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Home , Alyn Gorge, Clawdd Poncen, Clwydian Range, Esclusham Mountain, Horseshoe Pass, Llanferres

Part Two STATE of the AONB REPORT

Introduction 61 Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness 63 Natural Environment 69 The Historic Environment 77 Access and Leisure 83 Culture and People 87

Introduction

In setting an agenda that will seeks to identify an ideal state ensure the special qualities for these features and begins and features of the Clwydian to establish indicators that Range and Dee Valley are will help to define what we preserved, it is first necessary are aiming for in pursuing the to make an assessment of their good health of the AONB. It is current extent and condition. an on-going process that relies It is also important that the on constant data gathering issues impacting upon them and monitoring and should be are identified and that factors able to respond to changing likely to impact upon them in demands on the environment. the future are anticipated. There is a requirement for up to date information that will The State of the AONB Report lead to informed responses to identifies where possible environmental change. the extent and condition of each feature and the factors impacting on them. It also

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Introduction | 61

Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness

Resource Description Issues State / Special Feature

Intrusion • Light from the major settlements, particularly Further intrusion mapping required to the east and north of the AONB, have a Extent: significant impact on dark night skies. A variety of factors can • Illuminated bollards and signs within have an impact on the • Light and noise pollution from transport, – 80 within AONB Tranquility, Remoteness and development and recreation erodes - unknown Wilderness of the AONB. tranquillity – A55, A494, A5, A542 - unknown Traffic noise, light pollution, • Intrusive and degrading elements such as • Street lights 1,350 directly adjacent to the impact of quarrying power lines / phone lines, transmitters, masts or within AONB in Denbighshire. and utility installations can Wilderness and wind turbines can have a significant all have an effect on the impact. tranquility of the AONB and • Cumulative effects of small scale change can peoples enjoyment of the lead to a degradation of landscape character. landscape. • Permitted development completed within the AONB could also impact the landscape. • Accommodating visitor access and destination sites within sensitive locations. Tranquility, Remoteness and Tranquility,

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness | 63 • Possible environmental impact of • Length and class of roads in the AONB: Roads major road improvement schemes Dualled EuroRoute 1.6km in the AONB. The principle roads and communication Trunk Road 35.0km • Potential loss of rural character routes in the AONB primarily cross A Road 49.2km the in an east – west and features as a result of direction, and run in an east – west highway maintenance, signage B Road 23.6km direction along the Dee Valley and and minor improvement works. Minor roads 338.8km Morwynion Valley. The most significant • Increasing traffic related to people Unclassified County Roads 60.9km road is the dualled A55 EuroRoute working at a considerable distance Total length of road 509.1km which passes through the narrowest from where they live, increasing part of the AONB at . Other commuter traffic, and use of cars • No. of AONB threshold signs – 16 important routes are the A5 and A494 for recreational visits. • No. of AONB branded village signs – 21 and Wilderness Trunk Roads and the A542 Horseshoe • Raising awareness of the AONB Pass, A5104, A5151, A541, A539 and through threshold / village signs. A525. However, the bulk of the network within the AONB is made up of smaller roads and lanes, many of which add to the character of the area. Tranquility, Remoteness Tranquility,

• Restoration and aftercare of Within AONB: Minerals quarries, including these which • No. of active quarries – 2 are outside the AONB but visible The limestone and slate geology of the • Area of active quarries – 41.5 ha % of total from it or impact on views into the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley has AONB area – 0.11% area. been exploited for its mineral wealth • No. of dormant quarries - unknown for centuries. This has left its mark on • Dormant sites – need to pursue the landscape; many abandoned or Prohibition Notices under s102 of • Area of dormant quarries - unknown % of worked out mineral sites have been T&CP Act 1990. total AONB area - unknown assimilated into the landscape over • No. of confirmed Prohibition Orders - time but others still scar the area. unknown There are two active slate quarries in the AONB, other sites are dormant but Within 3km of AONB: have old planning permissions. Given the scale of mineral operations and • No. of active quarries - 8 their potential impact on a wide area, • Area of active quarries – 203.38 ha including important views out of the • No. of dormant quarries - unknown AONB, there is a need to have regard • Area of dormant quarries - unknown to both active and dormant quarries outside the designated area. • No of confirmed Prohibition Orders – unknown

64 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness • Overhead cables and wires can Extent: Utilities and degrade landscape character. • Length of National Grid high-voltage Energy • Reluctance to share masts leads overhead cable (400kv) – 17.46km to duplication and an increase • Length of 132kv overhead power lines – Overhead power transmission lines impact on the local landscape. 1.38km and communications masts are the • Mobile phone coverage • Length of 33kv overhead power lines – most prominent utility infrastructure ‘blackspots’ lead to pressure for 44.76km (87.85) within the AONB. The largest power additional communication masts. • Length of 33kv undergrounded power lines lines cross the AONB at its narrowest Wilderness • Cumulative impact of large scale – 6.19km (12.15%) point near Rhuallt and travel through wind farm development in the the AONB down the Morwynion Communication masts: setting of the AONB degrades Valley. Given the topography of the • (TV) landscape character and sense of AONB it is an attractive location for • Moel y Gelli (Emergency Services) tranquillity. communications infrastructure. The • most prominent installations are the • The need to moving towards zero • Bryn Alyn carbon development without masts at Moel y Parc and Cyrn y Brain, • Cyrn y Brain harming the AONB. but there are also prominent masts at • Moel Gelli Gwaenysgor, Moel Gelli, Craig-y-dduallt, • Craig-y-dduallt Coed Mawr and Barber’s . • Coed Mawr A relatively new feature of regional • Barber’s Hill energy infrastructure is the Wind turbines: Tranquility, Remoteness and Tranquility, development of major onshore and off- • 1 46m high wind turbine consented within shore wind farms. the AONB • 50m+ high wind turbines within 15km – 122

• Impact of European and Welsh • 6,441.35 ha of the AONB is Common Land Land Management Government agricultural and (16.55% of total AONB area) Practices forestry policies can have a • 7,786.98ha (20% of total AONB area) of land significant impact on landscape in the AONB in Glastir Agri-environment Land Management Practices are character and views scheme in 2013. continually changing, adapting to • It is important that habitat • 5,232.24ha (67%) Entry Level government policy, climate change improvements and creation • 793.75ha (10%) Glastir Advanced and agricultural improvements. These becomes a part of viable land changes in management have the management systems and • 1,760.99ha (23%) Glastir Commons ability to impact on the landscape of businesses. the AONB.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness | 65

