.

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The new legislative framework for Wales is ambitious and in its infancy. The partners of the designated landscapes will be engaging fully in exploring its potential to deliver the ‘Wales we want’, and learning what works.

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Future Landscapes Wales has come to a view that essential first steps to realising the Proposition are:

Delivering for Wales

Collaboration and Partnership

Start now Start within 18 months • Establish the delivery group to monitor the delivery of the Future • Explore the most efficient way to Landscapes Wales actions. plan the sharing of resources and to  All participants in the FLW Programme to collaborate effectively on delivery. adopt the way of working developed, • The designated landscapes to pilot which emphasises building relationships and develop guidance for a hub concept as a for effective collaboration. mechanism for working beyond existing • The Welsh Government, NRW and all boundaries. designated landscapes to provide assistance • Agree an approach to monitoring and support to other landscape change and trends to demonstrate impact management partnerships across Wales to against indicators relating to the well-being unlock the full well-being potential of their goals and the resilience of local ecosystems. landscapes. • The delivery group to develop a communication plan and profile for Future Landscapes Wales which engages the public in the role and priorities of these areas.

Vision and Direction

Start now Start within 18 months • Members or Boards of all partners to • Explore ways of establishing and adopt the vision and engage with staff, reinforcing a formal relationship between Members and partners, incorporating it into the identified special qualities of a relevant publications. designated area and its sustainable • The Welsh Government, working management. with partners, to develop proposals for • NRW and the designated landscapes legislation to better align with the direction will explore the potential of powers to set out in the Proposition, creating a clear innovate and experiment to introduce new formal relationship between the identified ways of working which may better support special qualities of a designated area and the ecosystem resilience and delivery of the partnerships, powers and policies that drive Natural Resources Policy by working through their sustainable management. the designated landscapes to deliver action at scale.

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• NRW should fully explore with partner organisations the interaction between designated landscapes’ Management Plans and emerging Area Statements.

Fit for Purpose

Refreshing Governance: Improving Performance and Accountability

Start now Start within 18 months • Adopt the Governance Principles as a • Pilot approaches for a wider range of model for any future designation. Undertake delivery models, including partnerships and a more detailed review of current shared or delegated responsibilities governance against the Principles and make  Explore the options for formal review recommendations for change. points for existing or new governance • The Welsh Government and NRW to models. Such reviews should empower develop and introduce a consistent approach areas to propose new arrangements. to planning and performance reporting. • The Welsh Government to review • The Welsh Government to review the and consult on a menu of options to securing effectiveness of Park Authorities in providing wider representation on both National Park leadership and driving performance and Authority Boards and AONB Partnerships in work with the Authorities to take forward accordance with the Governance Principles. any recommendations. • The Welsh Government to take steps to reduce the bureaucracy associated with reporting and audit for National Park Authorities, working with the Wales Audit office to pilot ways which harmonises requirements and boost transparency. • Landscapes management bodies to adopt the National Principles for Public Engagement and work together to provide guidance on how to improve engagement in designated landscapes.

Innovations in Resourcing

Start now Start within 18 months • Begin the development of a long • Build a consensus to inform the term resourcing strategy which maps out direction and measures emerging from EU short, medium and long terms opportunities. Transition to secure appropriate measures • The Welsh Government in and delivery mechanism for sustainable land partnership with the AONBs to produce management in designated landscapes.

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proposals for a more secure resourcing • National Park Authorities to further model. explore and communicate the public goods • Investigate charitable and legacy and services being delivered by landscapes, funding opportunities with organisations utilising the findings as the evidence for such as the Community Foundation in Wales. diversifying the resources attracted for the • Designated landscapes to form a sustainable management of the special group to share good practice and learning qualities of the area. from funding applications and collaborate on preparation of bids.

Driving Well-being and Resilience

Start now Start within 18 months • Designated landscape management • Seek out case studies of existing good organisations and partnerships to further practice in Green Growth and the circular develop and refine their own understanding economy and propose pilot projects to of local economic resilience and economic Welsh Government and Natural Resource opportunities. Wales. • Where appropriate, Designated • Designated landscapes produce a Landscapes to adopt the concept of place toolkit in order to facilitate a consistent planning as a mechanism to connect approach to the production of Place Plans communities with places. whilst recognising they need to be different • Strengthen collaboration and support according to local needs and involve future between the designated landscapes and generations of the community. areas with UNESCO Global Geopark, UNESCO • Designated landscapes to work with World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Visit Wales to develop a strong brand for Reserve status and International Dark Sky National Parks and AONBs to maximise their Reserves to maximise economic and contribution to Wales’ tourism offer. education benefits. • Test new approaches for land • Identify mechanisms by which the management schemes in a Designated designated landscapes can build ecosystem Landscape drawing on best practice and resilience based on the results of the ecosystem services principles. SoNaRR and the priorities in the Natural • Take action to address perceptions of Resources Policy. barriers to renewable energy development • Review funding priorities for in Designated Landscapes and set a path to Sustainable Development Fund and other becoming champions of rural renewable investments by the designated landscapes energy development. and partners in order to ensure their • Develop demonstration projects in effectiveness in supporting local economic green growth, circular economy, and initiatives based on local priorities and need, Payments for Ecosystem Services. linking to place planning. • Engage in dialogue about the urgent needs for broadband connectivity whenever possible. • Establish mechanisms to effectively use Payment for Ecosystem Services as a

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delivery approach.

The collaborative approach emerging through Future Landscapes Wales will be utilised to translate these activities into an Action Plan which gains commitment from partners to lead, contribute and deliver. The Plan will be a live document which can respond to opportunities and change course if that is the will of the partners.

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Annexes

Annex 1 The Marsden Report The independent review into the purpose and governance of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks in Wales, Chaired by Professor Terry Marsden, Director of the Sustainable Places Research Institute at Cardiff University, started its work in the autumn of 2014. The purpose of the review was to consider how the devolved area of designated landscapes fit and deliver with emerging Welsh priorities including green growth and natural resource management.

The review followed from the William’s Commission3 which outlined the importance of long term behavioural change as a necessary prerequisite for cultural change across public services in Wales. It highlighted the relationship between positive organisational culture, supported by effective leadership, and high performance. It drew on the Francis inquiry4 which concluded that to achieve a change in culture did not require "radical reorganisation but re-emphasis of what is truly important".

Recommendations 13 and 145 of the William’s Commission report are aimed at National Park Authorities and focus on the importance of collaboration, leadership, and co- ordination. These recommendations are equally applicable to AONB partnerships.

The Marsden Report was published in 2015. It called for a fresh approach to the purposes and governance and sought to position the designated landscapes in a role which can help to address increasingly complex environmental challenges, inequalities in well-being and health, and to deliver more vibrant rural communities. It included 69 recommendations covering a raft of proposals and observations on purposes, principles, vision, governance models, planning, and funding.

The recommendations can be distilled into the following:

1. Make no change to the designations’ name, legal status of National Park Authorities, or management models of AONB.

3 Williams et al., William’s Commission on Public Service, Governance, and Delivery, Welsh Government, 2014, 4 Francis et al., 2010, Independent Inquiry into care provided by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust January 2005 – March 2009

5 13. National Park Authorities (NPAs) must develop clear and consistent ways of collaborating with each other, with local authorities, with Visit Wales and with Natural Resources Wales, on the ground, to avoid duplications and maximise the use of resources and scarce expertise. 14. The Welsh Government and NPAs should secure national leadership and co-ordination and the most effective use of resources and expertise. The Government should consider doing so through a single authority, whilst retaining the distinctive identities of the three parks. (paragraph 2.60)

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2. Reform their purpose to be catalysts for regional development in rural areas, with shared interlocking purposes of conservation, well-being, and sustainable management of natural resources. 3. Strengthen the support and delivery role of other bodies. 4. Extend boundaries to cover adjacent sea areas. 5. Reduce the regulatory burden of audit. 6. Create a National Landscape Committee, a National Partnership Board, and Local Partnerships. 7. Introduce a Partnership Plan for each area, scrutinised and adopted by National Assembly for Wales. 8. Retain the strategic planning policy and development control of NPA, and make AONB board a statutory consultee. 9. Remove the political balance requirement on NPA and AONB boards, revise the makeup and proportions of local authority, national and “local” appointees. 10. Provide a core grant from Welsh Government for all designated landscape areas, whilst introducing greater challenge and diversity to their overall revenue budget, based on a strategy for national landscapes, with pan-Wales indicators and targets.

The delivery priorities set out by Marsden would see the designated landscapes (and their officers) involved in stimulating local enterprise partnerships, increasing the stock of sustainable affordable housing, increasing the generation of green energy, and boosting numbers of retailing ventures. Alongside the delivery of economic activity there is a theme of working more with Local Health Boards on health and well-being experiments reaching challenged urban and rural communities. This does pick up some opportunities associated with the Well-Being of Future Generations Act.

Marsden advocates a settlement where the designated landscapes and associated bodies should retain their identity and legal status while evolving into regional development bodies with safeguards for conservation, which have a national voice, funding, targets, and indicators, combined with local boards and plans.

At its most simple, the crux of the reform being advocated by the Marsden Report is to ‘promote’ the current National Park duty to have regard for the socio-economic well-being of the area into one of its purposes, and to apply these same purposes to AONBs. All other recommendations can be read as relating to the structures, powers, and tools to advance this.

Rather than responding to the report, the then Minister, Carl Sargeant, convened the Future Landscape Wales process under the chairmanship of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas to take forward the spirit of the recommendations in a collaborative process and in the light of the new legal framework provided by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, and the potential changes to the structure of local government delivery.

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Annex 2 List of contributors to Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales

Chair Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM

Name Organisation

Iolo ap Gwyn Snowdonia National Park Authority/Independent Andrew Blake Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty John Cook Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Howard Davies National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Melanie Doel Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

Bridget Emmett Centre of Ecology and Hydrology Heather Galliford RSPB Cymru Richard Griffiths Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Edward Holdaway Alliance for National Parks Mike James, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Victoria Jenkins Environmental Law Association Arwel Jones Llŷn Landscape Partnership Bleddyn Jones Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Llŷr Jones Welsh Government Rhianne Jones Country, Land and Business Association Tegryn Jones Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Mark Lang Federation of Small Businesses Chris Lea Welsh Government Matthew Lewis Monmouthshire County Council Rachel Lewis-Davies National Farmers Union Cymru

Chris Lindley Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Katie-Jo Luxton RSPB Cymru Paul Meller Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Efan Milner Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Helen Mrowiec Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Peter Ogden Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales Alun Owen Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty James Parkin Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Matthew Quinn Welsh Government Carole Rothwell Natural Resources Wales Ian Rowat Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Rachel Sharp Wildlife Trusts Wales David Shiel Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Jeremy Smith Renewable UK Cymru

Howard Sutcliffe Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sean Taylor Zip World Liza Thomas Natural Resources Wales John Watkins Welsh Government Laura White National Trust Bronwen Williams Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Emyr Williams Snowdonia National Park Authority Rebecca Williams Country, Land and Business Association Einir Young Bangor University

Facilitators

Richard Clarke National Association of AONBs John Langford Cofac Liz Staniforth Odyssey Learning & Development

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JOINT COMMITTEE Of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 23rd June 2017

Lead Member / Officer: Howard Sutcliffe

Report Authors: Howard Sutcliffe AONB Officer / David Shiel Assistant AONB Officer

Title: Item 8 AONB Annual Report

1. What is the report about?

The Annual Report highlights the activity undertaken by the AONB Team and its Partners.

2. What is the reason for making this report?

The annual report is part of the Legal Agreement . 3. What are the Recommendations?

That the Joint Committee scrutinise and endorse the Annual Report

4. Report details.

See attached appendix 2 for Annual Report.

5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

The Annual Report is an example of the major areas of work undertaken by the Joint Committee, AONB Partnership, AONB Team and internal and external Partners. It shows that the AONB is on track in delivering the AONB Management Plan.

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6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

There is a zero cost other than officer time

7. What are the main conclusions of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) undertaken on the decision? The completed EqIA template should be attached as an appendix to the report.

N/A

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The AONB Team, Officers Working Group, AONB Partnership and Natural Resources Wales will or have receive the report.

