Working with a Changing Climate A guide to adaptation in the and Dee Valley AONB What the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley does for us

This special landscape: • Is a home for people and various species of flora and fauna • Supports the economy, including farming and tourism • Provides food, fuel and materials from its fields, forests and quarries • Provides local water supplies and helps to manage flood risk • Helps to regulate the local climate and provide a clean, healthy atmosphere • Contributes to a strong sense of place for local communities and visitors • Provides opportunities for leisure, recreation, exercise, enjoyment, health and wellbeing for all • Is a physical record of our cultural heritage Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 3

Introduction

The natural beauty of the Clwydian Range and Dee The designation of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as an Valley AONB must be conserved and enhanced, but AONB means that its natural beauty must be conserved and it is also a living and working landscape which is enhanced. It is, however, also a living and working landscape continuing to change over time. Climate change is which provides vital resources and services within the AONB and to the surrounding area. having an increasing influence on the area and we need to take action to adapt. This guide aims to help The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley has evolved over time, those working and living in the area to do just that. shaped by geological forces, climate and human activity, and this evolution is ongoing. Cimate change is expected to have a major Setting the scene influence in the coming decades, and we need to manage this process, taking action to adapt to the impacts and make the best of the opportunities. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is the dramatic upland frontier of north , embracing some of the UK’s most wonderful countryside. Purpose of this guide

The Clwydian Range is an unmistakeable chain of purple heather- This guide has been designed to help those working and living clad summits, topped by Britain’s most strikingly situated hillforts. in and around the AONB to understand the potential effects of a changing climate and take action to adapt. It is not a statement of Beyond the windswept , over mountain, policy, but sets out a range of issues and options for discussion lies the glorious Dee Valley with historic , a famous and consideration. market town rich in cultural and industrial heritage. It is aimed primarily at a professional audience, but it is hoped Offa’s Dyke Path traverses this specially protected area, one of that the information provided will also be interesting and useful for the least discovered yet most welcoming and easiest to explore of other residents, local businesses and community groups. Britain’s finest landscapes.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 4 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Heather Moorland on . Countryside Services. Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 5

How the climate is changing

Although the global climate has been relatively Recent changes stable for thousands of years, recent extreme weather events and longer-term trends suggest Global average temperatures have increased over the last century it is now changing due to human activity. Climate and the 10 warmest years since records began have all occurred in change is expected to continue, causing hotter, the last 16 years. Sea-levels are also rising by around 3mm per year. drier summers, warmer wetter winters, more extreme weather and sea-level rise in Wales and Numerous records have been broken for extreme weather in the rest of Britain. recent years. The UK’s wettest summer in 100 years and wettest autumn since records began were in 2012 and the highest temperatures ever recorded were during the 2003 heatwave. In December 2013, the highest storm surge in sixty years caused Historic climate flooding along the coast.

Wales has a maritime climate, with weather that is mild and often Future projections cloudy, windy and wet. Although the climate in Wales and the rest of the world has been relatively stable for the last 10,000 years, Recent changes in the global climate have been linked to increasing there have been periods of extreme change in the past. atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. This is largely due to human activity, such as burning fossil 350 million years ago, warm tropical seas covered the land, fuels, deforestation, peatland drainage and some farming practices. depositing the limestone found in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. 100 million years later, Wales had a desert climate, while the Global climate change is is projected to continue, causing hotter, valleys of the AONB were carved out by glacial movement during a drier summers, warmer, wetter winters, more extreme weather, series of ice ages, the most recent of which ended around14,000 drought, heatwaves, heavier rainfall, and accelerating sea-level rise years ago. in Wales and the rest of Britain over coming decades.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 1 2 3

Impacts on the AONB and surrounding areas 4 5 6 The impacts of climate change could include: 1. Flooding 2. Drought and heatwaves 3. Erosion, landslip and loss of soil 4. Pollution of watercourses 5. Wildfires 6. Changes to habitats and species 7. Effects on crops, livestock and forestry 8. Damage to buildings and infrastructure

7 8 9 9. Effects on the health and wellbeing of people Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 7