• Modern agricultural practices Protection: and equipment leads to larger • 8,028.37 ha of AONB designated as fields with fewer internal SAC (20.62% of AONB land area) boundaries and wider gateways, • 9,097.34 ha of AONB designated as which can degrade the local SSSI (23.36% of AONB land area) landscape character. • 2,555.05 ha of AONB designated as • Geometrical forestry planting SPA (6.56% of AONB land area) and harvesting, and heather cutting patterns can add • 21.33 ha of AONB designated as LNR intrusive lines into the (0.05% of AONB land area) landscape. • 3,451.92 ha of AONB designated as • Lack of buffer strips along Wildlife Sites (8.87% of AONB land and Wilderness watercourses. area)

• Adaption and mitigation • 9,428 ha (24.2% of AONB area) is Climate Change measures may impact upon the heather moorland. The AONB has evolved over time, shaped by AONB and its setting. • Total area of AONB covered by Tranquility, Remoteness Tranquility, geological forces, climate and human activity, • Reduction in air and water woodland 5,165.24 ha (13.27% of and this evolution is ongoing. Climate change quality impacting on the AONB area). is expected to have a major influence in the health of the population and coming decades, and we need to manage this ecosystem. process, taking action to adapt to the impacts • Seasonal reduction / increase in and make the best of the opportunities. water flow. • Pressure for inappropriate flood Although the global climate has been relatively defences with dredging and stable for thousands of years, recent extreme development degrading the weather events and longer terms trends local landscape character. suggest it is now changing due to human activity. Climate change is expected to continue, • Long dry spells of weather causing hotter, drier summers, warmer wetter could lead to increased fire risk, winters, more extreme weather and sea level particularly on heathlands. rise in and the rest of Britain.

Global climate change is projected to continue, causing hotter drier summers, warmer, wetter winters, more extreme weather, droughts, heat waves, heavier rainfall, and accelerating sea- level rise in Wales and the rest of Britain over coming decades.

66 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness • involvement and • Percentage of population speaking, Bro/Welsh Language participation in local events and reading and writing Welsh in the AONB ‘Bro’ is a Welsh word which describes a sense of traditions. (2011): belonging and community cohesion within an • Inward and outward migration North – 26.7% area. It is an intangible concept which is difficult is changing the makeup of West – 37.2% to define, but is nonetheless a valid component communities East – 24.2% of sustainable Welsh communities. The Welsh language is part of the traditional character and • Need to raise community South – 29.1% cultural make-up of the AONB. The use of Welsh awareness of the AONB and the • No. of active community groups – is greater than the Wales average (21.3%) and benefits it brings, especially in Unknown the south. remains a significant feature of the area. The • No. of community shows – 6 greatest proportion of Welsh language users • Need to raise local business • No. of community publications – live in the western and south western parts of awareness of the AONB and the Unknown the AONB. benefits it brings. • Cylch Meithryn / Ty a Fi clubs – 7 • Sustaining the Welsh language • Welsh medium primary schools in the Picturesque and • Lack / loss of facilities to AONB – 2 romantic movement celebrate cultural associations. • Visitor pressure degrading

Cultural Heritage and Bro Heritage Cultural The story of the picturesque movement in landscape character at key the AONB goes back to the late 18th century, locations. particularly in the Dee Valley around , • Loss of significant views painted by Turner and Wilson amongst others. depicted in art or prose due to Richard Wilson also has close links to the vegetation encroachment, or Loggerheads area. The ladies of Llangollen insensitive development. established the Dee Valley as a centre for picturesque appreciation from their home at Plas Newydd. Poets and authors such as Wordsworth, Gerald Manley Hopkins and Mendelssohn have also taken inspiration from the AONBs landscape. Eisteddfodau Building on these artistic traditions, Llangollen is known throughout the world for the International Eisteddfod, held annually in the town since 1947. was the location of the first public National Eisteddfod in 1919.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Tranquility, Remoteness & Wilderness | 67

Natural Environment

Resource Description Issues State / Special Feature

• There is a need for natural systems and Catchment Plans: Natural networks that are fit for purpose, with more • Dee Catchment and better places for nature for the benefit of • Catchment Benefits and wildlife and people. • There is a need to identify all the benefits and Services services delivered by the natural system. The landscape of the • Lack of data and knowledge makes it difficult AONB is important for the to manage within environmental limits. resources it offers which • There is no baseline for assigning a value to benefit everyone, such as the services and benefits received from the water, food and locations natural system. for quiet enjoyment.

These benefits, known collectively as Ecosystem

Natural Environment Natural Services indicate that the landscape of the AONB not only provides a rich variety of habitats and species, but also contributes positively towards the production of food, the control of climate and recreational provision.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment | 69 • Resilience and condition of Habitat Resilience the natural system is not fully Habitat resilience is a habitats ability to respond understood. to natural or manmade disturbance through • Attention given to priority fast recovery or by resisting damage. habitats at the expense of other locally important sites, such as road verges and other corridors. • There is a need for the expansion of and connectivity between wildlife rich habitats.

• Need to bring sites into Extent: Designations / SAC favourable conservation status. • There are 22 SSSI’s in the AONB, covering Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special • Visitor pressure in key 9,097.34 ha (23.36% of total AONB area).

Natural Environment Natural Protection Areas (SPA) are legal protections for conservation areas. • There are 3 SAC’s covering 8,028.37 ha sites of European importance for habitats and • Designations do not address all (20.62% of AONB) birds, to protect against damaging activities. conservation interests. • There is 1 SPA covering 2,555 ha (6.56% of These designations form part of a larger AONB) European network called Natura 2000. • There are 162 Wildlife Sites covering 3,451.92 ha (8.87% AONB) Sites of national importance are designated and • There is 1 LNR covering 21.33 ha (0.05% given protection as Sites of Special Scientific AONB) Interest (SSSI) • There are 73 RIGS sites covering 676.45 ha (1.74% AONB) Land designated as a County Wildlife sites are often the finest local examples of habitats, and are given material consideration in the planning Condition: process. NRW continue to monitor the condition of SSSIs, SACs and SPAs. All geological SSSIs are These and other designations provide a level in favourable condition. of protection for important sites against potentially damaging activity.