9. Chief Finance Officer Statement.

There are no additional costs directly associated with this report

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

Reputation- Reporting is a key element in the management of the AONB

11. Power to make the Decision

The Legal basis to lies in Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act of 1972 and the Local Government Act 2000, where Local authorities can enter arrangements to ’Discharge functions jointly with one or more other local authorities by means of a Joint Committee’

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Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Annual Report 2016/17

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Contents

• Introduction Page 3 Communities and People Page 4 1. Governance 2. Community Engagement Land Management and the Natural Environment Page 9 3. Heather Moorland 4. Limestone Grassland, cliffs and Screes 5. Broad leaved woodland and Veteran Trees 6. River Valleys. The Historic Environment Page 16 7. Industrial Features and the World Heritage Site 8. Historic Defensive Features 9. Small Historic Features 10. Boundaries Access Recreation and Tourism Page 22 11. Iconic Visitor sites 12. Offas Dyke Path National Trail and Promoted Routes. Landscape and Character and the Built Environment Page 30

13. Landscape Quality and Character 14. The Built Environment.

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Introduction The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is the dramatic upland frontier of North East Wales. This AONB almost touches the coast at Prestatyn Hillside in the north and stretches south as far Moel Fferna, the highest point in the AONB at 630 metres, it covers 390 square kilometres of windswept hilltops, heather moorland, limestone crags and wooded valleys. The Clwydian Range is an unmistakeable chain of purple heather-clad summits, topped by Britain’s most strikingly situated Hillforts. The Range’s highest hill at 554 metres is Moel Famau, a familiar site to residents of the North West. The historic Jubilee Tower surmounts this hill with views over 11 counties. Beyond the windswept Horseshoe Pass, over Llantysilio Mountain, lies the glorious Dee Valley with historic Llangollen, a famous market town rich in cultural and industrial heritage. The AONB is led by the Joint Committee (JC), the Committee consists of two Executive Members from each of the three local authorities that the AONB straddles. The JC members who have devolved powers from the Local Authorities, ensure that the AONB is relevant and also democratic. Each of the three authorities makes a substantial financial contribution to the AONB. Denbighshire County Council hosts the AONB Team and provides for financial, legal and democratic support. The Team is directly responsible to the Joint Committee via its Lead Officer. The Local Authorities are supported by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) who gave a direct Grant to the AONB for staff and projects of £112,000 for 2016/17. They also fund work on the Offa’s Dyke National Trail to £15,000 for 2016/17. NRW are also funding two other Projects, ‘Active Alyn Valley’ and ‘Limestone Legacy.’ The combined grant from these two projects over three years amounts to £272,000. Welsh Government have again substantially supported the work of the AONB with a Grant for the Sustainable Development Fund for £87,000 and a one off grant for £30,000 for improving the Rights of Way Network. The AONB Team manage 24 sites on behalf of Denbighshire County Council which includes some of the busiest honey pots of the AONB including Loggerheads Country Park, Moel Famau Country Park and Horseshoe Falls. The AONB Team has also taken over the management of Plas Newydd the historic home of the Ladies of Llangollen. The rest of the report give the detail of the work of the AONB Team and its Partners. Here are a few highlights:

• 847 volunteer days and 101 events advertised • AONB Climate Change 10schools visited, 26 teachers trained and a lesson for 565 children • Out and About had 53 events in the AONB attracting 2,667 people • The Friends of the Clwydian Range now have over 190 members • The Horseshoe Falls in the World Heritage Site attracted 111,401 visitors • 5,190 people attended one of the Healthy Walks • 70 Car Parking space created at Loggerheads Country Park

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• 281 Planning Applications commented on • 10 participants attained the AONB Badge

COMMUNITIES AND PEOPLE

Management Plan Objective

PCO4 - Ensure that the governance of the AONB promotes effective partnerships and fosters opportunities for communities to engage in the management of the AONB.

Governance

The governance of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is structured to reflect an appropriate balance between its important strategic role within the 3 local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, an effective working relationship with key outside bodies and an effective working partnership with the communities that make up the AONB. Joint Committee. The three Local Authorities of Denbighshire, Wrexham and Flintshire entered into a legal agreement to jointly discharge their AONB functions by means of a Joint Committee for the AONB in the summer of 2014. The Committee is made up of Lead members (members of the Authority’s Executive or Cabinet) of each Local Authority and has the power to act on behalf of those Local Authorities in delivering the purposes of the AONB. It is supported by an Officer’s Working Group of relevant officers from the constituent local authorities and Natural Resources Wales and the AONB Partnership.

The Joint Committee of the AONB has met 3 times in 2016 with each Local Authorities hosting a meeting.

The AONB Partnership

The AONB Partnership reports to and advises the Joint Committee in the development and delivery of the AONB Management Plan. It was established to ensure a wide range of interests are represented in planning and delivering the work of the AONB. There are 25 members representing: • Urban Communities • Rural Communities • Landowners • Recreation and Access • Other Special Interests

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Five Working Groups have been established to help focus the work of the Partnership in steering the delivery of the AONB Management Plan. These are:

• Landscape Character and Built Environment • Land Management and Natural Environment • Historic Environment • Recreation Access and Tourism • Sustainable Development Fund

Each Working Group is able to expand its membership to beyond the partnership and can co-opt members from relevant bodies to advise on particular aspects of work. The Land Management and Natural Environment Group for example includes the Biodiversity Officers from each of the Local Authorities and well officers from the north Wales Wildlife Trust. Similarly the historic Environment Group has co-opted representation form Cadw, the Royal Commission and CPAT.

The Partnership has met a total of 3 time this year. Most working Groups have met at least 4 times with the exception of the Landscape Character and Built Environment Group which has met 6 times. This group meets more often in order to consider planning applications.

Familiarisation Visits A series of Familiarisation Visits have been held for the Partnership in order to explore some of the projects taking place and some of the issues facing the AONB.

In all 6 Familiarisation Visits have been held across the AONB covering a wide range of aspects of AONB management. Visits have include: • Coed Nercwys – NRW / AONB Forest Partnership Working. • Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – World Heritage Site Partnerships and Our Picturesque Landscape Landscape Partnership Scheme • Aberdunna Quarry – Minerals Policy and Quarry restoration Scheme. • Prestatyn Hillside – SSSI Management and Offa’s Dyke National Trail. • Llangollen – Llangollen railway – Horseshoe Falls – WHS management • Caer Drewyn, Corwen – Iron Age Hillfort Access Management.

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The AONB Annual Forum this year was themed around the Natural Environment and show cased some of the conservation initiatives currently taking place with partners, including the Alun and Wheeler Living Landscape Project – North Wales Wildlife Trust, Black Grouse Recovery Project – RSPB and Species Recovery – Chester Zoo. The Forum took Place in Twm o’r Nant Theatre in Denbigh with approximately 50 people attending.

AONB Award Every Year the AONB Partnership present an award to an individual, group or business in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the landscape of the AONB. This year the Award went to the Community of Llandegla for their efforts in successfully sustaining and expanding facilities and services in the village. In particular the Partnership recognised the Community Shop, established in the old School building and replacing the Post Office which has recently closed. It also recognised the work of the St Tecla’s Church Group in establishing an Information Point and refreshment centre in the Church – providing an important facility for walkers of the Offa’s Dyke National Trial.

This year the Partnership also took the opportunity to establish a new award for Volunteering in the AONB. The Award was presented to James Worsely who volunteers at Loggerheads Country Park every week despite having suffered a brain injury as a teenager.

The award ceremony took place in the village of Llandegla followed by a tour of the village.

Volunteers The AONB has continued to provide and support a wide range of volunteering opportunities across the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. Two Volunteer Programmes have been produced for both Winter and Summer Activities featuring 101 events. A further 75 events were organised outside of the Volunteer Programme with specific groups and communities giving a total of 176 volunteering opportunities provided by the AONB through the year.

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There have been a total of 847 volunteer days across a range of practical activities across the AONB.

Volunteers carried out a range of diverse tasks across the AONB, contributing their time to help with community projects, essential maintenance at AONB sites, landscape projects, conservation and habitat work and access improvements. Highlights include the charcoal production at Loggerheads Country Park where volunteers produced enough charcoal to fill 15 bags which were sold in the Loggerheads Visitor Centre to raise money for further conservation work in the Park. Young Rangers Young Rangers in the Dee Valley AONB have developed into a strongly attended group and have enjoyed their first full year of learning new skills and visiting different areas of the Dee Valley. There are now 20 young rangers registered in the Dee Valley, most of whom attend regularly. Activities are spread over a wide range of sites and engaging with a range of partners. This year activities have included:

• Ty Mawr Country Park joint session with Wrexham Rangers – animal care • Coed Pen y Pigyn – woodland activities • Trefor Rocks – climbing • Ty Mawr Country Park with Wrexham Rangers – balsam bashing • Llyn Brenig (Welsh Water) – replacing posts on an archaeological site • Llangollen – Bushcraft day • Llangollen Canal with CRT – habitat management and canoeing on the canal • Corwen Platform with Llangollen Railway – managing scrub on the line and a tour of the work sheds. • Coed Pen y Pigyn – woodland management. • Corwen – Cynwyd Railway Line – Coppicing and bushcraft skills.

In addition to our regular young rangers, joint activities with Ruabon Youth Group have also been undertaken, including 3 days of activities for their summer scheme. The Young Rangers in the Clwydian Range have evolved with older members leaving for University and new young rangers joining. Events included coppicing at Loggerheads Country Park, wildlife surveying and monitoring, exploring Devil’s Gorge and some of the mines around the Leete, coracle building and canoeing on the canal.

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Young Rangers is continuing to provide a useful pathway into further study and potential employment in the environmental sector. For example Aled Williams, a Young Ranger for 2 years recently secured a place on a Forestry and Conservation course at Coleg Cambria after being inspired by the Young Ranger activities. Aled is now completing 300 work experience hours with the AONB as part of his course.

Supporting Community Groups The AONB has also provided practical support to a range of community groups in caring for their own local environments.

AONB staff for example have assisted Flintshare, a community food growing group based in Cilcain. Staff and volunteers helped to construct a new wooden bridge on in order to improve access on to site. Approximately 40m of new path was also constructed. Funding was provided by the Sustainable Development Fund.

Corwen Community Garden The AONB has developed a partnership with Canolfan Ni and Exercise on Referral in Corwen providing opportunities for volunteers to develop a small area of land in the centre of Corwen as a Community Garden. Regular volunteer sessions started in November, every Wednesday, with sessions carrying out pruning and maintenance of the orchard trees. This has continued over the winter preparing new for planting. The development of the garden has provided the group with the opportunity to consider how to develop the garden and agree on general principles of growing good plants for pollinators and edible plants. Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley The Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley continues to go from strength to strength. The group has put together a comprehensive events calendar, which includes visits to see black grouse and nightjars, Ruthin market, well attended talks on topics such as the weather, air crash sites, the AONB and behind the scenes visits to historic houses and sites not normally open to the general public. Through the efforts of the trustees the membership has now grown to over 190. The Friends also sponsored a school group competition relating to the Picturesque Landscape of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley in addition to sponsoring the plants to restore the formal garden at Plas Newydd, in addition to providing a helping hand with the planting work!

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Ysgol Clawdd Offa Transition Project The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB worked with Denbighshire Art Service on a Project with Ysgol Clawdd Offa Year 6 students and their transition to secondary school. The children worked with two artists with their work being exhibited at The Oriel at Loggerheads. The School children then came on a site visit out to Loggerheads to visit the exhibition, completed a guided walk and activities along the industrial trail and a climate change workshop. Community Transport The Sustainable Development Fund supported the AONB to establish a small fund available for groups for the hire of minibuses to enable them to travel and gain better access to the AONB. This is the fourth year the AONB has provided this service for community groups. In 2016/17 fund were accessed by four groups supporting 31 participants who would not otherwise have been able to visit the AONB.

LAND MANGEMENT AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

• Heather Moorland • Limestone grassland crags and cliffs • Broadleaved Woodland and Veteran Trees

Management Plan Objectives

HMRO1- Work with the North Wales Bionet Group to maintain or extend the current extent of heather moorland within the AONB. HMRO2 - Bring areas of heather moorland into positive productive management. HMRO3 - Continue to monitor black grouse and other upland bird species as an indicator of habitat condition. HMRO4 - Associate high quality food production with ecosystem management. HMRO5- Support and encourage sustainable grouse moors management where it has positive environmental and economic impacts. HMRO6 - Provide support to farmers and landowners in upland areas to bring moorlands into management schemes.

• River Valleys.