Impacts on the AONB and surrounding areas

Changing weather patterns and sea-level rise • Along the coast, sea-level rise and coastal storms could will have a direct impact on all parts of the increase flood risk and erosion Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the • The local climate could become less suitable for some habitats surrounding area. There could be positive and and species, while upwards and northwards migration could negative consequences, depending on how we bring other species into parts of the AONB respond. • The timing of seasonal events could change, including flowering, breeding and migration, which could affect synchronisation between species and important events like pollination • Agriculture and forestry could face changing yields, increased risks of pests and diseases, and damage from flooding, Direct impacts of changing weather drought and storms patterns and sea-level rise • The types of food we have access to could change, and prices and availability could be affected for example by damage to All parts of the AONB and surrounding areas could be affected by crops or disruption of supply chains the direct impacts of changing weather patterns and sea-level rise. There could be positive and negative consequences, depending in • Extreme weather could affect the health and wellbeing of part on how we respond. For example: communities and damage buildings and infrastructure, but milder winters could reduce cold-related deaths • Long periods of dry weather could lead to drought, reduced flows in rivers and streams, drier soil, and wildfires The actions that we take to respond to climate change could also • At other times of year heavier rainfall and storms could have an impact on the AONB and surrounding areas. These are increase the risk of flooding, erosion and landslip considered in the following section.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information d LEGEND x m .

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2 Exposed Upland / Plateau s s j i Rhyl PPrreessttaattyynn Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Boundary L n n o VViissuuaall aanndd SSeennssoorryy CCllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonn LLeevveell 22 V r e e C _ P _ S S \ P l l y s St Asaph a a A i r u u g o Rolling Lowlands M s s s 8 Prestatyn EExxppoosseedd UUppllaanndd // PPllaatteeaauu i i

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PROJECT TITLE Ruthin CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION AND Minera EDUCATION PROGRAMME Coedpoeth RRuutthhiinn Wrexham