70 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment Calcareous grasslands typically occur • Under-grazing encouraging Extent: on shallow base-rich soils derived from scrub encroachment. • Limestone Pavement: 1.88ha (13.82% of the underlying limestone rocks. They are • Over-grazing resulting in loss of Limestone Pavement in Wales – Wales total 13.6 characterised by a short speciesrich turf species diversity ha) containing a variety of grasses and herbs. • Scree: 22.89 ha In the AONB calcareous grassland primarily • Enrichment of soils from Indicators: occurs in the north from to Cwm, fertilisers, herbicide centrally along the Alyn Valley, including application, ploughing and • There are 12 SSSIs in the AONB containing the second largest limestone pavement in re-seeding from agricultural Geological features. Wales at Bryn Alyn, and in the south around purposes. • There are 73 RIGS sites in the AONB covering the rocks where large areas of 676.45 ha (1.74% of the AONB). • Acidification and nitrogen scree are also located. • 315.52 ha (88.23%) within SAC, SSSI or Wildlife enrichment caused by Site. atmospheric deposition. Limestone pavement is an area of • 230.3 ha (64.4%) international and national limestone which lies wholly or partly • Recreational pressure designation with commitments to maintain / exposed on the surface of the ground and bringing about floristic restore favourable condition (SAC and SSSI). has been fissured by natural erosion. They changes associated with soil Limestone Cave systems indicators: can be wooded or open and both types compaction. • No. Caves in the AONB - unknown exist within the AONB. • Recreational pressure on • 4 cave systems protected as SSSI; Limestone geological SSSI Caves (Alyn Valley Woods & Alyn Gorge Caves There are a number of geologically features such as Eglwyseg SSSI), Cae Gwyn & Ffynnon Beuno Caves, and archaeologically important caves scree slopes and Panorama Caves (both Ffynnon Beuno & Cae associated with the Limestone areas Drive limestone grassland. Gwyn Caves SSSI) and Caves ( / of the AONB. Caves studied have been Mountains & Minera SSSI). found to be important archaeologically for • Invasion by no-native plant Limestone Habitats Favourable human and animal activity. Cave systems species. at Tremerchion, Llanarmon-yn-Iâl and Management: • Limited knowledge of Loggerheads are among the more well • 1.05 ha (0.29% resource) are within DCC underground systems. known. In 2015, there is currently a Cadw Countryside Service owned / managed sites. funded project running to discover more • Removal of Limestone rocks for • 5.47 ha (1.53% resource) are within NWWT

Limestone Grassland, cliffs and screes Limestone Grassland, about Limestone caves in . rockeries. managed sites. • Quarrying. Condition: Scree slopes on the Eglwyseg rocks are an • NRW continue to monitor the condition of SSSIs important geological feature, across which and SACs. the Offa’s Dyke National Trail passes. • All geological SSSIs are in a favourable condition. From 2015 to 2018 there is to be significant investment into Limestone features in the AONB through the Limestone Legacy project which has received NRW competitive bid funding.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment | 71 Dominated by heather, • Conversion to grassland Ideal state: bilberry and western gorse through ploughing, Upland heath in ‘favourable condition’ is typically dominated by a with ideally a diverse range reseeding, liming and range of dwarf shrubs such as heather, bilberry, crowberry, bell of age communities. It has fertilisation for agricultural heather and western gorse. They are generally structurally diverse, a distinct range of bird life purposes. containing stands of vegetation with heather at different stages of associated with it, including • The division of common grouse, stonechat and growth, including areas of mature heather. This habitat supports an through internal fences whinchat. important assemblage of birds, a diverse invertebrate fauna and, in and subsequent loss of some cases, assemblages of rare and local mosses and liverworts. hefted flocks. The uplands of the North Extent: Berwyn, Llantysilio, Ruabon • Under-grazing / • 9,428 ha (24.2% of AONB area) (includes degraded areas / and mountains in abandonment. potential for restoration / expansion). the south of the AONB are • Localised over-grazing Indicators: predominantly heathland. caused by lack of Heather moorland is also • 9,317.2 ha (98.9%) has some form of designation conferring a heathland management found in large blocks along level of protection. and structure. the ridge of the Clwydian • 7,776.6 ha (82.48%) is protected as SSSI or SAC. Range between Llandegla and • Poorly managed burning / Favourable management: . wildfires. • 683.51 ha (7.25% resource) are within DCC Countryside Service owned / managed sites. • Inappropriate methods of supplementary feeding. Condition: • The majority of the heathland areas in the AONB are currently • Bracken invasion. being managed through cutting and burning of heather, and • Heavy recreation cutting and bruising of bracken. pressure causing erosion, • Bracken extent unknown. Between 2008 and 2012, in the particularly illegal off road Heather and Hillforts project area, 1,029 ha of bracken were vehicle use in the south of sprayed, and 270.5 ha cut / bruised. Bracken dominated the AONB. heathland reduced from 788 ha to 303 ha. • Lack of appropriate • Between 2008 and 2012, in the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio rotational heather mountains, mature / degenerate heather reduced from 384 ha to Heather moorlands and Rolling Ridges Heather moorlands management. 367 ha The Heather and Hillforts project Landscape Partnership Scheme ran • Afforestation. from 2008 to 2012, focusing on the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio • Nitrogen enrichment mountains heathland areas. Significant work was undertaken to caused by atmospheric reduce the extent of bracken through aerial spraying, as well as work deposition. with landowners and graziers to improve the condition of heathland. Heather condition surveys were carried out in 2005 and 2010, showing an improvement in the age structure of heather as well as a reduction in the extent of bracken cover.

72 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment Many of these woodlands represent a • Grazing preventing natural Ideal state: link with the landscape as it appeared regeneration. A woodland in ‘favourable condition’ has a varied following the last ice age and support • Loss due to localised quarrying. structure with at least three age classes spread across a diverse range of flora and fauna. Ash • Lack of specific woodland the average life expectancy of the commonest trees, woodlands are particularly important management and cessation of areas of open space – both temporary and permanent in the Alyn Valley where it has been traditional management. designated SAC. In other parts of the relatively undisturbed mature / old growth stands, AONB oak woods are significant. • Fragmentation of ownership. understory and some build-up of fallen and standing • Invasion by naturalised species dead wood. It should be comprised predominantly of Veteran trees are trees which, because leading to a change in structure native species and there should not be signs of rapid of their size and age are considered and composition (sycamore and loss of native trees and shrubs. There should also be of exceptional cultural, landscape and beech). signs of seedlings growing through to saplings to young nature conservation value. Veteran • Loss of species such as red trees at sufficient density to maintain canopy density. trees are often associated with squirrel. Extent: parkland, and are usually found in • Development pressures. more lowland areas. There are few in • Broadleaved (including mixed) woodland: 1809.43 the north of the AONB and are found • Effects of air pollution. ha (4.65% of AONB area) of which 795.8 ha (2.04% in greater number in the south. Some • Acidification of base-rich soils of AONB) is Semi Natural Ancient Woodland or fine examples can be found on the through the scavenging effect of Replanted Ancient Woodland. Eglwyseg (Yew / Field Maple), at the commercial conifers. Indicators: Horseshoe Falls, at Trevor Church and • Many semi-natural woodlands • 199.9 ha (11.04%) are within international and Castle. have declined as a result of national designation (SAC and SSSI).