Heather Moorland

Clwydian Range

The AONB co-ordinated 2 days of heather burning in the Clwydian Range this year, one day supporting a grazier to carry out a controlled burn on Moel Arthur and one day carrying out a

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controlled burn with volunteers within Coed Moel Famau in an area which has seen very little management over the last few years since the area was felled. This area is now ready to bring into positive heather management to increase the area of open forest edge, an important habitat for black grouse. The area also benefitted from 3 days of flailing using a robotic flail, provided by the Natural Resources Wales partnership and 2 days of heather cutting. HMRO2 / HMRO6

The annual black grouse count for the Clwydian Range was held on April 20th. This covers an area between Moel y Parc and Moel Fenlli. Although there was misty conditions, 38 males were recorded, making it a record year for the Clwydian Range. HMRO3

Moel Findeg Local Nature Reserve Work to manage the heathland on the Local Nature Reserve at Moel Findeg has continued this yrear. One day of flailing and harrowing has taken place to break up pockets of bracken litter in order to stimulate the recovery of heather and bilberry. Volunteers have also spent 11 days between October and March clearing scrub off the heathland and burning brash on a single fire site. Individual volunteer days amounted to 70 days, adding up to 350 hours. The extensive work programme this winter has significantly moved the heathland condition on the LNR. HMRO2

Clwydian Range Lamb The AONB has continued to support the production and promotion of Clwydian Range lamb into local markets. The project has develop a number of local markets for lamb farmed on Moel Famau and links the quality of the product and the conservation of the uplands at the point of sale. The project has been showcased at two events exploring the benefits of Landscape Labelling in the wider food sector in promoting and supporting landscape conservation. AONB staff attended events in Cardiff and Brussels. The AONB are now working with the Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club to explore the feasibility of Dee valley Lamb and other products linked to landscape management. HMRO4.

Llantysilio Mountain. The AONB team assisted Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in an upland wading bird survey in June 2016, covering the western end of the Llantysilio Mountains, in the Bwlch y Groes area. Two pairs of curlew were recorded as part of the survey.

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The AONB has been working with RSPB and the graziers on Llantysilio Mountain to target heather management to favour both black grouse and curlew as well as improving grazing for stock. In total approximately 20 Ha of cutting has taken place In addition the AONB has lead on a trial programme of corvid control in order safeguard the very vulnerable curlew population. Working with graziers, the AONB co-ordinated a programme of control throughout the spring. The black grouse counts on Llantysilio Mountain recorded a total of 15 leking males – up from only 11 in 2016. 5 pairs of curlew also recorded.

Limestone Grassland, Cliffs and Screes.

Management Plan Objectives

LGPO1- Maintain the current extent of calcareous grassland and limestone pavement within the AONB.

LGPO2 - Bring all areas of public owned / managed limestone grassland, cliffs and screes into favourable management schemes.

LGPO3 - Provide opportunities for privately owned areas of limestone grassland and pavement to come into favourable management schemes.

LGPO4 - Ensure that recreational pressure is minimised in sensitive areas.

Loggerheads and the Alyn Valley – SAC Local contractors spent five days clearing over 5000m2 of scrub off the grasslands at Loggerheads Country Park as part of the Actif Alyn project. The clearance took place along the top of the cliffs and at the top of the park in an area known as the butterfly glades, which supports a small population of the grizzled skipper, a priority species. An area of the glades has also been fenced in order to extend the area managed trough conservation grazing. Approximately 1400m² has been fenced

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which has also created greater flexibility and control of the grazing of the area with a greater ability to respond to changing conditions. LGPO1/LGPO2 Prestatyn Hillside SSSI The AONB has been working with NRW to extend and maintain the area of calcareous grassland across Prestatyn Hillside. This year 2500m2 of bramble was removed by contractors to open up Manor Hill quarry floor which opens up areas of exposed limestone. 1300m2 of scrub and woodland was also thinned to open up the impressive views of the quarry and to help reduce the instances of anti-social behaviour. LGPO1/ LGPO2 /LGPO4 Contractors also spent 5 days clearing scrub from Prestatyn Hillside SSSI. Contractors removed tree saplings and gorse to benefit the sensitive limestone grassland around Pant y Fachwen cottage close to the Offa’s Dyke Nation Trail. In all approximately 1500m2 was cleared of scrub. Contractor, staff and volunteers have opened up viewpoints and improved the footpath between the fish cave and Pant y Fachwen Cottage on Prestatyn Hillside by stabilising the lower bank, 30mof footpath was improved in total. Rock Farm Through the Limestone Legacy Project work has taken place to improve and extend the species rich grassland around the Roadside Nature Reserve at Eglwyseg. Approximately half a hectare of grassland has been cleared working with both contractors and volunteers. The verge is also part of a wider SSSI and SAC, a species rich calcareous grassland with a rich floristic diversity including fairy flax, devils bit scabious, dwarf thistle and both early purple and common spotted orchids. Much of the grassland had become fragmented by encroaching scrub and pioneering woodland. LGPO3

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North East Wales Grazing Scheme The AONB has taken the lead on a project that aims to bring areas of conservation interest into sustainable grazing regimes. Working with PONT and 9 partners across North East Wales the AONB has been successful in a stage one application to Welsh Governments Sustainable Management Scheme and is now developing the project further for a stage two application in September. The project covers 41 sites across 4 counties and will invest in the necessary infrastructure and clearance work required for the introduction of livestock for conservation purposes. The project will co-ordinate the introduction and movement of the appropriate stock for each site at the right time of year through and engage with communities, volunteers, colleges and develop monitoring programmes and training schemes. The project would also investigate landscape labelling opportunities and invest in interpretation. The project would include limestone grassland, heathland and heather moorland sites within the AONB. LGPO1 / LGPO2 / LGPO3

Broad leaved Woodland and Veteran Trees

Management Plan Objectives

WVTO1 - Maintain the current extent of broadleaved woodland and veteran trees within the AONB having regard for other policies within the management strategy.

WVTO2 - Protect veteran trees within the landscape across the AONB.

WVTO3 - Maintain and restore broadleaved woodland towards a favourable condition through the implementation of Biodiversity Action Plans for Mixed Ash Woodlands, Upland Oak Woodlands and Wet Woodlands.

WVTO4 - Develop publically owned woodlands as models of best practice in broadleaf woodland

Loggerheads and the Ayn Valley.

As part of the Limestone Legacy Project contractors spent 6 days removing non-native grand fir trees from the Alyn Valley. The parent trees were also removed as they were a significant seed source for the emerging saplings covering an area of the ash woodland within Loggerheads Country Park. WVTO1 / WVTO4

The AONB has also spent 7 days working with arboriculture students from Coleg Cambria thinning the woodland at Loggerheads, removing beech and sycamore in favour of ash. WVTO1 / WVTO4

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Volunteers assisted with 3 day work thinning the woodland at Coed Alex between Nannerch and Llangwyfan. WVTO1 / WVTO4 As part of the North Wales Wildlife Trust Alyn and Wheeler Living Landscape Project school children from Cilcain helped to plant 200 trees to link up two areas of woodland.

River Valleys

Management Plan Objectives

RVO1 - Continue to monitor the extent of key indicator species such as otter and water vole in order to gauge habitat condition.

RVO2 - Continue to develop a partnership of key agencies and bodies to ensure an integrated and landscape approach to management.

RVO3 - Support and develop a landscape scale approach to a programme of invasive species control particularly in relation to Himalayan balsam.

RVO4 - Raise awareness amongst the general public and landowners/managers of the importance of the river valleys for biodiversity.

Alyn and Wheeler Living Landscape Project The AONB has been working with North Wales Wild Trust to improve habitats in the corridor of the River Alyn and River Wheeler.

This year the project installed a new bridge at Y Ddol Uchaf nature reserve in place of pipes which were creating a barrier to fish movement up the river and also constricted the river causing it to burst its banks and flood an area of the reserve during winter when resident dormice hibernate at ground level.

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The project also worked with AONB staff and volunteers to clear Himalayan balsam from approximately 8km of riverbank on the Alyn and Wheeler Last summer the project involved over 60 officer hours and 158 volunteer hours. The benefits of the project are visible as the area of coverage by the invasive species is declining in areas of previous clearance.

The project has also created a new pond at Afonwen and carried out habitat improvement works in the Wheeler valley linking up key habitats for dormouse and water vole. RVO2 / RVO4

The project has also held a mink trapping workshop with 7 landowners attending and interesting in carrying out control of the non-native predator. RVO4

Dee Valley The AONB continues to be key partners for the Big Dee Day – The Invasion.

Last year, the AONB held 3 volunteer days, focussing efforts in the Corwen area. In total, 34 people attended and have helped manage balsam on two key sites in Corwen, Ddol Afon and Gro Isa.

In addition to the three BDDI days, a Young Rangers Event was held at Ty Mawr Country Park to manage balsam with 11 attending. In addition a river dipping event on the Dee at Gro Isa was held as an opportunity for families with youngsters to explore and discover the rich aquatic life of the Dee – as well as having a function to raise the profile of BDDI – part of the event was to allow youngsters to pull balsam. 12 people attended.

The AONB has also started working more closely with Corwen Anglers (CADAC) who have been managing Invasive Non Native Species on their section of the Dee for several years. Staff spent a day with 8 members of CADAC clearing dense stands of balsam on various beats in the Cynwyd/Llandrillo area. AONB is hoping to develop this partnership further this year.

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HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

• Historic Settlement and Archaeology. • Industrial Features and the World Heritage Site • Historic Defence Features • Small Historic Features • Traditional Boundaries

Historic Settlement and Archaeology.

Management Plan Objectives

HSAO1 - Work towards a position where the condition/state of all archaeological sites within the AONB is known and appropriate management work is carried out. Utilise HER information, Pan Wales projects, Glastir agri-environment schemes and the planning process to facilitate this. HSAO2 - Encourage owners of Historic parks and Gardens within the AONB to maintain and restore existing parkland features as noted in the Register. HSAO3 - Increase the profile of the Historic Environment through effective and consistent Interpretation and information. HSAO4 - Incorporate information gathered as part of the Historic Environment Record into the continuous management process within the AONB.

Gop Cairn Work has taken place at Gop Cairn to address issued of tree encroachment onto the monument. Contractors have removed approximately .25 hectare of blackthorn and willow scrub that had been encroaching onto the site. The work as well as safeguarding the monument, has also improved the view of this impressive structure form Trelawyd and the approach to the site.

Funding from Welsh Government has also been secured to improve access to the site and to produce a leaflet. HSAO1

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Industrial Features and the World Heritage Site The World Heritage Site

Management Plan Objectives

WHSO2 - Identify and maintain key views to and from the World Heritage Site and the visual and cultural setting in line with other policies in this strategy. WHSO3 - Take steps to manage the impact of visitor on the historic integrity and setting of the World Heritage Site through the provision of facilities, signage and services in appropriate locations. WHSO4 - Ensure a consistent or complimentary approach to interpretation, signage and quality of the experience for the World Heritage Site across partnership authorities. WHSO5 - Raise awareness of the importance of industrial sites and features within the planning and AONB. WHSO6 - Develop an “at risk “ register for key industrial historic sites and work towards programmes that will respond where action is required.

The AONB is working with Wrexham County Borough Council and the Canal and River Trust to review the Management Plan for the World Heritage Site. The work includes an updating the gazetteer of structures throughout the World Heritage Site and a formal survey of all these features has taken place. WHSO1 WHSO1 - Secure the integrity of the outstanding universal values of the World Heritage

Our Picturesque Landscape

The Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership Scheme was successful in securing a Heritage Lottery Grant to submit a Landscape Conservation Plan working towards a 5 year project. The Landscape Partnership has undertaken community consultations, detailed drawings for projects relating to the Dell at Plas Newydd and Wernffrwd, Habitat and Heritage Surveys. 5 successful funding applications have been made to Cadwyn Clwyd towards the project development. WHSO1 / WHSO2

Historic Defensive Features

Tomen y Rhodwedd The AONB has been working with CPAT to clear vegetation from the motte and baily castle at Tomen y Rhodwedd near Llandegla. The site is one of only 3 motte and baily castle sites in the AONB and had become completely overgrown with gorse and scrub. Working with volunteers and students from Llyfasi the site has been cleared of scrub revealing the

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impressive banks and ditches of the original site. This enable geophysical survey work to take place which has been able to locate the entrance and a number of structures with the castle. This information has been used to produce an interpretation panel for the site. The landowner has agreed to grant public access to the site and new gates and waymarkers have been installed. Not only is the site now visible from the road, but now have access to this fascinating and important site. DFSO2

Castell Dinas Bran With funding from Cadw, the Welsh Castles Group carried out geophysical works at Castell Dinas Bran. This work was able to cover an area including both the Iron Age hillfort and the medieval castle. Initial finding suggest that ridge and furrow crop growing may have been taking place within the ramparts of the hillfort and these possibly pre date the construction of the medieval castle. DFSO1 DFSO2

Hillforts in the Clwydian Range. The AONB has continued to have a strong relationship with a number of universities engaged in long term excavation of hillforts in the Clwydian Range. Liverpool University have spent a 5th year at Penycloddiau on an excavation centred around a possible entrance to the hillfort on its Eastern edge. The work is also being used to train university students in excavation techniques. Oxford University are also continuing with excavation work at Moel y Gaer hillfort in Bodfari. Both programmes have included public open days that have been well attended.