DRAWING TITLE Ruthin LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Classification Level 2 - Landform PROJECT TITLE CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION AND Minera EPPRDROOUJJEECCCTAT TTIIITTOLLEEN PROGRAMME Coedpoeth Wrexham ISCSCULLIEIMMDAA BTTYEE CCHHOAAxNNfoGGrdEE IINNFFOORRMMAATTTIIO:O0NN1 8AA6NN5D D8 8 7 050 MMiinneerraa Ruabon DATE 28 Aug 2012 DRAWN RO PEERDODJUEUCCCT AATTITTILIOOE NN PPRROOGGRRAAMMMMEE SDCRAALWEIN @GA T3ITLE 1:180,000 CHECKED IH CCooeeddppooeetthh WWrreexxhhaamm CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION AND Minera SLTATNUDSMAP VDirsauftal and SensoAryPPROVED HP EDUCATION PROGRAMME Llangollen Coedpoeth CDDRlRaAAWsWsIINNifGGic TTaIITTtLiLoEEn Level 2 - Landform Wrexham DWG. NO. 3394_17 LLAANNDDMMAAPP VViissuuaall aanndd SSeennssoorryy NDCoCR dAllaiaWmssIeNssnGiisff iTicocInaTasLt tEaiioroenn t o LL beev vsceeall e 22d f--r oLLmaa tnnhdidsf fdoorrarmmwing. ALIlSlA SdUNimEDeDnMs BioAYnPs a rVe Oitsoxu bfoae rlcd haenckde dS oen nsisteo. rTy: 01865 887 050 Area measurement2s 8fo Ar iungd i2c0at1iv2e purposes only. RO Chirk Ruabon CDAlaTsEsification Level 2 - LandfoDrmRAWN ©S LCDA LDEes i@gnA C3onsu1lti:n1g8 L0L,P0. 0 Q0uality AssuredC toH BESC ENK EISDO 9001 : I2H000 Corwen IISSSSUUEEDD BBYY OOxxffoorrdd TT:: 0011886655 888877 005500 0 5km SDDTAATTEUES D228r8a AfAtuugg 22001122 ADDPRRPAARWWONVNED HRRPOO h RRuuaabboonn Sources: Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown Copyright and database right [2011], t r o Llangollen SSCCAALLCEEo r@@inAAe 3U3rban11 A::1r1e88a0s0 ,©,00 0E0u00ropean EnviroCnCmHHeEnEtCC AKKgeEEnDDcy, IIHH N ISSUED BY Oxford T: 01865 887 050 CCoorrwweenn DSSTTWAATGTU©U. SCSNouOnt.rysid3DDe3 rCra9aofuf4ttn_ci1l f7or Wales AAPPPPRROOVVEEDD HHPP This drawing may contain: Ordnance Survey material by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2011.All rights reserved. Reference number 01R0u0a0b3o16n73. DATE 28 Aug 2012 DRAWN RO OS Open data © Crown copyright and database right 2011 | Aerial Photography © Bing Maps LLllaannggoollleenn SNCoA dLimEe @nsAio3ns ar1e :t1o8 b0e, 0sc0a0led from thisC dHraEwCinKg.ED IH Corwen SADDTllAW WdTiGmUGeS..n NsNioOOns.. arDe33 rt3oa3 9fb9te44 c__h11ec77ked on site.APPROVED HP Llangollen Area measurements for indicative purposes only. Chirk DNNWoo ddGiimm.e eNnnssOiioonn.ss aar3ree3 tto9o b4bee_ ss1ccaa7lleedd ffrroomm tthhiiss ddrraawwiinngg.. ©AA LlllDl ddAiim mDeesnnisgsinioo Cnnoss n aasrureel t titono g bb LeeL ccPhh. e eQcckukeaedldit y oo nAn s ssiiuttere.e.d to BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000 0 5km AArreeaa mmeeaassuurreemmeennttss ffoorr iinnddiiccaattiivvee ppuurrppoosseess oonnllyy.. h NSoou rdciems: eCnosnitoaninss a Orerd tnoa bncee s Scuarlveedy f Droamta ©th Cisr odwranw Cionpgy.right and database right [2011], t CChhiirrkk r o ©© LLDDAA DDCeeossirigignnne C CUoornnbssauunllt tAiinnrgeg a LLsL L©PP. . E QuQuruoaapllieittyayn AA Essnssuvurirereoddn tmtoo e BBnSSt EAENNg e IInSSOcOy , 99000011 :: 22000000 N All dimensions are to be checked on site. 00 55kkmm Area me©a sCuoruenmtreynsitds ef oCro uinndciilc faotri vWea pleusrposes only. This drawing may contain: Ordnance Survey material by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2011.All rights reserved. Reference number 0100031673. h h Chirk SSoouurrcceess:: CCoonnttaaiinnss OOrrddnnaannccee SSuurrvveeyy DDaattaa ©© CCrroowwnn CCooppyyrriigghhtt aanndd ddaattaabbaassee rriigghhtt [[22001111]],, t t r r OS Opeo o n data © Crown copyright and database right 2011 | Aerial Photography © Bing Maps © LDA DeCCsioogrrniin nCee o UUnrsrbubaalntni n AAgrr eLeaaLssP ©.© Q EEuuraroloipptyee aaAnns EsEunnrvveiidrro otnonm mBeSen nEtt NA A ggIeSenOncc y9y,0, 01 : 2000 N N 0 5km ©© CCoouunnttrryyssiiddee CCoouunncciill ffoorr WWaalleess

TThhisis ddh rraawwiinngg mmaayy ccoonnttaainin:: OOrrddnnaannccee SSuurrvveeyy mmaatteerriaiall bbyy ppeerrmmiissssioionn ooff OOrrddnnaannccee SSuurrvveeyy oonn bbeehhaallff ooff tthhee CCoonnttrroollleerr ooff HHeerr MMaajejessttyy’s’s SSttaattiioonneerryy OOfffiiccee ©© CCrroowwnn CCooppyyrrigighhtt 22001111..AAll l rriigghhttss rreesseerrvveedd.. RReeffeerreennccee nnuummbbeerr 00110000003311667733.. Sources: Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown Copyright and database right [2011], t r OOSS OOpo peenn ddaattaa ©© CCrroowwnn ccooppyyrrigighhtt aanndd ddaattaabbaassee rrigighhtt 22001111 || A Aeerriaiall PPhhoottooggrraapphhyy ©© BBiningg MMaappss Corine Urban Areas © European Environment Agency, N © Countryside Council for Wales This drawing may contain: Ordnance Survey material by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2011.All rights reserved. Reference number 0100031673. OS Open data © Crown copyright and database right 2011 | Aerial Photography © Bing Maps Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 9

