adopted March 2007 Landscape Character Area 5b

Eastern Slopes of Mountain 5b

This is one of a series of Local Planning Guidance Notes based on East-facing slopes of Ruabon/ Mountain below the moorland edge, with LANDMAP (adopted a landscape of relatively unspoilt pastoral farmland, small farms, woodlands and reservoirs. November 2004), setting out recommendations for each Landscape Character area. Landscape context This landscape type lies on the edge of the uplands facing towards the lowlands, with a transition from steeper upper slopes to gentler lower slopes. There are two such areas in Wrexham, the other being Estate to . The eastern slopes of Ruabon and form a constant background to Wrexham town and other areas of lowland, with the green landscape of small fields contrasting with the open heather moorland above.

Map of Eastern Slopes of Ruabon Mountain Landscape Character Area

map not to scale

Eastern Slopes of Ruabon Mountain summary:

O Scenic area between moorland and developed lowlands

O Small irregular fields on east facing slopes, used for pasture

O Sharp boundary between farmland and moorland

O Linear woodlands and reservoirs in minor valleys

O Remnants of historic mining, although area appears undisturbed Character Area boundaries should be considered transitional rather than precise © Crown copyright. All rights reserved Licence No.100023429. 2006 O Isolated farms and very small hamlets Key characteristics Geological character: Visual character: O East-facing slopes from between 180 m to 350 m above sea level form the O Open farmland with small scale field flanks of the Ruabon Mountain plateau pattern, with more woodland to south, O Carboniferous -y-Fedw Sandstone with a small wooded valley at Newtown (Millstone Grit) underlies the steeper Mountain upper slopes, and Measures the O Network of narrow winding lanes gentler lower slopes enclosed by mixed hedges with much O Bedrock is generally overlaid with holly, sometimes with stone retaining walls glacial deposits, with better drained O Vernacular buildings often in local soils found on glacial sands and Cefn sandstone gravels and seasonally waterlogged fine loamy soils on glacial clays O Reservoirs are local features, collecting water to supply lowland settlements Ecological character: O Excellent views, where hedges permit, over both lowlands and moorland O Most farmland is agriculturally

Wrexham Landscape Character Area Guidance Landscape Character Area 5b

improved grassland, but the dense network of hedgerows forms a Overall management strategy: valuable habitat for wildlife Conservation O Semi-natural ancient woodland, Management Guidance including mixed ash woodland, is found in small valleys, forming wildlife Aims Guidelines corridors. Conifer plantations and Maintain rural O Resist unsympathetic development and conversion of mixed plantation woodland are found character farmstead in the Garth area O Ensure that any new development is integrated within the landscape in local and distant views, through appropriate O Some small vulnerable grassland habitats on moorland margins siting, form of development, retention of vegetation and traditional hedgerow/stone wall boundaries to minimise O Reservoirs are aquatic habitats of visual impact moderate value O Restore and maintain stone buildings and walls O Further develop 'green' links into urban areas Historical character: Retain O Avoid development which would be seen on skyline and O The small irregular fields characteristic unbroken skyline assess proposals from at least 15 km distance of the area evolved from progressive enclosure of the commons Preserve geology O Maintain integrity and continuity of geological exposures and mines new exposures O Continue current management practices and assess any O At Newtown Mountain the conifer plantation contains significant Maintain, extend O Maintain, enhance and expand lowland acid grassland, archaeological remains of abandoned and link habitats lowland pasture and upland mixed ash woods upland lead and coal mining village O Maintain existing wildlife corridors (e.g. woodlands, and smallholdings and there are other hedgerows, road verges) and extend where possible remnants of historic mining activity in the area Manage woodlands O Replace coniferous trees with native species O Former military border area - Pen y Gaer for biodiversity is strategically sited to the north west Preserve archaeology O Preserve and record village at Newtown Mountain, of Ruabon, above the Vale of discourage new planting over structures O Historically rich area with potential for O Preserve Pen y Gaer hillfort and associated structures, further discovery discourage woody vegetation, avoid overgrazing O Preserve existing field pattern, farmsteadings and early Cultural character: industrial archaeology and carry out further surveys

O Predominantly rural, although farm Preserve and raise O Liaise with local history societies, Welsh Mines buildings are increasingly being awareness of Preservation Trust, Archaeological Trust converted to non-agricultural uses, cultural heritage and County Archaeologist mainly residential, with consequent changes to local character and culture Maintain traditional O Promote agri-environment schemes, and sensitive farming economic diversification where required O The small lanes and footpaths are O Ensure recreational interests and access do not conflict used by walkers and cyclists with farming interests O Rich cultural heritage For further information contact: Landscape sensitivity Planning Environment Very sensitive - the area is high and open but close to settlements, and is very Planning Department vulnerable to loss of vernacular building character and development of masts and Wrexham Council power lines, as well as changes in agricultural practices due to economic and Lambpit Street, Wrexham. LL11 1AR climatic factors Tel:01978 292019 www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning

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Wrexham Landscape Character Area Guidance © Council 2007 Back