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Small Historic Features

Management Plan Objectives

SHFO1- Raise awareness of the importance of small historic features within both the planning and highways environments by providing training sessions to professionals. SHFO2 - Encourage Communities to identify and map features within their communities on a standard database. SHFO3 - Encourage Communities to adopt these features and act as their champions by raising awareness within community councils and youth groups.

Telephone kiosks SDF provided investment to safeguard and upgrade 5 K.G .Gilbert Scott red telephone kiosk that are considered to be an important historic features of the AONB. Once under threat of removal these kiosks have now been preserved as part of the rural landscape. Working with a local design company and interpretation consultant all kiosk have a standard shell scheme which include and interpretation panel, informative map and local information which will and encourage visitors to explore the area further, prolonging their stay.

AONB officers held a day with local school children to develop interpretative ideas. SHFO2 / SHFO3.

Pant y Fachwen An area around the remains of a miners cottage on Prestatyn Hillside has been cleared as part of the Limestone Legacy project. The cottage is a prominent feature on the hillside but had become completely over grown. The project has cleared vegetation from around the site, reconsolidated some of the walls and installed a bench within the structure. SHFO2 / SHFO3

Vegetation from around other industrial features on Prestatyn Hillside have also been cleared as part of the project, in particular in Manor Hill Quarry.

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Hillside Gardens Shelter. Also as part of the Limestone Legacy project the shelter at Hillside Gardens have been renovated. The shelter was built in the 1920s in art deco style and is now a listed building. The AONB worked with the local community to address structural issues with the view platform which forms part of the shelter and weather proofed the structure. The project also painted the building. SHFO2 / SHFO3

Leete Culvert Survey and repair Specialist stone masons have been engaged to repair the external arches of a stone built culvert across the leete close to Pantymwyn. The structure is one of the few original features that remain and has deteriorated significantly in recent years. A further report was commissioned into the integrity of the rest of the structure and recommendations have been made for further works in the centre of the culvert. Further remedial works will be carried out in the summer of 2017. Without this work there is a danger of further collapse. SHFO2 / SHFO3

Boundaries

Management Plan Objectives

BO1 - Using SDF and other funds develop a Countryside Grant schemes to support projects That will maintain and enhance the most important boundaries in the AONB as well as other Special Features. BO2 - In line with aspirations within The Welsh Historic Environment Strategic Statement (2009) raise the skills base amongst the local workforce to increase the number of people who can carry out the necessary conservation and repair work. BO3 - Identify the most important boundaries within the AONB.

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Countryside Grant Schemes Four boundary restoration and conservation schemes were supported in 2016/17 delivered in conjunction with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. An initial site visit is undertaken to advise on the scheme followed by the finished project inspection. Schemes took place in Pentrecelyn, Llangynhafal, Llandrynog and Penycae. BO1

Volunteers assisted in the planting of 400m of new hedge as part of the car park landscaping scheme at Loggerheads. BO2

400 metres of hedge was renovated around Tomen y Rhodwedd with coppicing taking place and over 1,000 new whips planted.

As part of the Our Picturesque Landscape Project Development works hedgerows in the Dee Valley have been mapped using a combination of aerial photography and ground truthing visits. This is an initial step in establishing the extent and condition of hedgerows in the AONB. BO3

Drystone walling As part of the Volunteer programme of events volunteers have restored 20m of wall in Gwaenysgor, 10m of wall on the slopes of Moel Arthur and 15m of the boundary wall at Coed Nercwys. BO2

National Grid Landscape Enhancement Scheme. In initial application has been made to National Grid as part of their Landscape Enhancement Initiative to mitigate overhead lines. It is centred the Morwynion Valley and the Tremeirchion areas. The scheme targets hedge row and drystone wall restoration, working with landowners in these areas. A total of 12 schemes have been agreed locally and the initial application to National Grid was successful. A stage two application has now been submitted and the AONB is awaiting the outcome. BO1 / BO2

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ACCESS RECREATION AND TOURISM

• Iconic visitor and Cultural Attractions • Offa’s Dyke National Trail and Promoted Routes

Management Plan Objectives

IVCO1 - Ensure that visitors and the tourism industry understand the need for, and support the conservation and enhancement of, the special qualities of the AONB as key assets upon which tourism is based. IVCO2 Promote and assist convenient and sustainable access into the AONB and special places within it. IVCO3 Continue to develop public transport links and develop a strategy to reduce congestion between honey-pots and with other centres of population. IVCO4 Investigate ways to reduce congestion around key visitor areas.

The AONB have continued to work with a number of key business sector groups to strengthen the link between the high quality landscape of the AONB and the tourism economy and to promote activity tourism.

Business engagement.

Dee Valley Active With support from Denbighshire’s Economic Development Board the AONB have been working with the outdoor sector in the Dee Valley to develop a single point of sale for outdoor activity tourism. Arran Cartwright Associates was commissioned to look develop an online mechanism for individual businesses to come together to promote activity packages. 10 businesses have come together and are working with the TIC in Llangollen to establish a single point of sale through webticketmanger.

In addition in order to promote and develop employment opportunities in the outdoor sector the AONB commissioned a skills audit for the outdoor sector and has developed a bespoke training package for river based activities. The training includes Paddle Sport Leader training, Swift Water rescue and First Aid.

The programme has also taken the opportunity to develop training sessions in the landscape, history and ecology of the river aimed at the outdoor sector lead by NRW, the AONB and the Canal and River Trust.

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Clwydian Range Food Trail The AONB has continued to support the Clwydian Range Food Trail to link high quality produce with the outstanding landscape of the AONB. This year the group have worked with the AONB to develop a “pop up shop” and other promotional material. The popup shop will provide the group with the means to attend local food festivals and shows and will help to raise the profile of the group.

Llangollen and Dee Valley good Grub Club. The AONB has also been working with the food sector to establish a similar business group in the Dee Valley. The Good Grub Club was established in July and has already grown to 20 members. The group represent producers, retailers and farmers in the Dee Valley and have secured funding to develop a brand and are working towards a food directory. They are working closely with the Clwydian Range Food Trail.

Officers have been developing connections with local authority tourism teams and North East Wales Destination Management Partnerships to improve working relations and understanding of the AONB. The AONB has featured in North East Wales’ Year of Legends Film and online brochure: http://www.northeastwales.wales/listings/year-of-legends/ .

Officers have also delivered modules for the NEW Ambassador Programme, a similar initiative to the AONB Guides Course focused on the NEW Tourism offer.

Health and Wellbeing

Dementia Project A successful joint project was developed with Denbighshire’s Art Department and GP Referral Team that combined art, walking, exercise and local heritage saw 45 people on the GP referral register attending a day which involved a guided walk providing information about Loggerheads’ heritage and nature inspired art workshops and a little exercise. Gwynedd / Mon Vision Impaired group were taken on a joint walk with Snowdonia National Park to the summit of Moel Famau. The day was a tremendous success and a return visit is currently being arranged with vision impaired groups from this area.

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Troedio Clwyd – Lets Walk The Let Walk Programme has continue this year with funding through the Sustainable Development Fund and Lets Walk Fund from Welsh Government. The programme has delivered 18 programmed walk per week centred around Rhyl, Prestatyn, Dyserth, Ruthin, Corwen, Llangollen Denbigh, Gwaenysgor and Loggerheads. A total of 5,190 people have participated in the walks.

This year a Walk Leader training session was also held at Loggerheads Country Park with a further 10 Walk Leaders being Trained.

The project has engaged with the Dementia Network, Glyndwr University, Homestart, Tir Morfa Primary School, Visionary Wrexham & Mold, Ffordd Las Centre, North Wales Women’s Centre, Newcis, Visionaires and Dementia Imagination.

Events A full programme of events have been delivered under the Out and About 2016 programme which varied from outdoor, guided walks, archaeological walks, bird and bat walks, educational theatre performances, practical volunteering tasks and much, much more. 2667 people / children attended one of 53 events held in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB. Climate Change Climate Change Education Project visited 10 Primary Schools this year including Acrefair, Chirk, Cefn Mawr,Garth, Llangollen, Cilcain, Gwernymynydd, Dyserth, Llandyrnog and Llanarmon.565 Children received a lesson on the subject and 26 teachers were trained.

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Recreational Pressure

Visitor Numbers Visitor Counters at key sites across the AONB have shown a steady increase in visitors over the last 5 years and the trend is continuing to rise.

There has been an upward trend in visits to key sites across the AONB in recent years. This year AONB has been monitoring 5 bike, 11 people, 2 car and 4 traffic counters around the Denbighshire including key sites in the AONB. A considerable increase in visits to sites in the Dee Valley has been measured in the past five years – Of note are the comparison figures for Castell Dinas Bran and Llantysilio Green Car Park. Recent access improvement works between Llantysilio Green car park and Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen has directly resulted in a significant increase in the number of visits to the falls, with 111,401 visits recorded using the new access point in the 2016-17 financial year. Figures for Castell Loggerheads and Moel Famau Dinas Bran fell for the first time in five 300000 years, however trends are steady. 250000 Other flagship sites, including Loggerheads 200000 have seen increases in visits recorded in 150000 recent years with a record 256,000 visits to 100000 Loggerheads in the 2015-16 year. In the 50000 past year 33% of visitors to the Country 0 Park used the shop and 24% of visitors 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 used the AV room. Loggerheads Moel Famau Mountain Bike visits have also seen a steady increase, in line with wider surveys estimating a rise in participation and the economic value of the sport in Wales. The counter on the Red trail at Moel Famau shows a slight decline, however figures for the Moel Famau Blue Trail have increased by 24% on the previous years and overall visits recorded on the trails have also increased.

SITE NAME 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 South Castell Dinas Bran 42830 45905 40383 Horseshoe Falls 19820 107707 111401 Llantysilio Green 21590 33213 N/A Pen y Pigyn 8237 5048 7505 Central Loggerheads Car Park 208904 256430 232232 Llanarmon yn Ial (ODP) 2245 1749 2979 Llangwyfan (ODP) N/A 11544 22626

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Work to extend the car park at Loggerheads was completed this year. This has been a significant undertaking requiring the purchase of neighbouring land and the redesign of the road layout approaching the park. Work is now complete with an additional 70 spaces now available.

There is a danger that increasing numbers people are coming to enjoy the outstanding landscape of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley could to have a detrimental impact on the very landscape they come to enjoy and there is evidence that this is happening in some of the busiest areas of the AONB. A congestion Study in 2017 will examine the opportunities and threats.

The study will he us to understand more fully the profile of visitors to our busiest areas and how we might be able to both build resilience into these sites whilst reducing numbers at peak times. Further work should consider: • Current Marketing and promotion key sites in the AONB • Potential to spread the tourism benefits to surrounding areas

Promoting Environmental Good Practice in the tourism sector. The current Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the AONB whilst focusing on the benefits that the designated landscape brings to the tourism economy considers the impact of visitor numbers on the special qualities of the landscape.

The AONB has been working with a number of key business areas to raise awareness of the special qualities of the landscape and promote environmental good practice.

Working with Snowdonia Active and the North Wales Environmental Charter Group the AONB develop a series of training sessions across the outdoor sector.

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A session was organised at Llandegla Mountain Bike Centre in the spring to raise awareness of access issues on the moorland adjacent to the forest which is part of Ruabon Mountain SSSI and SAC. A group of 10 participants which included mountain bike guides, instructors and representatives from the mountain bike centre rode up onto the moorland and met officers from the AONB, NRW and the gamekeeper for the Wynnstay Estate for a discussion on moorland management, ecology and access. The session was very received with all parties.