Adapting to change

We need to adapt to climate change and address The landscape illustrations are not actual views of real locations the causes, while conserving and enhancing the and the adaptation measures shown are not planned projects, just natural beauty of the AONB. Our approach to examples of the possibilities. adaptation will require careful planning, design Individuals can implement some actions directly, while others need and implementation, and in some cases planning to be part of a coordinated programme or strategy. For example, permission or other consents may be required. measures to reduce flood risk need to be planned in the context of Everyone has a role to play. the coastal or catchment flood risk management plans. Choices will need to be made to strike the right balance between different priorities. The Welsh Government’s Natural Environment Sectoral Adaptation Plan and Natural Resource Management approach, the Overview AONB Management Plan and the relevant local authorities’ Local Development Plans explain how this can be achieved. There are actions that can be taken now to adapt to the impacts of climate change and benefit from the opportunities. We also Careful planning, design and implementation will be important. Some need to reduce our impact on the climate by cutting greenhouse actions may need planning permission or other consents, for example gas emissions. It will be important to consider what happens in the new buildings or infrastructure. Particular care will be needed in AONB and surrounding areas, and how they might affect each other. relation to heritage assets, protected habitats or species, and other For example, managing upland areas to reduce rainwater runoff can designations such as open access land. The natural beauty of the help to manage flood risk in the towns and villages downstream. AONB must also be conserved or enhanced in the process.

The priorities and practical solutions will vary for different types of Everyone has a role to play in tackling climate change. After landscape in and around the AONB. This section is structured around looking at the adaptation options, this guide provides information these different landscape types, which are highlighted in the map for farmers, land managers, forestry and woodland managers, opposite and represented in the illustrations on the following pages. planners, policymakers, residents and businesses.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 10 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Rolling lowlands and coastal areas

Development Improved coastal Grass or wildflower Polytunnels away from coast flood defences field margins Animal shelters or greenhouses

Shelter belts and More trees Reservoirs or ponds improved hedgerows Different crops Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 11

The rolling lowlands to the north of the AONB support a diverse mix of agriculture, so adapting these activities to future weather conditions will be a priority. Towards the coast, coping with sea-level rise, more powerful storms and erosion will be important. Rolling lowlands and coastal areas This area in the north of the AONB features a traditional farmland • Maintaining strips of grass or wildflowers around arable patchwork of fields, with curving belts of woodland, scattered fields to reduce rainwater run-off and soil erosion, enhance trees and mature hedgerows. Farming is a mixture of dairy, beef, biodiversity and connect habitats sheep and arable. • Converting some arable fields to pasture, mechanical compaction relief of pastures, and drain or ditch blocking in There are small villages and farms scattered across the rolling suitable locations to reduce rainwater run-off and reduce flood lowlands and a continuous band of development along the coastal risk downstream, as part of a catchment-wide strategy plain. Infrastructure along the coast includes a railway and roads, and offshore wind turbines can also be seen from here. • Improving coastal flood defences to manage flood risk in line with sea-level rise, as planned along the coast at Rhyl as part Adaptating to climate change in this area could include: of the coastal flood defence strategy • Cultivating a more diverse range of crops, such as garlic, • Using polytunnels where appropriate to allow high-value rocket, maize, blueberries, grapes, sunflowers and soya that crops to be grown in a controlled environment and installing can cope with warmer weather, less reliable water supplies appropriately designed animal shelters in suitable locations and changes in pests and diseases • Using renewable energy technologies, such as anaerobic • Creating small on-farm ponds or reservoirs to store water for digesters to convert farm waste to energy, suitably sized wind irrigation or for animals to drink and using water more efficiently turbines or solar panels • Using fertiliser more efficiently to reduce the amount washing • Constructing new buildings and facilities to accommodate off fields and causing enrichment of streams and rivers additional tourism and planning future settlements away from areas at risk of coastal flooding • Planting shelter belts and improving hedgerows to protect animals and crops from extreme weather

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 12 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Upland areas

Enhanced and connected habitats including heather moorland New reservoir

Dry stone wall provides shelter and microclimate

Reversion of intensive pasture to rough grazing

Blocked drainage ditches or grips Increased tourism and demand for outdoor activities

Improved footpaths to reduce erosion Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 13

Adaptation priorities in upland areas will include storing water and managing downstream flood risk, making habitats more resilient, reducing the risk of wildfires and controlling erosion.