Woodland and Veteran Trees and Veteran Woodland replanting with exotic conifers. Favourable management: • 54.79 ha (3.03% resource) are within Country Parks Pests and diseases and DCC Countryside Service managed sites. • Present / future tree diseases • 17.72 ha (0.98% resource) are within NWWT could have a significant impact on managed sites. the local landscape character. Condition: • Phytopthora Ramorum – Bilberry and Larch (is listed as an EU Woodland SSSIs controlled organism). • NRW continue to monitor the condition of all SSSIs and SACs. • Chalara fraxinea – Ash dieback. • Phytophthora Alni – alder. • Canopies opened by disease may be subject to higher rates of wind-throw, and invasion by unrepresentative species becomes more likely.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment | 73 River valleys are not only • Water pollution from Ideal state: important for the watercourse sewage, acidification, urban The morphology of rivers and streams and their associated plant itself but also the bank and drainage, agricultural and animal assemblages vary according to their geographical associated land or riparian runoff and mine and area, underlying geology and water chemistry. However, all rivers zone. They are dynamic industrial damage. in their natural state are dynamic systems, continually modifying systems and provide a wide • Loss of bank-side range of ecological niches their form. A healthy river will have good water quality, free from vegetation through supporting a diverse flora outside pollution, and marginal and bankside vegetation that overgrazing and poaching. and fauna. They also form supports an array of wild flowers and animals and provides corridor This can also lead to important wildlife corridors, links between fragmented habitats. Rivers which display a mosaic

River Valleys River erosion of river margins enabling dispersion and and siltation of the river of features such as riffles and pools and exposed sediments can migration of species. channel with losses of support a diverse range of plant and animal species. fish spawning gravels and Extent: There are three significant habitat diversity. • 62.77 km (34.53 km River Dee, 19.55 km and 8.69 km river valleys in the AONB. ). The River Dee from Corwen • Modification of the shape to Newbridge, the River Alyn and course. Indicators: from to • The River Dee is designated at SAC and SSSI. • Potential loss of indicator and the River Wheeler from • 3.31 km (16.93%) of River Alyn are within SAC. species such as otters, Bodfari to Melin-y-Wern. water voles and fresh • 1.43 km (16.46%) of River Wheeler passes through wildlife sites. water pearl mussel. Favourable management: • 1.06 km (8.16%) of the River Alyn falls within Loggerheads • Invasive non-native species Country Park. such as Himalayan balsam, Chinese mitten crabs and • 1.73 km (5.01%) of the River Dee falls within Tŷ Mawr Country mink competing with native Park, and Denbighshire Countryside Sites. species. Condition: • Otters are known to be present on all three rivers. Water voles • Recreational impacts have been recorded on the Llangollen Canal, and at either end of such as walking, angling, the Wheeler valley with extensive field ditches giving population boating and canoeing can potential to expand. There is only one pocket of water vole cause disturbance to both records in the Alyn valley, though further surveys may reveal the habitat and resident more. species.

74 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment • Inappropriate land • Invasive species are known to be present on all three river drainage and flood defence systems, both mink and Himalayan balsam in particular, although works. Japanese Knotweed is more widespread on the River Dee. The River Dee also has populations of Signal Crayfish. • Climate change may affect the habitat and species • All three rivers have wet woodland and meadow habitats through flooding and supported by back channels in many places providing good bank- temperature change. side cover and corridors for wildlife. • A number of rights of way cross and run parallel to all three • Abstraction and discharge rivers, in particular the Alyn indicating recreation pressure is of water for hydro-power present. Recreation pressure on the River Dee is significant; it is River Valleys River generation. popular for fishing, canoeing and rafting. A number of businesses • Meeting the requirements use and are dependent on access to the river. of the Water Framework Directive and Catchment Management Plans.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Natural Environment | 75

The Historic Environment

Resource Description Issues State / Special Feature

• Deterioration and lack of Protection: Historic Settlement funding for the upkeep of • Scheduled Ancient Monuments structures and monuments. are nationally important and Archaeology • Erosion of sites following archaeological sites or historic buildings, afforded protection There are a number of historic settlements archaeological excavations. against unauthorised change. within the AONB. Llangollen is the largest • Lack of awareness of ancient with a population of around 3,000. The town monuments and sites. • There are 95 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the AONB, the was granted its charter in 1284 and straddles • Lack of facilities for study protection of which are overseen the Dee via an arched bridge built in about groups. 1500. The historic core of the town lies on the by Cadw. Many of these sites • Inappropriate land southern side, focusing on the church and the provide evidence of past mining, management. river crossing. Later development occurred quarrying and settlements. largely as a result of the woollen industry. Since • Lack of archaeological data. • Scheduled Ancient Monuments early times, the town has been an important • Damage from metal detection. cover 156.04 ha (0.4% of the AONB). stopping place, especially for people travelling • Off Road Motorcycle and 4x4 from London to Ireland. Until the early 1800s, damage, particularly on the • There are 17 Conservation Areas roads were notoriously hazardous but Telford’s Llantysilio and North Berwyn in the AONB, covering 88.85 ha new road to Holyhead (now the A5) had a mountains. (0.23% of the AONB). profound effect on the development of early • There are 645 Listed Building in • Historic Parks and Gardens are 19th century Llangollen and in

The Historic Environment the AONB. privately owned; dependant on general, allowing the London mail coaches to landowners to maintain and • Valle Crucis Abbey, Eliseg’s travel faster and more safely. enhance. Pillar and church are guardianship sites and managed • Not all open to the public. by Cadw.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | The Historic Environment | 77 The Cistercian Abbey of Valle • Not statutorily protected; Ideal state: Crucis lies near the confluence need to engage with and • Sites are maintained in a favourable condition. Cadw are of the Eglwyseg and the Dee support landowners. currently reappraising their monument condition surveys rivers, north of Llangollen. The • No arrangements for and are developing a Monuments at Risk methodology, as fragmentary 9th century cross, monitoring the condition yet information is not available for the AONB but this will be the Pillar of Eliseg, is set on a of Historic parks and extremely valuable information in the future. small circular mound which is a gardens. State: Bronze Age Barrow, just to the • Sites are visited by Cadw every 5 or 10 years. north of the Abbey. • No Management / Enhancement Plans. • SAM condition data is not consistently available yet, but Cadw Historic parks and gardens form are working towards this. an important and integral part • Of the 645 Listed Buildings in the AONB, 56 are considered to be of the historic and cultural fabric ‘at risk’. of an area. They are listed in the Understanding: Cadw / ICOMOS Register of Parks • Recent archaeological work on Eliseg’s Pillar has been and Gardens of Special Historic undertaken by Bangor and Universities, this has Interest in Wales. The registered identified that the pillar sits on a pre-existing Bronze Age burial sites are Penbedw, Golden Grove, mound. St Beuno’s, Colomendy, Valle • Excavations have also taken place at by Crucis, Bryntysilio, Llantysilio University, Moel y Gaer Bodfari by Oxford University and at Fron The Historic Environment Hall, Vivod, Plas Newydd, Trefor Newydd near Caer Drewyn by Bangor University. Hall, Chirk Castle and Argoed Hall. Although not protected in Extent: the same way as Listed Buildings • There are 12 Historic Parks within the AONB covering 611.67 ha they are graded in a similar way. (1.57% of the AONB). The essential settings of 14 Historic Parks It is anticipated that legislation are within the AONB covering a total of 1,152.01 ha (2.96% of the in the new Heritage Bill to be AONB). announced shortly will give more • 9 more Historic Parks and Gardens are directly adjacent to the weight to this designation AONB.