Further sessions for water sport activity providers are planned on the River Dee and on the Canal covering the ecology and geology of the river and the World Heritage Site. The sessions will bring outdoor activity businesses together with conservation specialists to discuss to promote a greater understanding of environmental issues.

AONB Guide Course In 2016 the AONB’s Guide course was in its third year and saw the 23rd guide complete the course. This year’s course had 10 participants from a range of tourism businesses including accommodation businesses, retail and promotion and marketing. The course provides a thorough look at the special qualities of the AONB over 8 sessions over 6 months. Sessions include historic environment, biodiversity, farming and agriculture, culture and moorland habitats. The Course was sponsored by Flintshire’s Tourism Section.

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Management Plan Objectives

ODPO1 - Continue a programme of Rights of Way improvement across the AONB through the use of the Community Miles initiative and other area access improvement works focusing on increasing opportunities to access the countryside. ODPO2 - Provide increased opportunities where appropriate for cycling and horse riding in the AONB and promote these opportunities. ODPO3 - Ensure each Local Access Forum has a good understanding of the needs of the AONB through regular liaison. ODPO4 - Raise awareness of the acknowledged health and well-being benefits provided by the AONB and develop initiatives promoting physical activity particularly walking and cycling. ODPO5 - Understand and work towards removing physical and psychological barriers to access enabling all sectors of society to participate in and benefit from outdoor access and recreational opportunities. ODPO6 - Investigate ways to promote the Trail with local tourism businesses and to develop initiatives that will strengthen business links. ODPO7 - Strengthen links between the National Trail and nearby settlements and places of interest utilising the wider Rights of Way Network and Public Transport. ODPO8 - Monitor erosion in key areas and develop a programme of measures that will reduce the impact of the Trail on the landscape by limiting width or depth of path as appropriate. ODPO9 - Identify key indicator sites to monitor visitor user numbers within the AONB.

The Offa’s Dyke Path and Promoted Routes

Cyrn y Brain Work over the winter of 2016, focussed on the continuation of replacing old railway sleepers with large York Stone slabs. Approximately 25m of sleepers to be replaced and in the process the path was moved away from a Bronze Age burial mound which had begun to suffer erosion. Approximately 5m of stone pitching has also taken place to link this work to previously constructed sections. ODPO1

Moel Famau A contactor has carried out work to improve the badly eroded section of trail north of the Jubilee Tower, small drainage grips have been added, stone steps have been put in to guide people along the path rather than the desire lines forming either side of the trail. Heather and stone buffers were put in to decrease the erosion issues to the side of the path and to try and deter cyclists. Some heather seed has also been spread either side of the path. ODPO1

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A programme of finger post replacements, a new central fingerpost for the village of Llandegla and a replacement of broken or missing fingerposts from along the trail. The actual replacement of the fingerposts on the ground is ongoing. Promoted Routes Funding has been secured through Welsh Government to improve access in a number of key locations across the AONB. Improvements works have taken place at Tant y Cwt Woods near Ty Mawr Country Park and Gop Hill. In consultation with the Community Council in Minera the network around Mineral Lead Mines Country Park has also been improved. Improvements to the North Berwyn Way have also been developed linking the route to Liberty Hall above Corwen. ODPO5

Improvement works have also taken place at Devils Gorge to improve the surface of the path in the base of the gorge which has traditionally been very wet. A series of stone slabs have been laid to create a raise walkway allowing for much better access in to the mouth of the mine at the end of the gorge.

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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Management Plan Objectives

LQCO1 - Ensure that the natural resources and special qualities of the AONB are recognised and valued. LQCO2 - Ensure that the impacts of environmental change on the AONB are understood and a strategic response is developed and implemented. LQCO3 - Minimise the cumulative impacts of small-scale change that may erode the special character of the AONB. LQCO4 - Protect the tranquillity of the AONB and take steps where possible to reduce noise and light pollution. LQCO5 - Where possible reduce visual intrusion by screening or removing eyesores. LQCO6 - Investigate and increase our understanding of the cultural heritage of communities in the AONB. LQCO7 - Develop Partnerships that will help to stimulate awareness of and interest in the rich cultural dimension to communities in the AONB.

Following implementation of new governance arrangements for the AONB last year, the revised scheme of delegation for handling of planning and development related consultations in conjunction with the AONB Partnership Landscape Character and Built Environment Working Group and Joint Committee is now more established. The Working Group met on four occasions during the year and, in addition to commenting on policy matters and major development proposals, also took forward a number of important AONB Management Plan initiatives. These include preparation of an SPG for the AONB in conjunction with the three local planning authorities, protecting tranquillity by pursuing Dark Sky status for the AONB, reducing visual intrusion (e.g. undergrounding overhead power lines, Pontcysyllte sewage works and Kronospan Landscape Strategy) and monitoring landscape change. The Working Group has also engaged with a review of planning decisions in the WHS/AONB.

Planning Consultations The built environment is one of the special qualities of the AONB and contributes to the character and appearance of the area. There is pressure for new development in and around the AONB as an attractive place to live, work and visit, but particular care is required to ensure that new development fits well in the landscape. An important role of the Joint Committee and Partnership is to advise on development policies and proposals affecting the AONB. The overall number of consultations referred to the AONB in 2016-17 was 281, which was fewer than the 325 received last year. The majority of consultations (208 in number, 74% of the total) were planning or related applications for development referred by the three local planning authorities (LPA’s). As expected, the majority (172) were from Denbighshire, followed by Flintshire (29) and Wrexham (7). Informal requests for pre and post-application advice continue to account for a significant proportion of all

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consultations (48 in number, 17% of the total). Other consultations comprised policy related consultations (17), planning appeals (5) and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP’s) (2). LQCO2 / LQCO3 The planning consolations cover a broad range of interests as detailed below.

Category Proportion of Applications householder applications 37% Residential, including conversions 19% Tourism related development. 12% agriculture/forestry 10% energy related applications 2% - down from 125 last year Other, minerals,NSIP, community 20%

Policy/strategic consultations responded to during the year included Flintshire Local Development Plan (LDP) Strategic Options and several draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) notes referred to the AONB by Denbighshire (Trees and Landscaping, Biodiversity, Residential Development, Community Safety, Recreational Open Space and Caravans, Chalets and Camping). The AONB also commented in support of the Snowdonia National Park SPG relating to Intrusive Lighting, which complements the AONB’s aspirations to protect its dark skies. Comments were also submitted on policy developments and changes proposed by Welsh Government, including the proposed National Development Framework and amendments to Planning Policy Wales in respect of protection of the historic environment. Comments were also made on the long-awaited Kronospan Draft Landscape Strategy which seeks to mitigate the impact of this major industrial complex on the AONB and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site (WHS). LQCO2

AONB Responses The majority of decided planning applications (81%) were granted permission, which is comparable with the approval rate in previous years. Only 11% were refused, and 7% of applications were withdrawn by the applicant prior to determination.

The AONB raised no objection to the majority of applications, but often suggested design, materials or additional landscaping to help conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the AONB. There were only ten in-principle objections lodged to development proposals, and significant concerns were raised in respect of ten further applications.

Analysis of LPA responses to substantive comments made by the AONB on planning applications shows that the majority of the comments (74% ) made by the committee were accepted in full (39%) or in part (34%), which is an improvement on last year’s position. The remaining 27% of comments were not accepted or acted upon by the LPA’s. Of the 19 comments not accepted, 18 applications were determined by Denbighshire and one by Flintshire. Therefore, in 2016-17 the AONB’s comments on 36% of applications determined by Denbighshire were not accepted or acted upon by the planning authority. The equivalent figures for Flintshire and Wrexham were 7% and 0% respectively, although the sample sizes are inevitably smaller than for Denbighshire. For the

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most part, comments made by the AONB which were not accepted related to design, materials and landscaping. The majority (75%) of decided applications to which the AONB made an outright objection were refused by the relevant planning authorities.

Appeals and Enforcement Of the five planning appeals referred to the AONB during the year, three were dismissed by the inspector and two are still pending. The dismissed appeals were for demolition and development of 13 dwellings at Llanbedr Hall, extensions at Tyn y Ceubren, Glyndyfrdwy and a new dwelling at Colomendy Lodge, Corwen. The AONB’s objections to the Glyndyfrdwy and Corwen applications were taken into account by the inspector. The pending appeals are for major developments at Kronospan, Chirk and residential development at 74 Gronant Road, Prestatyn.

During the year 18 potential cases of unauthorised development affecting the AONB were referred to the LPA enforcement teams for investigation. These included advertisement signs, caravans, engineering/tipping works, vehicle storage, access works and advertisements. LQCO3

Dark Skies With financial support from LEADER the AONB have engaged BRO consultancy and Dark Skies Wales to make an assessment of the quality of the night sky within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley using the IDA Guidelines. In early 2017 the AONB launched the initiative and engaged over 50 stakeholders including biodiversity and planning officers, tourism providers and astronomy clubs. A number of events are planned for 2017 to engage communities and agencies to raise the importance of dark skies. Work will also include advice and guidance to communities and businesses in lighting schemes that will help to preserve the quality of the night sky whilst providing for lighting needs and the development of an Action Plan that will help to move the AONB towards a Dark Sky status. A programme of events has also been developed to raise awareness of the importance of dark skies that will include star gazing biodiversity events. LQCO4 / LQCO7

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This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 8

JOINT COMMITTEE Of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 23rd June 2017

Lead Member / Officer: Howard Sutcliffe

Report Author: Rachel Jones Community Partnership Officer

Title: Item 8 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Volunteer Strategy

1. What is the report about?

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Volunteer Strategy.

2. What is the reason for making this report?

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Volunteer Strategy links the AONB Management Plan Actions to the development of how the service works with and engages with volunteers. The plan covers a period of five years and will be reviewed annually. It identifies current working relationships with volunteer groups, the barriers and benefits to volunteering and how the service can improve and develop volunteering opportunities within the Service.

3. What are the Recommendations?

That Joint Committee scrutinise and endorse the Volunteer Strategy for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, delegating its delivery to the AONB Officer.

4. Report details.

Volunteer Strategy see attached Appendix 1.

Page 109 5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Volunteer Strategy links directly to the actions identified within the Management Plan.

6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

There is a zero cost other than officer time, some actions require further funding applications before they can be delivered.

7. What are the main conclusions of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) undertaken on the decision? The completed EqIA template should be attached as an appendix to the report.

See Appendix 2

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The Volunteer Strategy has been developed with AONB officers and volunteer input.

9. Chief Finance Officer Statement.

There are no additional costs directly associated with this report

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

None

11. Power to make the Decision

The Legal basis to lies in Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act of 1972 and the Local Government Act 2000, where Local authorities can enter arrangements to ’Discharge functions jointly with one or more other local authorities by means of a Joint Committee’

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Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Denbighshire Countryside Service Volunteer Strategy 2015- 2020

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Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an internationally important designated landscape including parts of the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham in North East Wales. The AONB stretches as far north as Prestatyn Hillside and to the south it includes the remote Berwyn Mountains. The Clwydian Range forms an impressive chain of heather clad hills peaked with Iron Age Hillforts, giving way to the stunning Dee Valley.

Denbighshire’s Countryside

Denbighshire is blessed with a diverse and impressive landscape. It is an area of contrasts, ranging from the windswept sand dunes of the north coast to wide river flood plains and gently undulating pastoral lowlands, over the heather clad moorlands of the Clwydian Range to the dramatic Dee Valley in the South.

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Introducing the Strategy

This is a strategy for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Denbighshire Countryside Service. One of Denbighshire’s greatest assets is its beautiful countryside and rural environment which is rich in wildlife and heritage. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley was designated an AONB in order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. ‘Natural Beauty’ includes the protection of flora, fauna and geodiversity as well as cultural landscape features. Both the AONB and the Countryside Service recognise the contribution that the environment makes to quality of life. By providing good quality opportunities for people to volunteer with nature and the countryside we are creating bonds between communities and the natural environment, benefitting both. Purpose of the Strategy

The strategy provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the Service has worked successfully with volunteers for many years. The Service sets high standards in creating opportunities for volunteers to get involved in and help with the work of the Service. This strategy seeks to build on this by identifying areas where opportunities can be improved and reach all sectors of the community. The strategy will further support staff in providing these opportunities by outlining our vision and commitment to volunteering and developing an action plan for the next 5 years. It will demonstrate the wide range of volunteering the Service already provides along with the health, social, economic and environmental benefits that volunteering delivers.