Upland areas The round-headed hills, many of which are topped by Iron Age • Connecting and improving habitats, including heather hillforts, are one of the most striking features of the Clwydian moorland, to make them more resilient and enable wildlife to Range and Dee Valley AONB. There are expanses of purple adapt. Even where this is done some upland species such heather and bilberry moorland across these upland areas, with as Black Grouse could eventually decline or migrate either to pockets of blanket bog and areas of grassland grazed by sheep. higher elevations or northwards as temperatures rise • Managing gorse and bracken more intensively, as the risk of The areas of open access land and footpaths here are popular encroachment could increase in upland areas with walkers, including Offa’s Dyke National Trail, which follows much of the ridgeline of the Clwydian Range. • Strengthening measures to reduce wildfire risk, including controlled burning, monitoring and emergency response Adaptating to climate change in this area could include: • Building a new reservoir or reservoirs on the edge of these • Increasing the area of heather moorland, heath and similar areas where appropriate, as part of a strategy for water land cover, blocking drainage ditches or grips in appropriate management across the catchment area locations, mechanical compaction relief of upland pastures • Accommodating growth in leisure activities and increasing use and reverting land from intensive pastures to rough grazing or of footpaths, open access areas and other visitor facilities due scrub to reduce rainwater run-off to warmer weather and a potential decline in overseas travel • Restoring and enhancing habitats with high carbon storage • Improving the maintenance of footpaths and other areas potential including peatland, dwarf shrub heath, acid susceptible to erosion grassland, fen, marsh, swamp and bog

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 14 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Hill slopes

Enhanced and connected habitats including Improved and fenced Increased forestry and woodland heather moorland, scrub and clough woodland cover and more diverse mix of species

Small or medium wind turbines in suitable locations

Enhanced wet woodlands and more riparian trees

Reversion of intensive Solar panels Shelter belts pasture to rough grazing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 15

Adapting forestry to increase resilience to climate change and extreme weather damage will be a priority on the hill slopes of the AONB. Improving habitats and managing rainwater run-off, erosion, landslip and wildfires will also be important. Hill slopes The hill slopes of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are generally • Planting or enhancing existing wet woodlands at the base of steep, with ‘v’ shaped valleys with wooded slopes known as hill slopes, mechanical compaction relief of pastures, blocking clough woodlands, rounded glacial valleys or cwms and limestone drainage ditches in suitable locations, and reverting land outcrops. from intensive pastures to rough grazing or scrub to reduce rainwater run-off and help to reduce flood risk downstream There is a mixture of different habitats and uses on the hillsides, • Clearing strips of land and undertaking controlled burning in including hedgerow-enclosed fields with grazing sheep, scrubland appropriate areas to reduce the risk of wildfires, along with or ffrith with gorse and bracken, clough woodlands, and monitoring and emergency response coniferous forestry plantations. • Improving the stability of slopes to reduce erosion and landslip, Adaptating to climate change in this area could include: for example by increasing cover of appropriate trees and other vegetation • Connecting fragmented habitats including ffrith and clough woodlands to improve resilience and enable wildlife to adapt • Using renewable energy technologies, such as anaerobic digesters, suitably sized wind turbines or solar panels • Fencing clough woodlands to slow water flow and improve habitat for declining species such as ring ouzels • Enlarging forestry and woodland areas and adapting their management to produce more fuel and timber for construction, store more carbon, introduce a wider variety of species including broadleaved species, enhance biodiversity, and create a more natural edge to plantations which works with the contours of the hillsides

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 16 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

River valleys

Increased woodland cover Improved cyclepaths and more diverse species mix and footpaths

Micro hydropower

Riverbanks fenced to prevent trampling

Additional Riverbanks reinforced with riparian trees live willow revetments

Riverbanks reinforced with rip rap stone Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 17