78 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | The Historic Environment • Prevention from decay and need for Protection: Industrial Features and on-going maintenance. • The World Heritage Site is World Heritage Site • Inappropriate methods or materials afforded protection as such. for repairs through lack of • Much of the World Heritage When Thomas Telford finished in understanding, skills or materials, or site is owned by the Canal and 1805, it was the tallest canal boat crossing in the world. changing modern standards. Rivers Trust. On 27 June 2009, UNESCO made this masterpiece of civil • Vegetation growth in the World Extent: engineering a World Heritage Site, along with 11 miles of Heritage Site and the Buffer Zone • The World Heritage site covers canal including Chirk Aqueduct and the Horseshoe Falls affecting views in and out. 62.62 ha within the AONB at Llantysilio, near Llangollen. Pontcysyllte represents (0.16% of the AONB). a ‘masterpiece of human creative genius’ and is an • Maintenance of effective protection • The World Heritage Site Buffer outstanding example of a construction that ‘illustrated a of the Site and Buffer Zone through Zone covers 3,129.54 ha within significant stage in human history’. designations and planning policies. the AONB (8.04% of the AONB). • Management of visitor pressure. Status: Construction work on the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal began in 1795 and was • Need to develop the presentation of • Not currently on UNESCOs list completed in 1808. The canal gave access to the Ruabon the Outstanding Universal Value – of World Heritage in Danger. 46 collieries and stimulated the growth of the limekilns and how to get the story across. sites listed in 2014. pottery works at and Tref-y-nant. Industrial Archaeology • Site surveys not followed up. Protection: The Historic Environment World Heritage Status means that the Pontcysyllte • Sites being lost to land use change. • Some of the key industrial sites Aqueduct and Canal has been inscribed on the World are protected as scheduled. • Some industrial remains are in poor Heritage List, offering it increased awareness. This The canal and many associated condition. awareness leads to an increase in the level of protection monuments are scheduled. and conservation given to inscribed sites. It is one of 28 • Much of the industrial heritage of The Nant y Pandy tramway and properties inscribed in the UK. Worldwide there were the Alyn Valley is outside the public slate works at Glyndyfrydwy 1,007 World Heritage Sites in 2014. estate. are scheduled but in poor condition. Parts of the Minera • Lack of awareness of archaeological The Vale of Llangollen Railway was opened in 1861. lead mines at Meadow shaft heritage, the relationship of quarries, For nearly a century, the railway took over much of the are a SAM as is the Hoffman inclines and associated works which traffic formerly carried by road and canal. The Llangollen kiln in the Minera Quarries. together have cultural integrity. Railway Society now operates the line between Llangollen and Corwen.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | The Historic Environment | 79 Loggerheads was the focal point for lead mining in the 18th • Some sites unrecorded or with Condition: and 19th century and remnants of this industrial past remain no scheduled protection. • The Glyndyfrydwy slate along the river and in the woods. There was extensive lead • Some sites recommended for works buildings and parts of mining in the Alyn Valley, Prestatyn Hillside, Bryn Alyn, and scheduling in the Metal Mines the tramway are in a poor areas of Mountain, World’s End and Minera. survey of the 1990s have not condition. taken place. • Key features like the Leete The name Loggerheads derives from a dispute over mineral at Loggerheads Country rights which was eventually settled in the high court. The • The vast majority of industrial park, Cascade Woods lead boundary stone adjacent to the A494 and boundary stones (and indeed all other periods mining site and others are within the Park mark the position the legal boundary was of site) are undesignated. They unprotected. determined to be. are noted on the HER Historic Environment Record which is There was extensive slate quarrying in the south of the AONB, set to become statutory in the on the Llantysilio and North Berwyn mountains. Only the new Planning Bill. Berwyn quarry on the remains open today.

There are a number of features associated with these mines, such as the Leete at Loggerheads, and tramways from the Moel y Faen quarry to Llangollen canal, and Moel Fferna to through Nant y Pandy, where there are extensive

The Historic Environment ruins relating to slate working.

• Erosion to the hillforts and Extent: Hillforts and Defensive other defensive structures • 10 Iron Age Hillforts in the through recreation and sheep AONB, covering 105.14 ha (0.27 Structures scrapes. % of total AONB). The chain of Iron Age Hillforts along the ridgeline of the • Damage through • 3 Motte and Bailey castles. Clwydian Range are its most high profile and unique inappropriate land • Small remnants of a 12th archaeological sites. These 6 hillforts, between Moel Hiraddug management, such as century castle at . near Dyserth and Moel Fenlli near Llanferres, provide one of quarrying, tree planting and • 2 later 13th Century stone the highest concentrations in Western Europe. over grazing. castles. • Ploughing / Agricultural Protection: Moel y Gaer is one of the summits of Llantysilio Mountain, pressure. • 5 Iron Age Hillforts are owned on the north side of the river Dee and west of the Horseshoe by the Local Authorities. Pass. There is evidence for human activity here dating back • Damage from metal detection. • All Iron Age Hillforts are to at least the Bronze Age (2,300 – 1,200 BC), with a large • Increased awareness and designated as Scheduled burial cairn on the summit of Moel Gamelin. Several centuries access could lead to increased Ancient Monuments. later, during the Iron Age (1200 BC – 74 AD), Moel y Gaer was erosion issues. chosen as the site for a small hillfort.