Links to Other Strategies This document will link with other strategies and key agendas including the AONB Management Plan, the Denbighshire Countryside Strategy and the AONB Outreach Strategy. It will also link with the Denbighshire County Council’s ‘Working with Volunteers Policy’ and the promotion of volunteering through the new county wide inclusive volunteering website www.denbighshirevolunteers.co.uk. Volunteer opportunities from all departments within the County Council will be advertised on this website.

The AONB Management Plan objectives for volunteers;

PC03 Foster a sense of place and local pride to secure social well-being

PC04 Ensure that the governance of the AONB promotes effective partnerships and fosters opportunities for communities to engage in the management of the AONB.

ODP04 Raise awareness of the acknowledged health and well-being benefits provided by the AONB and develop initiatives promoting physical activity particularly walking and cycling

PCO4A Produce a volunteer programme of events twice a year. Develop a Young Ranger Scheme with a programme of activity across the AONB

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Service Activity

Background

The Service has worked with volunteers for many years, developing programmes and projects which not only promote active stewardship of the countryside but provides an environment for people to socialise and improve their health through a more active lifestyle. The development of the volunteering opportunities we offer has expanded, with more varied opportunities available including a youth volunteering programme, an expanded walk leader’s programme and more opportunities to engage with biodiversity, heritage and archaeological volunteering.

Archaeological conservation – CRAG – supported volunteer group

The Clwydian Range Archaeology Group was formed in around 2008/9 as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Heather and Hillforts project. The group of people involved wanted to continue beyond the lifetime of the lottery project. They have continued as a constituted group with Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and they have carried out a series of excavations in the Clwydian Range, notably on the slopes outside the hillfort of Moel Arthur. They are currently producing a report on their work for inclusion within the Historic Environment Record. The group has received funding from Cadwyn Clwyd and the Sustainable Development Fund to help them draw in professional support and to pay for some radiocarbon dating. Recently they have submitted an application the Heritage Lottery Fund in order to continue the work at Moel Arthur and to train up more members of the group in archaeological skills in order that the group can continue into the future

Biodiversity

Volunteers carry out or assist with species and habitat surveys, for example annual sand lizard, great crested newt and invasive non- native species surveys. Some specific species survey courses are made available to volunteers who wish to improve their skills in this area. Volunteers help with landowner liaison and other project work including data entry and analysis. Opportunities have increased with volunteers now assisting with events, such as pond dipping and children’s activities.

Little Tern Colony

Volunteers help to monitor and protect the only breeding colony of this small seabird in Wales at Gronant Dunes, every year between April and August. A Friends of Little Terns group has developed to support the work of the service around the colony.

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Social Care Groups

The Service works with a number of social care groups offering sessions designed specifically from the particular needs of these groups. Many individuals from these groups find great benefits from working in the countryside, a day’s volunteering in the outdoors can provide a sense of fulfilment and well-being, as well as providing a social opportunity for people.

Volunteer Groups

There are a number of volunteer groups who work with the service to look after and promote certain areas in their local community. These include Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, volunteer groups at Plas Newydd in Llangollen, Lord’s Garden, Nant Clwyd Y Dre in Ruthin, Denbigh Community Conservation Volunteers and Prestatyn and District Environmental Association.

Young Rangers

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Young Rangers programme follows the Europarc Federation Junior Rangers model. By providing an opportunity for young people to volunteer in the AONB and surrounding area it will increase their understanding of issues involved with the protected landscape and nature conservation. This will enable them to see they can have an active role to play as part of their local community towards safeguarding these features for future enjoyment.

Volunteer Programme of events

There is a volunteer programme of events produced biannually in a printed, A5 bilingual document. The programme is posted to volunteers from our volunteer list and sent out to volunteer groups and voluntary services in the local area. The programme is also posted on our website, www.Clwydianrangeanddeevalley.co.uk and www.denbighshirecountrysideservice.co.uk and a link is posted on our Facebook page and Twitter account. The current Spring/Summer programme has 57 events over the 6 months, whilst the previous Autumn/Winter programme had 76 events.

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Walk Leaders

Tackling the increase in physical inactivity is a major challenge for the future health and well-being of our local communities and is associated with a significant increase in burden to public health provision. The Troedio Clwyd walk leaders are trained volunteers who lead weekly walks that enables people to keep active, fitter and healthier. Every year they contribute 3,000 volunteer hours per annum in Denbighshire. Walking has been proven to improve self-confidence, stamina and weight control and to reduce anxiety and stress and reduces the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancers. The volunteers keep registers, complete risk assessments and arrange walks for the group.

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Links

Our volunteer management has developed with links to organisations that promote volunteer participation. The below organisations are examples of some of these.

Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham – An organisation that connects voluntary and community organisations and activities across Wrexham County Borough.

Canolfan Ni – South Denbighshire Community Partnership

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council – Promote volunteering opportunities in Denbighshire

Europarc - The representative body of Europe’s Protected Area. Produced guidelines for Quality Volunteer Management in European Protected Areas.

Flintshire Local Voluntary Council – Promotes voluntary action and is an umbrella and support organisation for voluntary and community groups in the county

Landscape Projects – The Alyn and Chwiler Living Landscape is a WREN funded project focussing on the Alun and Chwiler river corridors to help restore, recreate and reconnect wildlife habitats working at landscape level and engage with local people, including land owners and volunteers. The steering group is made up of partners including the AONB and DCC.

RSPB- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, is a charitable organisation registered in England, wales and Scotland. Joint working from RSPB volunteers on the Black Grouse Recovery Project and at the Little Tern Colony at Gronant Dunes

Wildlife Trust – Joint working with the Wildlife Trust and the crossover of volunteers on different sites benefits both organisations, with the mix of skills and equipment and the opportunity for volunteers to work on sites they may not have visited before

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Why do people volunteer?

Volunteers with the Service come from varied backgrounds and choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it is a chance to develop new skills or build on existing experience to open up career opportunities, for others it is a chance to give something back to the community and make a difference.

There are a great many benefits to volunteering, for the volunteers themselves and their local communities and to the Service. The Service gain a significant contribution to the delivery of work, between April 2016 and March 2017 our volunteers had contributed over 2200 days from 480 events.

Working with volunteers in their local community is an effective way to connect local people to their environment and heritage, promoting sustainable management of these highly valued areas.

Volunteering is also highly regarded for providing many social, health and educational benefits to the individual.

Jon Reanney – Trainee Warden Jon Reanney joined Young Rangers aged 14 to help him gain his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. Whilst volunteering with the Young Rangers Jon developed a keen interest in Countryside Management and joined Loggerheads Country Park for his school placement. That placement reaffirmed his interest in working in the countryside and he went on the study Forestry and Countryside Management at Coleg Cambria, returning to Loggerheads to compete 300 hours of placement as part of his course. Jon went on to win Forestry Student of the year and was successful in applying for a 6 month traineeship with the AONB team. Jon is now a full time assistant warden for the AONB.

Ken Robinson “After I retired 14 years ago I wanted to put something back into the community by volunteering at Loggerheads Country Park. I can enjoy working outdoors with likeminded people whilst learning new skills.”

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Vera Arrowsmith, Nordic Walking Instructor “After retiring from being a nurse and working with people all of my life, I felt that I would like to carry on to help others to improve their health. I had also suffered from illness and felt that it was important that I keep myself active. I decided to become a Nordic Walking Instructor with the support of the Service and the Let's

Walk Scheme. We have such fun every week, I have met new people, and I keep active and find it really worthwhile.”

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Benefits of volunteering

Social and Health benefits

 Volunteering can provide a social network for people from all backgrounds to come together to enjoy contributing to a greater good, promoting a sense of well- being.  A number of volunteers join after retirement, this can provide them with a sense of comradery that may be missing after leaving the work place and keeps people fit and active.  The social connection that is provided by volunteering can help people suffering from depression, loneliness and social isolation.  It can provide stimulation, routine and structure as well as a source of exercise.  Volunteering can help people recover from health issues through physical and mental activity.  Volunteering can give people a sense of empowerment and commitment for making a difference.

Educational

 It is a good way of promoting active stewardship of the countryside and reconnecting people to nature.  The Young Rangers and volunteer programme offer educational and career development opportunities, engaging young people and volunteers looking to learn new skills or expand and develop existing ones.  Involving communities in the work of the AONB and countryside service promotes a better understanding and sense of involvement and connection to the management of sites, developing projects and the governance of the AONB

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Increase in young people volunteering from April 2015 - March 2016 to April 2016- March 2017 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 11 -19 years old 18 - 25 years old 25 - 55 years old

April 2015 - March 2016 April 2016 - March 2017

As the graph above demonstrates, there has been an increase in young people volunteering in the last 12 months. This could be attributed to the increase in youth volunteering through the Young Rangers scheme, particularly the additional development of a Dee Valley Young Rangers group.

The Service has also seen an increase in volunteers in the 25-55 years old age range. This could be from people in this age bracket coming out to volunteer who are looking to gain experience as they change career fields and there is also a higher representation in this age bracket from people volunteering through the service with social care groups.

Economic

 Volunteer hours can provide much valued match funding in kind  There is an average cost across funding applications that put a value on volunteer time. Most use £6.10p per hour for unskilled work and £12.50 for skilled labour as a reference.

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Barriers to Volunteering

There may be a number of barriers that prevent people from volunteering. These barriers can be personal, physical and mental and can be influenced by social circumstances and the actual practicalities of volunteering.

Economic

Some of the sites in the Service where volunteering activity takes place are more rural with poor transport links. This may limit the amount of volunteers who may not own a car, or who cannot afford to travel a long distance in their car to attend these events. It is important therefore where possible transport is provided and volunteering opportunities should be also provided in areas of deprivation where appropriate.

Outdoor practical work requires outdoor clothing, gloves and stout shoes, this can often provide a barrier for people on a low income. The Service should provide gloves and practical equipment were required and should consider providing suitable footwear were this is a potential issue.

Health

The volunteer programme activities often require a certain level of fitness. This can be a barrier to people who are recovering from an injury or have long term health issues. It is important that a range of opportunities are made available that take in to account physical ability, for example volunteers could be given the opportunity to help with indoor based less physical work. People could also be given the opportunity to volunteer from home. The Troedio Clwyd Walks programme is ideally suited for people who want to build up their fitness levels.

Social

There could be a variety of social barriers that prevent people from volunteering. Women and men may prefer to volunteer in groups where there are more of their own gender. Similarly people may prefer to volunteer with people from their own age group. The Service has set up a Young Rangers programme from young people to volunteer through from 11 to 18 year olds. People may also prefer to volunteer through the medium of welsh.

There are many opportunities to volunteer with the Service through practical volunteering, the volunteering opportunities in the biannual programmes are all practically based tasks.

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From volunteer data collected annually it is clear that the practical volunteering offered in the volunteer programme appeals more to men than women, however the opportunity to volunteer as a walk leader has a higher proportion of female participants.

Male/ Female ratio for the volunteer Male/female ratio for Walk Leaders programme events 1000 800 900 700 800 600 700 500 600 500 400 400 300 300 200 200 100 100 0 0 2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015 2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015

Male practical volunteer Female practical volunteer Male walk leaders Female walk leaders

Timing of activities

The majority of volunteering opportunities provided by the Service are held during the week, this can make it difficult for people who work Monday to Friday and students to engage with the activities. The Service should consider volunteering opportunities outside of the normal working week.

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The Vision

Introduction to the Vision

Access to the countryside is an important feature of the lives of many people living locally in and visiting the area. The countryside and landscape of Denbighshire and the AONB provides a rich resource for biodiversity, culture, heritage and a place of recreation. By engaging people in volunteering it can increase understanding and appreciation of this asset, re-connecting people to nature, whilst the very act of volunteering in the countryside lends itself to a positive influence on mental and physical well-being.

Individuals who do not normally have a direct influence on the landscape feel that they can become involved in the management of the area through the work of the Service. Social needs and health benefits can then be realised through the participation of these volunteers.

Projects will be geographically spread throughout the AONB and Denbighshire Countryside. Volunteer opportunities should be meaningful and provide an enjoyable experience and the work of the volunteer should be recognised and valued.

‘The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and Denbighshire Countryside Service will provide accessible events and projects that will give equal opportunities for people to become involved in everything we do’

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Delivering the Vision

Objectives

 VO1: Ensure that there are a variety of opportunities for all sectors of the community to engage with the Service

Maintain links and foster new ones with voluntary services and organisations that run enablement courses for individuals who may not, for health or social reasons, have the confidence or ability to try volunteering themselves. Through these programmes individuals can experience volunteering in the countryside and develop the confidence to continue volunteering through the events programme. Participation in the new volunteering management system that DCC are implementing could broaden the engagement with volunteers who may not have been reached before, encourage the use of the system through signposting people to www.denbighshirevolunteers.co.uk.