Flooding is a risk in parts of the valleys of the Rivers Dee, Alyn and Wheeler. Reducing rainwater run-off, adapting agricultural activities, managing water quality in the rivers and protecting habitats will all be priorities in these parts of the AONB. River valleys The steep-sided river valleys in the AONB feature a mosaic of wet • Flood-proofing existing properties and infrastructure at risk pasture, broadleaved woodland, mixed woodland and parkland • Fencing off riverbanks and creating fenced, concreted drinking trees. The sections of the Rivers Dee, Alyn and Wheeler which areas for livestock, to prevent trampling and reduce erosion are within the AONB are relatively narrow and fast-flowing, with riparian trees along a significant length of the riverbanks. • Increasing the number of riverbank trees and other plants to reduce erosion, provide shade, and create a comfortable The river valleys are also where most of the communities and microclimate for livestock and aquatic species transport networks in the AONB can be found. Adaptation of the • Planting additional trees and hedges in appropriate locations built environment is considered in a separate section. to slow down rainwater run-off, provide fuel and store carbon • Managing woodlands for biodiversity and planting a wider Adaptating to climate change in this area could include: range of appropriate species to improve resilience • Improving or altering flood defences as part of a wider • Connecting fragmented habitats such as broadleaved catchment management strategy, such as: woodlands to improve resilience and allow species to migrate −− Works planned to enlarge the culvert which the Nant Pigyn • Accommodating increasing visitor numbers, including watercourse flows through in Corwen increased traffic and use of public transport, footpaths and −− Managed realignment of riverbanks in suitable rural areas cycle routes to create flood storage and reduce downstream flood risk • Using renewable energy technologies, such as • Maintaining existing flood defences in built up areas and microhydropower where river ecology and water management riverbanks in rural areas where relevant circumstances allow, anaerobic digesters, suitably sized wind • Avoiding unnecessary residential development in the flood turbines or solar panels plain or designing it appropriately to avoid increasing risk

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 18 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Low-lying flood plains

Anaerobic digester

Grass or wildflower Different field margins crops

Fenced off area for cattle New ponds or reservoirs

Additional riparian trees and vegetation

Increased Riverbank realignment riverbank vegetation and wetland creation Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 19

Managing flood risk will be increasingly challenging in low-lying flood plains, due to heavier rainfall and rising sea-levels in tidal stretches of the Rivers and Dee. Adapting agricultural practices will also be a priority in these locations. Low-lying flood plains Either side of the Clwydian Range are relatively flat areas of • Fencing off riverbanks and creating fenced, concreted drinking farmland in the flood plains of the River Clwyd to the west and the areas for livestock, to prevent trampling and reduce erosion River Dee to the east. These areas are a patchwork of small to • Increasing the number of riverbank trees and other plants medium fields, mature hedgerows, small blocks of broadleaved to reduce erosion, provide shade, and create a comfortable woodlands and a diverse mix of arable and livestock farming. microclimate for livestock and aquatic species

The rivers meander through these areas towards the coast. Flooding • Cultivating a more diverse range of crops, such as garlic, is a natural function and annual feature of the floodplains. High tides rocket, maize, blueberries, grapes, sunflowers and soya to in the River Clwyd north of St Asaph, and in the River Dee between cope with warmer weather, less reliable water supplies and Shocklach and the , reduce the capacity for the rivers to changes in pests and diseases drain and exacerbate flood risk. Climate change could increase the • Creating small on-farm ponds or reservoirs to store water for frequency, duration and extent of flooding in these areas. irrigation or for animals to drink and using water more efficiently • Using fertiliser more efficiently to reduce the amount washing Adaptating to climate change in these areas could include: off fields and causing enrichment of streams and rivers • Managing flood risk, for example by: • Planting new hedgerows or enhancing existing ones to provide −− Improving field drainage where agricultural use a priority shelter and connect habitats −− Creating ponds or wetlands and realigning riverbanks in • Maintaining grass and wildflower buffer strips around arable suitable areas to increase floodwater storage fields to reduce run-off and erosion, enhance biodiversity and −− Flood-proofing existing properties and infrastructure at risk connect habitats and avoiding unnecessary new residential development in • Using renewable energy technologies, such as anaerobic the flood plain or designing it appropriately to manage risk digesters, suitably sized wind turbines or solar panels

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 20 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Built environment

Flood protection for Solar properties at risk panels

Shutters to prevent overheating

Green roof

Water butt

Wildlife gardens Biomass boiler and wood store

Native hedgerows Allotments for growing food Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 21