80 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | The Historic Environment , a medieval castle located within the • Dinas Brân Castle, owned by Denbighshire earthworks of an earlier Iron Age Hillfort, towers over the County Council, is designated as a SAM, town of Llangollen giving it a strong sense of place and SSSI and it is also within the buffer zone of historic context. Similarly, Caer Drewyn Iron Age Hillfort, the WHS and within the Historic landscape along with the 6th century church at St Mael and St Sulien and of the Vale of Llangollen associations with Owain Glyndŵr give the town of Corwen a • Chirk Castle is jointly managed by Cadw strong historical root. Pen y Gaer Hillfort is located near Garth and the National Trust. adjacent to Trefor Hall woods. • Tomen y Rhodwydd, Tomen y Faerdre and Glyndŵr’s Mount are all SAMs. Completed in 1310, Chirk is the last Welsh castle from the • Remains of Dyserth Caslte are a SAM. reign of Edward I that is still lived in. Features from its 700 years include the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th century Condition: Long Gallery, grand 18th century state apartments, servants’ • Erosion work was carried out on Moel hall and historic laundry. Fenlli, , Penycloddiau , Moel y Gaer Llanbedr, Moel y Gaer Llantysilio and Motte and Bailey castle sites are found at Tomen y Rhodwydd Caer Drewyn as part of the Heather and near Llandegla, Tomen y Faerdre near Llanarmon-yn-Iâl and Hillforts scheme. Erosion repair work has Glyndŵr’s Mount near Llidiart y Parc. taken place at Tomen y Rhodwydd and extensive stabilisation work was carried The site of Gop Cairn at , not technically a defensive out at Owain Glyndwr’s Motte. structure but hinting at nearby settlement, is thought to date • Management plans were drawn up for the to the Neolithic period from about 3000BC. It is a vast mound, six monuments within the Heather and constructed on the top of a hill, perhaps marking burials in a Hillforts project area. nearby cave. • Prior to work taking place in Heather and Hillfots, condition surveys were carried out on the 6 hillforts, this work was repeated in 2012 and an improvement in condition was demonstrated at each of the sites. Continual monitoring will be needed to maintain this. Understanding: The Heather and Hillforts project, from 2008 to 2012, greatly increased our understanding of 6 hillforts in the AONB. A programme of archaeological digs (at Moel y gaer Bodfari, Penycloddiau, Moel y Gaer Llanbedr) and community archaeology events have developed a greater understanding within the local community.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | The Historic Environment | 81 The Clwydian Range Archaeology Group (CRAG) was established during Heather and Hillforts, and now runs successfully as an independent voluntary group who have made important discoveries on land adjacent to Moel Arthur Hillfort. Recent archaeological work has also been undertaken on Moel y Gaer Bodfari by Oxford University and Penycloddiau by Liverpool University. Bangor University have been excavating at Fron Newydd adjacent to Caer Drewyn as well as at the small defended settlement of Moel Fodig, just outside the AONB.

• These features tend to Extent: Small Historic Features ‘disappear’ and part of • 23 K6 Red Phone Boxes. this is because there is These are features that are unique to the AONB. They • 15 Trig Points. not a comprehensive are unlikely to be listed and conserved but they are • Total number of features unknown. list held anywhere. The Historic Environment part of the fabric of the landscape. Examples: Red They also disappear • % loss of features identified unknown. telephone boxes, water troughs, milestones, stone through being The new Heritage Bill is likely to contain a section stiles and gate posts, old wells, old road signs, named modernised or through on proposals to produce robust ‘local lists’ of these rocks, milk stands and World War I and II relics. road improvement types of features. schemes.

• Loss of hedges and Extent: Boundaries walls due to agricultural • Length of traditional boundaries in the AONB improvement. The main types are native hedgerows on slopes and unknown. dry stone walls in the limestone and upland shale • Loss due to lack of • 12 km of hedgerow have been restored through areas. The other types are hedgerows on a stone maintenance. the AONB countryside grant scheme between retaining wall (Clawdd Wall). These linear features are 2007 and 2014. valuable wildlife habitats, which act particularly well • Loss of skill to maintain • 0.5 km of dry stone wall have been rebuilt as wildlife corridors between habitats. in a traditional way. through the AONB countryside grant scheme • Expense of between 2007 and 2014. An unusual feature unique to Corwen within the maintenance. Need survey of boundaries with those that have AONB is boundaries using upright slate slabs – an greatest impact on the landscape prioritised for example of this can be seen at Gro Isa just north of • Modern maintenance action. not suitable. Corwen next to the River Dee. % of boundaries in good condition unknown.

82 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | The Historic Environment Access and Leisure

Resource Description Issues State / Special Feature

• No coherent identity for the Provision: Iconic Visitor area, there are three distinct • 36 Caravan Parks / Camp Sites in the AONB. and Cultural tourism units – the Clwydian • Number of tourism businesses – unknown Range, the Dee Valley and • Number of AONB threshold signs - ? the World Heritage Site. Attractions • Number of Car Parks in the AONB – unknown. • There is no coordination of • Number of Public Toilets in the AONB – 8 visitor management. The Vale of Llangollen and Dee • 4 Country Parks in the AONB – Valley forms a striking gateway to • Interpretation and • Loggerheads North Wales as the topography awareness of the culture and • changes rapidly from flat history of the area is low. • Tŷ Mawr Shropshire Plain to a steep sided • People pass through the • Minera Lead Mines Welsh Valley, with accompanying area travelling to west Wales. Extent: changes in building styles and Need to raise awareness • 4 Country Parks covering 1,007.05 ha (2.59% of materials, culture and way of life. of the area and encourage AONB).

Access and Leisure The area has a special role as a people to stop in the AONB. gateway to and cultural window on • 1 Country Park Visitor Facilities currently closed. • Lack of high quality • There are 20 sites (including Country Parks) in Welsh life and marks the English- facilities – public transport, Welsh borderlands. the AONB managed by AONB / Local Authorities. car parking, cafes, toilets, These cover 1075.78 ha (2.76% of the AONB) information. Further north, the Clwydian Range • Natural Resources Wales estate (formerly • Localised degraded is the first chain of inside the Forestry Commission) covers 1299.37ha (3.34% environment due to Welsh border. With strong cultural of the AONB). congestion, litter and links to Liverpool and the North Condition: vandalism. West of England, the area is heavily • Minera Lead mines currently closed to the visited. public.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Access and Leisure | 83 ‘Honey-pot’ sites • Existing and new development where there has been a lack of attention The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a feat of civil to design, character, materials and engineering of the Industrial Revolution, completed integration within key views and at key in the early years of the 19th century. The property is locations which contribute to visitor inscribed as a World Heritage Site and is recognised as an experience. innovation ensemble that inspired many projects all over the world. • Access for the less able is challenging. Loggerheads Country Park provides an important link • Lack of / closure of visitor facilities. to the wider Clwydian Range and is seen as a base from • Traffic management, congestion and which to explore. car parking. Moel Famau is a significant tract of heather moorland in • Poor public transport links and the Clwydian Range. The Jubilee Tower is on the summit. infrastructure. Tŷ Mawr Country Park and farm lies on the banks of the • Busy road crossings. Access and Leisure River Dee beneath the arches of the Viaduct. Minera Lead Mines Country Park is a starting point for the • Some industrial remains are in poor Clywedog Trail and accessing the beautiful countryside of condition. Minera Mountain. • Visitor pressure in key conservation areas. Offa’s Dyke National Trail and the Panorama Drive, which run along the foot of Eglwyseg Rocks, offer stunning high level views. The Horseshoe Pass is a popular tourist viewpoint and scenic drive.

• On-going maintenance of promoted Extent: The Offa’s Dyke Trail and routes. • 772.6 km of Public Rights of • Erosion in sensitive areas. Way Promoted Routes • Impact of access on stock and farming, • 324.4 km of Rights of Way The AONB has an extensive network of paths, bridleways particularly by dogs. and permissive routes and byways. Some have great historical significance • Limited Rights of Way for horse riders promoted by AONB / Local including the Leete Path and old Drovers’ Roads. The and cyclists. Authority publications. (42% of the network). network brings specific economic benefit to the local • Congestion in honey pot areas. • 114 km of Promoted Cycle economy. There are a great many publications promoting • Blocked and unusable paths restrict Routes on Public Rights of primarily walking opportunities. opportunities. Way / permissive paths. • Number of unsupported promoted (14.8% of the network). routes. • Length of blocked / unusable • Distribution of available material. paths unknown.