 VO2: Encourage volunteers to play an active role in, and gain an understanding of the management of their own local environment.

Provision of a volunteer programme with events through the year and throughout the AONB and Denbighshire Countryside. Some volunteer events will be based on practical and traditional skills training, such as dry stone walling and hedge laying. Where possible seek to develop further training for volunteers. A programme of informal talks will be held throughout the year with speakers from a variety of backgrounds.

 VO3: Develop an environment where volunteers can make a valid contribution to the work of the service and feel appreciated for the work that they carry out.

Meaningful and enjoyable volunteering opportunities should be provided. Social events help connect volunteers and staff from different areas, creating a wider social group and transfer of knowledge and is a way of showing the services appreciation towards the work of the volunteers. A good working example is the hedge laying competition which has been held for two years and has proved popular with volunteers from across the area. Volunteers to be given an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions. Social activities such as the Christmas Party and annual summer field visit should be continued.

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 VO4: The contribution that volunteers make to the work of the service is recognised and promoted.

The regular use of social media and an increase in press releases should be used to promote the work of the volunteers corporately and to the wider general public.

 VO5: Volunteer opportunities provided should be inclusive and consistently pay high regard to the health, safety and welfare of all volunteers working with the service

All staff working with volunteers will be first aid trained and will carry out risk assessments for tasks. Guidelines on working with volunteers and the DCC volunteer policy will be followed.

 VO6: Identify areas in the Service were there are a lack of volunteering opportunities and consider ways to get people involved.

Broaden our range of volunteer opportunities to connect to people with a variety of skills to the work of the countryside service. Investigate areas of volunteering which partners and similar organisations may already provide but are currently not available. Discussions could be held around the North East Wales Countryside Ranger Forum or the Countryside Managers Association. Opportunities to train volunteers in certificates such as brush cutters should be investigated where funding allows, the volunteer will gain a valuable certificate and in return can directly help with site work. Investigate the possibility of ‘Friends of’ groups applying for funding for training for volunteers. Promote volunteer opportunities through social media. Monitoring of volunteer numbers will help to identify strengths and gaps in participation from volunteers

 VO7: Forge links with other volunteer groups.

Links should be created between volunteer and Young Ranger groups in other protected landscapes. Investigate hosting volunteer groups and joint events or exchanges.

 V08: Develop a programme of training for volunteers.

Incorporate a list of training needs for the volunteers to develop their skills.

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6. Actions

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS Maintain and foster links with organisations who help to enable individuals to engage with volunteering. Ensure that opportunities are provided for VO1 Promote and engage with the implementation of the DCC volunteer people, wherever possible, from all sectors of management system, www.denbighshirevolunteers.co.uk the community. Provide a programme of volunteer opportunities across the AONB and Denbighshire.

Encourage volunteers to play an active role Provide opportunities to engage with traditional skills

in, and gain an understanding of the Hold a programme of informal talks

Page 127 Page VO2 management of their environment. Promote the AONB annual Forum and similar conferences of interest Develop a meaningful programme of volunteer activities

Develop a system were volunteers can give feedback Develop an environment where volunteers VO3 make a valid contribution to the work of the Develop opportunities with local businesses which may provide discounts for service and feel appreciated for the work volunteers in recognition of their contribution that they carry out Maintain social events for the volunteers to develop relationships and recognise their contribution Promote an annual volunteer award. Work by the volunteers will be recognised Promote the contribution of volunteers through social media and press and promoted releases VO4 Collect volunteer monitoring data to be reported corporately

17

Promote volunteer activity on site through promotional material and uniform.

Provide staff with suitable training in first aid and health and safety. Provide a review of risk assessments and lessons learnt through team and The volunteer opportunities provided should planning meetings VO5 be inclusive and consistently pay high regard Provide access to all appropriate corporate guidelines on working with to the health, safety and welfare of all volunteers during staff induction volunteers working with the service Provide appropriate PPE for volunteers engaged in practical activities Develop opportunities for non- supervised volunteering such as trail

Page 128 Page Identify and promote areas were monitoring VO6 volunteering could develop and create new Investigate funding opportunities for training volunteers in skilled volunteer opportunities. To include identifying areas of non-supervised volunteering volunteering. Develop opportunities for volunteering in all aspects of the service and AONB

Create links between volunteer, Young Ranger and ‘Friends of’ groups in other protected landscapes and countryside services VO7 Forge links with other volunteer groups Investigate hosting volunteer groups and staff from other areas with joint events or exchanges.

VO8 Develop a programme of training for Establish a training programme for volunteers to increase their skills and show volunteers the commitment of the Service to their development

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Meeting of the Joint Committee of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Item 8 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Management Plan

23rd June 2017

Equality Impact Assessment

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Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Management Plan

Contact: Rachel Jones, Community Partnership Officer Updated: 23rd June 2017

1. What type of proposal is being assessed?

Other

2. Please describe the purpose of this proposal

AONB Volunteer Strategy

3. Does this proposal require a full equality impact assessment? (Please refer to section 1 in the toolkit above for guidance)

No

4. Please provide a summary of the steps taken, and the information used, to carry out this assessment, including any engagement undertaken (Please refer to section 1 in the toolkit for guidance)

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Volunteer Strategy will be a publically accessible document.

5. Will this proposal have a positive impact on any of the protected characteristics? (Please refer to section 1 in the toolkit for a description of the protected characteristics)

No, the proposal is neutral

6. Will this proposal have a disproportionate negative impact on any of the protected characteristics?

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No

7. Has the proposal been amended to eliminate or reduce any potential negative impact?

No This has not been necessary, as no potential negative impact has been identified.

8. Have you identified any further actions to address and / or monitor any potential negative impact(s)?

Yes As discussed earler, no potential negaitve impact has been identified. However, the actual impact of the strategy will be reviewed after implementation to see if any lessons can be learned.

Action(s) Owner Date none

------

9. Declaration

Every reasonable effort has been made to eliminate or reduce any potential disproportionate impact on people sharing protected characteristics. The actual impact of the proposal will be reviewed at the appropriate stage.

Review Date: 08/06/2017

Name of Lead Officer for Equality Impact Assessment Date Rachel Jones 08/06/2017

Please note you will be required to publish the outcome of the equality impact assessment if you identify a substantial likely impact.

Page 131 2 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 10

AONB JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING - 23 JUNE 2017

AGENDA ITEM NO. 10

SUMMARY OF AONB PLANNING CONSULTATIONS

OCTOBER 2016 – MARCH 2017

Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) 47/2016/0874 Cae Gwyn, Tremeirchion, Use of land for the siting of 3 No objection subject to retention Granted LL17 0UN woodland holiday units of existing trees/hedges 11/11/16 05/2016/0630 Carrog Uchaf, Carrog, Relocation of existing agricultural No objection subject to additional Granted LL21 9ET building (Amended plans) landscaping 30/01/17 21/2016/0915 Tafarn Y Gelyn Farm Installation of low voltage No observations Granted N/A Llanferres, CH7 5SQ overhead electricity line 11/11/16 055920 Land at Maes Mynan Change of use to holiday park Object Quarry, Afonwen, CH7 5UB 03/2016/0941 31 Maes Collen Erection of detached garage to No objection, suggest alternative Granted Llangollen, LL20 8EN front of dwelling materials 16/11/16 15/2016/0946 Bryn Defaid, Mynydd Du, Erection of extension to dwelling No objection Granted N/A CH7 4BR and garage 03/11/16 05/2016/0909 Land at Isfryn, Development of land for one No objection Withdrawn N/A Glyndyfrdwy,LL21 9HH dwelling (outline application) 14/11/16 03/2016/0930 Dinbren Hall Llangollen, Works to Tree Preservation Order No objection Granted N/A LL20 8EB protected trees 15/11/16 P/2016/0869 Berwig Farm, Minera LL11 Siting of shipping container Object Refused 3DE (retrospective application) 02/11/16 10/2016/0957 Land near Bodanwydog, Telecommunications installation No objection Granted N/A Llandegla LL11 3BD upgrade and associated works 17/11/16 23/2016/0875 Clocaenog Forest, Saron, Erection of a 132kV electrical No observations Granted N/A Denbigh substation (amended application) 14/12/17 43/2016/0512 74 Gronant Road, Erection of 5 apartments and 6 No objection in principle subject Refused Appeal Pending Prestatyn, LL19 9HW detached dwellings (amended to impact on trees and 12/01/17 plans) landscaping 056106 Hill Top, Cilcain, CH7 Erection of replacement dwelling No objection, suggest materials Granted 5NP and landscaping 28/11/16

15/2016/0996 4 Maes Llan Llanarmon Erection of extension to dwelling No observations Granted N/A Yn Ial CH7 4QQ 19/12/16 41/2016/1007 6 Derwen Terrace Bodfari Demolition of extensions and No objection Granted N/A LL16 4DH erection of two storey side and 13/12/16 rear extension 055750 May Villa, Pantymwyn, Outline application for a detached Object Refused CH7 5EP dwelling 17/11/16 16/2016/0962 Land adj Cysgod Yr Yd, Amended house type details No observations subject to Granted Llanbedr DC, LL15 1UP materials 27/01/17 P/2016/0985 Sunny Ridge, Cefn Mawr, Construction of equine ménage No observations subject to LL14 3NF for non-commercial use landscaping, materials and further details 27/2016/0961 Dergoed, Eglwyseg Conversion of outbuilding to No objection subject to materials, Granted Llangollen, LL20 8EH dwelling and renovation and further details of lighting and 08/03/17 extension of existing farmhouse removal of PD rights. 16/2016/1044 Llanbedr Hall Llanbedr Conversion of garages into single No observations subject to Granted N/A DC dwelling appropriate bat mitigation 11/01/17 LL15 1UU 03/2016/1195 Land at Fairlawns, Fron Development of land by erection No objection Granted N/A Bache, Llangollen, Ll20 of 1 dwelling (outline application) 08/02/17 7BW 03/2016/1169 21 Wern Road, Llangollen, Installation of roof and side No objection Granted N/A LL20 8DU windows and conversion of garage 03/02/17 into bedroom 15/2016/1148 Bryn Yr Orsedd Replacement of existing roof No objection Granted N/A Llanferres, CH7 5TG windows with dormer windows 17/01/17