New and existing buildings and infrastructure will need adapting to ensure they remain safe and comfortable as the climate changes. Improving energy efficiency, using renewable energy and encouraging wildlife will also be important. Built environment The AONB has two towns - Llangollen and Corwen - a number of • Making buildings more energy efficient, with insulation, double villages, hamlets and isolated buildings, and numerous heritage or triple glazing, and high efficiency boilers and lights sites including Chirk Castle, Dinas Bran and . • Fitting solar panels and other renewable energy technologies Nearby towns include Wrexham, Mold and Flint to the east, Denbigh such as wood-fuelled boilers where appropriate, or investing in and Ruthin to the west, and Rhyl and Prestatyn to the north. community-scale renewable energy projects

Major infrastructure includes a railway and roads along the coast • Planting more trees in streets, other public spaces and and the overhead electrical lines that cut through the Morwynion gardens for shading and cooling valley and cross the hills above Tremeirchion, and • Increasing areas of permeable outdoor surfaces to help absorb Minera. Adaptating the built environment could include: rainwater and reduce overheating in summer, including paths, • Flood-proofing properties in areas at risk, for example installing driveways and back gardens or green roofs on suitable buildings temporary flood barriers or sandbags, fitting air vent covers, • Making gardens more attractive to wildlife and pollinators, using water resistant materials on ground floors, and raising resilient to changing weather conditions and water shortages, electrics and other valuables above flood levels and creating allotments on underused land to grow local food • Avoiding unnecessary new residential development in the flood • Protecting infrastructure from extreme weather such as plain or designing it appropriately to manage risk heatwaves, floods or storms or moving it away from areas of risk • Installing water-efficient fittings in buildings and water butts to collect and store rainwater for watering gardens Most of these measures can be applied to new and existing buildings and even heritage sites with appropriate care in design, • Reducing the risk of overheating during heatwaves, for example planning and implementation. by installing shutters or blinds to keep out direct sunlight

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 22 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

View out to the coast from the agricultural lowlands. Cadwyn Clwyd. Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 23

Understanding your role, responsibilities and options

Everyone has a role to play in tackling Some of these actions will also enable surrounding communities climate change. Getting it right will need the and the wider environment to adapt. In addition, farmers and understanding, enthusiasm and involvement of land managers can support a catchment-wide approach to flood all those living or working locally. Dialogue and risk and water management, connect and enhance habitats for wildlife, and ensure reliable local food supplies. partnership working will be important in addition to the actions of individual stakeholders. Progress Farming and land management also have an important influence is being made, but more needs to be done. on the carbon cycle. There are various ways that farmers and land managers can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and store carbon in soils and vegetation, including trees.

Farmers and land managers It will be important to take a long-term view of the landholding or farm, to plan changes in management practices that protect Farmers and land managers have a critical role to play because soils and maintain productivity while conserving natural resources. of their importance to the local economy and their influence over Coordinating actions with neighbouring farms is also encouraged. large areas of the landscape. As a result, their response to climate change will affect communities and the wider environment across The Farming Futures website provides advice on how farmers and the AONB and beyond, whether or not they take action to adapt. land managers can reduce their impacts on the climate and adapt. Farming Connect also offers related guidance. Financial support is Adaptation will include making farms and uplands more resilient available from the Welsh Government’s Glastir scheme. to changing weather patterns and responding to new business opportunities. Opportunities include growing new food or energy The Farmers Union for Wales has a position statement on climate crops, meeting increasing demand for outdoor leisure activities, change, and the National Farmers Union has information about harvesting timber for fuel or generating renewable energy. Some climate change on its website. The National Trust has also published could use marginal land, making land holdings more productive. research and good practice which could benefit other landowners.

View out to the coast from the agricultural lowlands. Cadwyn Clwyd. Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 24 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Forestry and woodland managers

Forestry and woodland management will face numerous challenges as a result of climate change, including changes in the suitability of the climate for different species, damage from extreme weather, drought and waterlogging, and changing pests and diseases.

Trees, and the way that we manage forests and woodlands, are also an important part of how we respond to climate change. For example, they store carbon, offer an alternative source of fuel and materials, provide habitat and shelter, stabilise slopes and riverbanks, reduce erosion, and help to absorb rainwater and manage flood risk. Natural Resources Wales is already adopting these practices for its own forests and woodlands, and offers guidance to other Woodlands for Wales, the Welsh Government’s 50 year strategy woodland managers on what they can do. The Glastir scheme for woodlands and trees, describes how they can be help in the provides funding for woodland creation and management. Advice fight against climate change. Long-term planning will be essential is also available from Coed Cymru. if we are to achieve resilience and make the best use of resources.