84 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Access and Leisure • Uncertainty with the • Significant car parks Open Access public to where access serving the network include land areas are. Loggerheads, Moel Famau Access Land comprises mountain, moor, heath and down, common land and Tŷ Mawr Country Parks, and all land over 600m in height. • Disturbance to nesting Car Parks in Corwen and birds and other wildlife. Llangollen, and Llantysilio Access Land is an important component of the Clwydian Range and Dee Adventure activities Green. Valley, and provides access to areas, particularly hilltops, not served • Population health by the Rights of Way network. It is found throughout the AONB, but • Number of Laybys suitable issues increasing. the majority is found in the south, covering the large extents of open for parking unknown moorland on the Ruabon, Llantysilio and North Berwyn mountains. • Conflict between • 3 Railway stations serving the user groups using the AONB (Prestatyn, Ruabon A number of permissive access routes have been developed to guide resources of the area, and Chirk) walkers to points of interest and significance, such as Liberty Hall south in particular the River of Corwen, and the summit of Moel Gyw. Dee. • 10,380.18 ha of Access Land (26.67% of AONB area), of Access and Leisure • Litter, noise, damage. this • Mountain biking • 6441.35 ha is common land. pressure on bridleway Adventure Activities network and wider • 3938.83 ha are mapped as There is growing concern that people’s lifestyles are becoming too countryside. open country. sedentary. They seek to ‘destress’ through adventure experiences such • Impact of access on key • Number of adventure activity as rock climbing, caving, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain bikes, conservation sites. providers unknown. horse riding etc. • Tourism spend in the AONB The landscape of the AONB supports adventure activity businesses, in 2012 - £39.4 million. including the mountain Biking centre at Coed Llandegla. 26 of the O is Open ccess

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Access and Leisure | 85 • Maintaining and • 2 Communities First Areas Health and Well-being – improving access to within the AONB local services. Deprivation • 7 Communities First Areas • People living in within 3km of AONB. In general, the AONB is not an area with high levels of deprivation deprived areas do not • Percentage of LSOA’s (Lower- when assessed against most deprivation indicators, including income get a benefit from the level Super Output Areas) levels, educational attainment, employment, health, housing quality and AONB. in AONB within the most physical environment. Overall, the AONB is within the least deprived 25% deprived quartile in Wales for areas of Wales (Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005). However, access to services – 26.3% (10 one aspect in which the AONB demonstrates notably high levels of of 38) deprivation is access to services, which is a result of the sparsely populated rural character of the area. As the population is older than the • Percentage of people with average, access to local and specialist health care, and support services, limiting long-term illness all contribute to a sense of community wellbeing. • East 17.2% • North 21.7% Access and Leisure Although still below the Welsh average, levels of limiting long term illness • West 19.5% have increased in the AONB between 2001 and 2011. • South 21.2 % • Wales 22.7%

86 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Access and Leisure Culture and People

Resource Description Issues State / Special Feature

• Development in the AONB No. of AONB villages / settlements Settlement and its setting is not always defined in development plans: in sympathy with the local The settlement pattern of the Clwydian Range is • Denbighshire 23 landscape character and characterised by villages and hamlets on either side • Flintshire 6 settlement pattern. of the main ridge, such as Llanbedr DC, Cilcain and • Wrexham 2 , and along river valleys, including Bodfari Total – 31 and Llanferres. Most of these villages are compact and nucleated in form. These settlements are supplemented by scattered farmsteads and isolated dwellings which extend higher up the slopes.

The settlement patterns in the south of the AONB are found primarily along river valleys. Smaller villages include , Glyndyfrdwy, , Pentredŵr and Froncysyllte. The towns of Llangollen and Corwen both straddle the River Dee. Similar Culture and People - and People Culture to the Clwydian Range, scattered farmsteads and The Built Environment isolated dwellings are found higher up the slopes.

A number of larger settlements adjoin the AONB, including Prestatyn, , Dyserth, , Trefor, and Chirk.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Culture and People | 87 • Incomplete / out of date Conservation Extent: Conservation Areas Area Character Appraisals. • There are 17 conservation areas Conservation Areas are designated by local • Lack of Management / Enhancement in the AONB, covering 88.85 ha planning authorities to protect areas of special Plans for Conservation Areas. (0.23% of AONB) architectural or historic interest where it is • Denbighshire 9 desirable to preserve or enhance their character • No arrangements for monitoring the • Flintshire 6 or appearance. They are one indicator of the condition of Conservation Areas. • Wrexham 2 quality of the built environment. Designations • % of AONB villages / settlements should be underpinned by up to date Character recognised in development plans Appraisals, and planning authorities should which are Conservation Areas – prepare Management / Enhancement Plans. 41.9% (13 of 31) Designation also brings some additional controls • % of Conservation Areas with an on development, but these can be increased via up to date Character Appraisal Article 4 Directions if permitted development is unknown harming the special character of the area. • % of Conservation Areas with a Management / Enhancement Plan unknown • No. of Article 4 Directions unknown

• Concerns over the number of listed Extent: Listed Buildings buildings at risk. • There are 645 Listed Buildings in Buildings of special architectural or historical • There is a need to update and maintain the AONB interest are Listed by Cadw. There are strict the Buildings at Risk list for each Local • 56 are considered to be ‘at risk’. controls over development of Listed Buildings and Authority. • Significant Listed Buildings include their setting to ensure their special character is • The Jubilee Tower at Moel Famau is one Chirk Castle, Llangollen Bridge and conserved or enhanced. The number and grade of the most prominent and distinctive the Jubilee Tower. of Listed Buildings in an area is another indicator Listed Buildings in the AONB, but is in of the quality of the local built environment. Local need of restoration / conservation to authorities are advised to undertake 5 yearly secure its long term future. surveys of the condition of Listed Buildings in their

Culture and People - The Built Environment - and People Culture area to identify buildings at risk.