Page 1 of 4 Page 133 Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) 15/2016/1194 Bryn Yr Orsedd Erection of extension to dwelling No objection Granted N/A Llanferres, CH7 5TG 24/01/17 18/2016/1181 Coed Y Ffynnon Erection of garage to include No objection, suggestions for Granted Llandyrnog LL16 4LY implement store design/materials 18/01/17 15/2016/1111 Craig Harri, Llanferres Erection of first floor No objection Granted N/A CH7 5TG extension/dormer windows 29/12/16 03/2016/1140 Hillside Cottage Berwyn Erection of extension and No observations Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 8AL alterations to dwelling (revised 29/12/16 scheme) 056089 Llety'r Eos, Nannerch, Erection of extension to front of No objection subject to materials Granted CH7 5RJ dwelling 03/01/17 03/2016/1145 Gifts from Wales Castle Demolition of buildings at rear, No objection subject to Withdrawn N/A Street Llangollen, LL20 extension and alterations to Conservation Officer’s views 12/05/17 8PE enlarge shop and to provide 2 flats 03/2016/1168 Aldi, Llangollen, LL20 8AE Installation of signs No objection but suggest need for Granted coordinated approach 12/02/17 18/2016/1109 Cae'r Fedwen, Llandyrnog, Erection of an agricultural Concerns over agricultural need Refused LL16 4HP building and siting 28/12/16 05/2016/1037 Land at Sun Inn Development of two semi No observations N/A Glyndyfrdwy detached dwellings (outline LL21 9HG application) 41/2016/1113 The Old Creamery Variation of conditions No objection subject to Granted Bodfari LL16 4DR relating to use of building and landscaping 8/02/17 surrounding land 21/2016/1143 Bryn Bowlio Caravan Extension to existing caravan park Concerns over increase in density Granted Park, Tafarn-Y-Gelyn CH7 for 3 static caravans and lack of detail 12/01/17 5SQ 42/2016/1134 Noddfa, 111 Cwm Rd New raised pitched roof and No objection, suggest natural slate Granted Dyserth LL18 6HR alterations to dwelling roof 15/02/17 056287 Land opp Fair Haven Replace existing 10m high No objection, suggest recessive Granted Gwernymynydd, CH7 5LQ monopole mast with 12m mast colours for mast and equipment 24/02/17 and equipment 056276 Brithdir Mawr, Cilcain, Conversion of outbuildings to No objection subject to views of N/A CH7 5PH domestic use Conservation Officer P/2016/1115 Sycamore Cottage, Trevor, Detached garage, extensions, roof No objection, suggest materials LL20 7YR dormers and fence and design amendments 09/2017/0030 Ysgubor Ystlum Bodfari Erection of extensions and No objection, suggest solar panel Withdrawn N/A LL16 4DE alterations to dwelling design 02/03/17 42/2017/0013 Clarence House Dyserth Erection of extensions and No objection subject to mitigation Granted LL18 6BY alterations of light spillage 28/02/17 056315 Telephone Box Listed Building application to Support Granted Gwaenysgor, convert phone box to information 19/04/17 LL18 6EP centre 056316 Telephone Box Conversion of phone box to Support Granted Gwaenysgor, information centre 09/03/17 LL18 6EP 19/2016/1254 Land and Barn at Cefn y Conversion of outbuilding to No observations Granted N/A Gader Llanelidan LL15 meeting room, alteration to access 08/03/17 2RD and car parking 05/2017/0068 Ty Giat, Llidiart-Y-Parc Erection of replacement entrance No objection Granted N/A LL21 9EL porch 20/03/17 17/2017/0008 Pen Y Stryt Farm, Change of use of existing No objection, suggest design Llandegla, LL11 3AH outbuilding to holiday changes and retention of existing accommodation hedge 05/2017/0123 Foresters House Corwen, Erection of single storey extension No objection Granted N/A LL21 9EN 13/04/17 05/2017/0014 Land adj Tyn Pistyll, Change of use of land for the Object Glyndyfrdwy, siting of 2 holiday chalets LL21 9BP 27/2016/1214 Canalside Bungalow, Erection of a replacement Serious concerns about impact on Granted Llangollen, LL20 8EE detached garage WHS 17/03/17 15/2017/0146 Rhyd Isa Farm Erection of first floor extension to No objection Granted N/A Llanarmon Yn Ial CH7 side of dwelling 13/04/17 4QX 15/2017/0074 Banhadlen Ganol Erection of extensions to dwelling No objection Granted N/A Llanarmon Yn Ial, CH7 20/03/17 4QD

Page 2 of 4 Page 134 Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) 20/2016/1242 Land adjto Paradwys Development of land by erection No objection in principle, subject Graigfechan of 9 dwellings (Outline to design and landscaping LL15 2HA Application) 056322 Fron Farm, Hendre, CH7 Variation of condition to allow Concerns over expansion of site, 5QW changes to caravan site layout need for further details. 43/2017/0058 Noddfa, Tan Yr Allt, Erection of pitched roof extensions No observations Withdrawn N/A Prestatyn, LL19 8PT and detached summerhouse to 20/03/17 rear 03/2017/0095 Land adj to 4 Craig Y Erection of 2 no. semi-detached No objection but suggest design Don, Llangollen, LL20 dwellings changes 8LD 05/2017/0070 The Original Butterfly Use of premises for the No objection but suggest design Man Glyndyfrdwy manufacture of training and safety changes and landscaping LL21 9HW equipment, and two storey extension 17/2017/0154 Tegla House Llandegla, Extension to residential curtilage No objection Granted N/A LL11 3AB and extension to garage 11/04/17 43/2017/0192 Mast Site at Coed Bell, Installation of electricity generator No objection but suggest Granted Gronant and associated works landscaping 24/04/17 LL19 9SW 09/2017/0197 Berth Farm, Bodfari Ll16 Erection of two storey No objection but suggest Granted 4HT extension to side of dwelling alternative materials 24/04/17 41/2016/1238 Bryn Celyn Tremeirchion Erection of agricultural storage Concerns over scale of Refused LL17 0US building development, materials and impact 16/03/17 on trees 27/2016/1214 Canalside Bungalow, Erection of a replacement Welcome scaled back proposals, Granted Llangollen, LL20 8EE detached garage (amended plans) suggest stone facing. 17/03/17 20/2016/1242 Land adj to Paradwys Development of land for No objection but suggest design Graigfechan residential use including access. changes and landscaping LL15 2HA Outline Application (Amended plans) 056527 Bod Arthur, Cadole, CH7 Extension and re-modelling of No objection subject to control of Granted 5LL existing dwelling cladding colour 10/05/17 41/2017/0010 Ynys Wen, Bodfari, LL16 Retention of outbuilding for use as Object Refused 4DP a residential annexe; 27/03/17 056562 Bryngwyn Farm, Erection of a multi-purpose No objection in principle, suggest Granted Gwernymynydd, CH7 4DY agricultural building alternative siting and roof 26/04/17 materials 056609 Llwyn Derw, Conversion of existing garage and No observations subject to Granted Gwernymynydd, CH7 5JS erection of garage extension matching materials 03/04/17 056622 Bryn Hyfryd, Extensions to dwelling, alterations No objection, suggest natural slate Granted Gwernymynydd, CH7 4DY to roof and new decking area roof 26/04/17 47/2017/0196 8 Tan Y Fforest, Removal of conservatory and No objection Granted N/A Cwm, LL18 5SH erection of two storey extension 26/04/17 47/2017/0183 Land adjacent to Erection of one affordable dwelling No objection, suggest additional Fairwinds, Cwm LL18 & associated works landscaping and removal of PD 6HU rights. 20/2016/1095 Bryn Rhedyn Bryneglwys Erection of replacement dwelling No objection, suggest landscaping Granted LL21 9NW scheme and removal of PD rights 24/05/17 03/2017/0219 Bryngwyn, Llangollen, Erection of extensions to rear of No objection Granted N/A LL20 8SN dwelling 28/04/17 27/2017/0052 Ty Craig, Berwyn Erection of extension and stone No objection, suggest design Withdrawn N/A LL20 8BS wall changes 26./05/17 03/2017/0193 Public footpath rear of Felling of 4 trees within Llangollen Further justification for felling Granted car park Llangollen,LL20 Conservation Area required 04/04/17 8PW 15/2017/0199 Nant Y Palmau Farm Erection of extension to dwelling, No objection, suggest revised Granted Llanarmon Yn Ial CH7 demolition of pool and erection of materials 21/04/17 4TD garage Total Number of Applications: 73

Policy and Strategic Consultation Responses: October 2016 – March 2017

Denbighshire Draft SPG – Planning for Community Safety

Flintshire LDP – Strategic Options Consultation

Page 3 of 4 Page 135 Kronospan Draft Landscape Strategy

Denbighshire Draft SPG – Recreational Public Open Space

Welsh Government National Development Framework

Denbighshire Draft SPG – Caravans, Chalets and Camping

Notes:

(1.) Denbighshire planning application code numbers are shown as 12/3456/7891, Flintshire as 12345 and Wrexham as P/1234/5678. Details of applications can be viewed on the Planning Portal for the relevant authority. See links below:

http://planning.denbighshire.gov.uk/Planning/lg/GFPlanningWelcome.page

http://planning.wrexham.gov.uk/Planning/lg/plansearch.page?org.apache.shale.dialog.DIALOG_NAME=gfplannings earch&Param=lg.Planning

http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Planning/Databases/Planning-Applications.aspx

(2.) LPA response to AONB comments colour coded as follows: green for fully accepted, orange for part accepted and red for not accepted.

(3.) Local Planning Authority (LPA) position updated 1/06/17.

(4.) Copies of full AONB comments on specific applications available on request.

Page 4 of 4 Page 136 Agenda Item 11

Forward Work Programme June 2017 Update Project Detail/Action Timescale Timescale Cost –ve or +ve Not Started (£ Cost) or Management Plan Red Reference Started but neutral (Through limited existing and Progress external Amber budgets) Started and on track Green Finance Finance and To be a standing item on Report to each JC Neutral Funding the Forward Work programme

Strategic Plans 2014-17 Outreach and To provide a policy Summer 2016 Neutral Volunteers statement, engagement Volunteers Strategy plan and action plan Internal consolation strategy complete 2017 consult JC Future To consider WG Report Summer 2017 Neutral Landscapes and adopt vision for Wales Wales AONB Joint Committee Joint Committee 2 or 3 per annum ongoing Neutral Meetings

AONB Forum Theme(s) in principle Completed Neutral proposed by Partnership 30.11.16. Natural Environment theme AONB Meet Local Annual Meet Completed 2nd Neutral Members/Town February 2017 December 5th 2016 and Community postponed Councillors AONB Town and To contact all Councils Autumn 2017 Neutral Community and request a Champion Champions for the AONB LA Meets with To write to LAs to get Autumn 2017 Neutral Town and an AONB Presentation Community on their collective Councils meetings with their Town and Community Councils AONB Award Annual Presented to Neutral Llandegla Groups, James and Mike 20th January 2017

Page 137 Forward Work Programme June 2017 Update Continued Project Detail/Action Timescale Progress Cost –ve or +ve Management Plan or neutral Reference AONB Partnership Increase Full Agreed at partnership Extra Meet June +ve Meetings from 2 meet with the third 16th 2017 to 3 meeting themed Partnership Working Groups: Sustainable Development Fund, Landscape Character and Built Environment, Land Management and the Natural Environment , Heritage, Culture and Communities and Recreation, Tourism and Business Engagement Sustainable Deliver Full Spend Allocation £55k as Neutral Development 2017 Spring 2018 Fund Dark Skies Joint Imitative with Funding from Cadwyn +ve NPs/Visit Wales. has been obtained DS Meet Visit Wales consultants HS Discuss with LAs and appointed. Seminar TRA held Limestone Legacy Received Approval year End 2018 2016-17 Neutral 1 Project underway Year Complete Active Alyn Valley Received Funding Offer End 2019 2016-17 Neutral and Accepted Year Complete River AONB involved in 2017 NWWT Officer Neutral Wheeler/Alyn implementing on Land Management Project (NWWT Working Group Led) Supplementary Built Environment Consultant appointed, Neutral Planning Planning Officer Group formed ,FCC to Guidance lead Traffic congestion Loggerheads Car Park Funding Bid for study -ve and Car Parking complete to Cadwyn Clwyd Tourism Strategy To implement the action AONB Badge, FCC Neutral plan Contribution, Tourism Growth Plan

Distribution of Forming a partnership Spring 2017 Plan +ve Information with TICs and Country created , Summer Parks for Info Distribution distribution N Wales and N West Working with Investigate working in To Develop folder visit Neutral businesses partnership with Go Outdoors/AN businesses Richards

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Page 138 Forward Work Programme June 2017 Update Continued Project Detail/Action Timescale Progress Cost –ve or +ve Management Plan or neutral Reference AONB Special Projects World Heritage Attend Strategic Officers and Members on Neutral Site Meetings, further Board, Steering Group Collaboration and Sub Groups. between the two Possible reorganisation designations autumn 2016 The Picturesque Joint AONB/WHS Bid Autumn 2017 +ve for Landscape Scale Awarded start up fund HLF Project Project Officer appointed. Further funding from Cadwyn. Friends of CR Support the group Summer 2017 180 Neutral and DV AONB where requested members and series of within resources ongoing events Friends of CR To Present to LA Invite to present to FCC and DV AONB Scrutiny where Autumn 2017 invited Climate Change To train and deliver Summer 2017 3rd Neutral Education the programme education round commissioned with Project Internal Staff(See annual report Art Project To deliver AONB art Summer 2017 Local Neutral Projects across the artists exhibitions in Oriel AONB and Caban Site Specific Projects to Autumn 2017 +ve Management improve visitor enjoyment and Payback Section 85 Organisations SP Network To continue to Summer 2017 4 of 5 Neutral Lines investigate projects agreed with undergrounding landowners possibilities Landscape Submit Bid for 2 Autumn 2016 Bid Neutral Enhancement Projects approved by panel await Initiative Ofgem approval (National Grid) Urbanisation To enter into an Summer 2017 Meeting -ve discussion with NWMTRA June, DCC NEWTRA and LA and FCC in respect of Highways to respect lighting. the rural nature of the AONB WG Access Several new project Summer 2017 Complete Funding Project given WG funding Including: Gop Hill, Minera, North Berwyn Way and Tan y Cut

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