Increasing the area of tree and woodland cover will be important, both in the countryside and the built environment. Tree planting should work with the character and contours of the landscape, for example by softening and creating a more natural edge to forests and woodlands. Avoiding clearfelling and encouraging a more diverse mix of tree species, ages and origins will also help to make forests and woodlands more resilient.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 25

Planners and policymakers have a role to play in supporting and guiding the action of others to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change. This includes setting policy and strategy, creating incentives and providing information and advice.

The Climate Change Strategy for Wales and Planning Policy Wales set a national framework for action, supported by the Natural Environment Sectoral Adaptation Plan and the Natural Resource Management approach. The priorities for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are set out in the AONB Management Plan.

Planners and policymakers The relevant local authorities describe their preferred approach in their own plans and strategies. These include managing flood risk It is essential that planners and policymakers understand the AONB, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, supporting renewable its importance to the surrounding region, and the significance and low carbon energy development, setting high standards for of climate change for the local economy, communities and the new buildings and encouraging improvements to existing buildings, environment. This will enable sustainable, long-term decision-making while conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB. and the development of appropriate policies and strategies. These organisations are also reducing carbon emissions from their The challenges of climate change and many of the solutions own facilities and services and adapting them to cope with climate transcend political boundaries. A coordinated, partnership approach change. This includes improving energy and water efficiency, using will be needed, with local authorities, the AONB partnership, renewable energy, and managing land holdings appropriately. Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, and other relevant Public sector bodies are also responsible for minimising disruption organisations and individuals working together. Suitable funding and to their services in extreme weather and coordinating emergency enabling mechanisms will also need to be identified. response.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information 26 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate

Residents and businesses

Local residents and businesses can reduce their own impacts on the climate and adapt their properties and activities. They can also work with others on community projects or support the actions of other organisations, for example by contributing to the planning process or investing time and money in local projects.

Options for buildings, gardens and infrastructure are set out in the built environment section. The priority will be to protect properties from flooding in places at risk. Saving water is also worthwhile, particularly if the property has a water meter. Other measures, invest in larger projects such as micro hydropower, wind turbines such as shutters for windows, could be fitted later. or renewables for community buildings.

Everybody can use less energy, for example by turning the heating Most of these measures can apply to existing or new buildings, down or installing insulation and double or triple glazing. Incentives provided planning permission and other consents are obtained if like the Green Deal can help to cover the upfront costs. Walking, needed. Many can even apply to historic buildings, although more cycling, using public transport and driving less will also help. As care will be needed in design and installation. Cadw has published well as reducing carbon emissions, these actions will save money. research and guidance on climate change and heritage, while the National Trust in Wales has won an award for improving energy Renewable energy can be used for suitable buildings, including efficiency and generating renewable energy at its own properties. solar panels, wood boilers, heat pumps, or a green electricity tariff if there are no other options. The Feed-in Tariff and Renewable The Energy Saving Trust, local authorities and the North Wales Heat Incentive mean that generating your own energy can also Energy Advice Centre in Mold provide support and advice for local generate a profit. Many communities are working together to people and businesses.

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Working with a Changing Climate 27

Further information

There is a wealth of freely available information • The UK Climate Impacts Programme about climate change, how to adapt to it, and www.ukcip.org what you can do to reduce the impacts of your • The UK Climate Projections own activities. A number of organisations offer www.ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk advice and support, including those listed here. • Climate UK www.climateuk.net • Farmers’ Union of Wales www.fuw.org.uk • National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and NFU Cymru • The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB www.nfuonline.com, www.nfu-cymru.org.uk www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk • Farming Futures • Local Authorities www.farmingfutures.org.uk www.denbighshire.gov.uk • Coed Cymru www.flintshire.gov.uk www.coedcymru.org.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk • Energy Saving Trust • Cadwyn Clwyd www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/wales www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk • Cadw • Natural Resources Wales www.cadw.wales.gov.uk www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk • National Trust • The Welsh Government www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.wales.gov.uk

Introduction How the climate Impacts on Adapting to Farmers and land Forestry and Planners and Residents and Further is changing the AONB change managers woodland managers policymakers businesses information