88 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Culture and People • Need to maintain Joint Committee activity • No. of planning applications Development Control in respect of responding to development referred to the JAC proposals. • 2011/12 – 199 The control of development in the AONB is an • 2012/13 – 212 important means by which the character and • Maintain and develop the Joint • 2013/14 – 221 appearance of the area can be maintained or Committee’s credibility and influence as a improved. Development proposals outside the planning consultee. • % of JAC comments adopted by area can also have an impact on important views LPA’s in or out of the AONB. • Three LPA’s; need to ensure consistent • 2011/12 – 68% approach across administrative • 2012/13 – 72% boundaries. The three local planning authorities (LPA’s) consult • 2013/14 – 74% the Joint Committee on planning applications • Urbanisation of villages and poor urban • No. of possible unauthorised which might impact on the AONB. design. development cases referred to LPA’s • Need for a more proactive response to • 2011/12 – 13 unauthorised development in the AONB. • 2012/13 – 21 • 2013/14 – 10

• Clear and robust policies required to Local Development Plans: Planning Policy and conserve and enhance the AONB. • Denbighshire LDP 2006 – 2021 • Need for Joint Committee to engage with (adopted 2013) Guidance LDP process; WG guidance no longer • Flintshire LDP 2015 – 2030 (In Within a plan led system for the control of requires LDP’s to include national AONB preparation: adoption planned in development, relevant and up to date planning policies. 2018) policy and guidance is an essential component • Three LPA’s; need to ensure consistent • Wrexham LDP 2 2013 – 2028 (In of protecting and conserving the character and approach to AONB policy and guidance preparation: adoption planned in appearance of the AONB. across administrative boundaries. 2018) • No specific SPG for the AONB to conserve The local planning authorities publish and enhance local distinctiveness. Unitary Development Plans (now Local Development Plans (LDPs). Adopted Nonstatutory Development Guidelines superseded by Local Development Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) cannot be adopted by the LPA’s. Plan system): notes complement development plans. The • Need to maintain AONB profile and • Flintshire UDP 2000 – 2015 Joint Committee has prepared non-statutory Joint Committee activity in respect of (adopted 2011)

Culture and People - The Built Environment - and People Culture Development Guidelines for the AONB. National responding to planning and other policy • Wrexham UDP 1996 – 2011 planning policy is set by the Welsh Government, consultations. (adopted 2005) and the Joint Committee is usually consulted on proposed changes to national policy.

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Culture and People | 89 • Lack of awareness of the AONB and Sense of place its purposes within parts of the local communities. Community, belonging, attachment and a sense of place. Associated with this is the Welsh language, • Unfocused community and voluntary strong community vaues and a sense of local actions that contribute to local pride which are all a part of the natural beauty of distinctiveness. an area. There is an understanding that ‘the land makes us what we are’.

• As life expectancy increases, there will • Resident Population (2011) Population be increasing numbers of older people -18,690 in society. A sharp rise in the number of The AONB is sparsely populated but there is some • 8,000 of these within the over 80s will see a generation keen to variation across the area, the Dee Valley is the Dee Valley relax but potentially reluctant (or unable) most populous mainly due to the larger towns • Population Density (2011) to travel far. of Llangollen and Corwen. However, there are a • North – 0.7 (persons per km sq) number of larger and more populous settlements • Over the past fifteen years, a sustained • West – 0.4 in close proximity to the Clwydian Range such as rise in the birth rate has caused a mini • East – 0.4 Mold, , Prestatyn, Chirk and the Wrexham baby boom. • South - 0.4 urban fringe. • Grandparents will be ‘younger’ than ever • Wales 1.5 before; and retiring baby boomers will • Families with dependent children The age profile of the AONB shows an older priorities their leisure time. • North – 378 population than Wales, Denbighshire and • Pressures and opportunities arising from • West – 839 Flintshire. the close proximity of the AONB to a • East – 426 much larger population. • South - 301 The number of families with dependent children has risen between 2001 and 2011, particularly in the western area of the AONB. Culture and People – Sustainable Communities – Sustainable and People Culture

90 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Culture and People • Increasing the number and • 368 Council Houses in Denbighshire and Housing range of affordable homes in Flintshire areas of AONB. (Wrexham CBC the AONB to meet local needs. Council House numbers unknown). The AONB is an attractive area in which to live. It is also within easy commuting range of large • High levels of demand for • No. of dwellings unknown employment centres such as , Chester, council / housing association • Council / Housing Assoc Waiting Lists Wrexham and beyond. This influences the local accommodation in some unknown housing market by pushing up house prices, often areas. • Second homes in the AONB unknown beyond what many local people can afford. The number of social / rented council and housing • Need for robust planning association properties in the AONB is limited. The policies to ensure that problems of availability and affordability for local new housing development people are compounded by a higher percentage addresses affordability and than the Welsh average of second / holiday homes local need issues. in parts of the AONB.

• Lack of economic • No. of working residents unknown Employment selfcontainment resulting in • No. of jobs in the AONB unknown fewer people ‘embedded’ in A high proportion of AONB residents are • % of population economically active (2011) their local area and reduced economically active when compared to the Welsh • East 70% • North 67% • West 67% sense of community. average but most commute out of the area to • South 68% • Wales 66% nearby towns and other centres of employment. • Fewer local jobs than the • % of residents living and working in the The area does not therefore exhibit high levels of working population. AONB unknown economic selfcontainment, which can impact on • Reduction in the number of • % of residents employed in agriculture or community cohesion. The public sector is the largest active agricultural holdings forestry (2011) source of employment, but agriculture and forestry and the overall increase in the • East 5.4% • North 5.6% continues to be an important employer when average holding size. • West 9.3% • South 4% compared to the Welsh average. • Resources to deliver AONB • No. of active agricultural holdings Sustainable Tourism Strategy unknown. and Action Plan. • Average size of agricultural holding unknown. • No. of tourism related businesses supporting the AONB unknown • % of population retired (2011) • East 20% • North 20% • West 21% • South 18% Culture and People – Sustainable Communities – Sustainable and People Culture • Levels of long term unemployment (2011) • East 0.9% • North 1.6% • West 1.2% • South 1.7% • Wales 2.4%

Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Culture and People | 91

• Maintaining key existing rural • 40 places of worship in the AONB. Facilities and Services facilities and services that meet • Facilities in Denbighshire area of the needs of local people, and Access to local facilities and services such as AONB. preventing the further loss of such schools, shops, post offices, community meeting • 57 Pubs / hotels / bars. facilities. places and public transport all contribute to a • 118 shops. sense of community wellbeing. Access to such • Review of education provision and • No. of primary schools in services in the AONB can be limited. Rural services the number of rural schools. AONB – 14 are in decline and continue to be under threat • Nos. on school roll unknown given the economic outlook and the viability of • Developing access to new facilities providing such facilities in isolated and sparsely and services such as high speed • No. of settlements with a public population areas. broadband and mobile phone house – 21 (68%) coverage. • No. of settlements with a • Ensuring effective public transport community hall – 17 (55%) network links to service centres. • No. of settlements with a shop / PO – 13 (42%) • No. of settlements with a regular Culture and People – and People Culture daily bus service – 19 (61%) • Broadband ‘notspots’ – Unknown • No. of mobile blackspots – Sustainable Communities Sustainable unknown.

92 | Management Plan 2014 - 2019 | STATE of the AONB REPORT | Culture and People