Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2006 by City and County of Swansea

Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan

Foreword

he Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is in the fortunate position of having been the first AONB to be designated in the UK back in 1956. It is therefore fitting that this new management plan should be published during the 50th Anniversary year of that happy occasion.

Much has happened in the intervening decades and there have been many changes: in agriculture; people’s working patterns; the evolution of the tourism industry; and the emerging importance of the natural environment as our most precious asset, to name just a few. It is a testimony to those early AONB pioneers and to those who have managed and cared for Gower since 1956, that the quality of Gower’s landscape and its natural beauty has remained largely intact despite the changes that have occurred. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 placed AONB management planning on a statutory footing for the first time as it required AONB authorities to produce up to date Plans. The Management Plan published here provides the foundation for ensuring that Gower’s landscape, and the special qualities that give it its distinctiveness, are cherished and protected over the next 50 years. The plan is the result of wide ranging consultation and involvement with partners over the last two, and a half years in meetings, focus groups, site visits, presentations, and formal and informal consultations. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute to this document and who has provided comments or other feedback throughout the process. It is pleasing to note that so many organisations and individuals have an appreciation of Gower and are concerned over its future. Publication of the plan presented here should not be viewed as the end of the process. Much work remains to be done and the Action Plan highlights some of these areas. Success will depend on the Council’s partners, and all those with an input into the future of Gower, working collaboratively to conserve and enhance Gower’s natural beauty, its communities and built heritage, and other special qualities, so that it remains a special place for future generations.

Cllr John Hague, Cabinet Member for Environment June 2006 Principal author: Richard Beale MRTPI, Principal Policy Officer, Planning Services, Environment Department, City and County of Swansea If you require any further information about the content of this document, require it another format or further copies, or have any comments to make on it, please forward them to the Head of Planning Services, Environment Department, City & County of Swansea, Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PH. Tel. 01792 635094 or e-mail goweraonb@swansea.gov.uk.

Gower AONB Management Plan

Contents

CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)? Management Plans and Statutory Duties Management Plans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Their Purpose The Plan Process Links with Other plans Sustainable Development Stakeholder Involvement Description of the AONB Management Arrangements The Consultation Process

12 12 12 13 15 15 18 18 19 21 22

CHAPTER 2 RESOURCES NATURAL Wildlife Geology Landscape Seascape CULTURAL Culture Archaeology Historic Landscapes Historic Parks and Gardens Historic Buildings ENVIRONMENTAL Air Quality Water Quality Soil Quality Tranquillity RECREATION Public Rights of Way Access Land Beaches

25 25 25 44 47 50 52 52 54 56 58 61 64 64 66 68 70 72 72 75 79

4 Gower AONB Management Plan

CHAPTER 3 ACTIVITIES AND PRESSURES Primary Industries Agriculture Timber and Forestry Fishing Minerals Tourism Transport Utilities and Communications Climate Change Offshore Activities Development Housing Community Facilities and Local Services

81 81 81 86 87 88 89 91 93 93 94 95 96 96

CHAPTER 4 PUBLIC PERCEPTION SURVEYS 2001 Visitor Survey Swansea Voices Gower Today 2005 Survey

98 98 98 99 100

CHAPTER 5 THE OVERALL VISION

101

CHAPTER 6 THE STRATEGY Theme 1 Wildlife Theme 2 Geology Theme 3 Landscape and Seascape Theme 4 Cultural Heritage Theme 5 Natural Resources Theme 6 Tranquillity Theme 7 Recreation Resources Theme 8 Primary Industries Theme 9 Tourism Theme 10 Transport Theme 11 Utilities and Communciations Theme 12 Development and Offshore Activities Theme 13 Housing Community Facilities and Services Theme 14 Awareness Raising and Understanding

103 103 104 104 105 106 107 108 109 109 110 111 112 112 113

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CHAPTER 7 ACTION PLAN Theme 1 Wildlife Theme 2 Geology Theme 3 Landscape and Seascape Theme 4 Cultural Heritage Theme 5 Natural Resources Theme 6 Tranquillity Theme 7 Recreation Resources Theme 8 Primary Industries Theme 9 Tourism Theme 10 Transport Theme 11 Utilities and Communciations Theme 12 Development and Offshore Activities Theme 13 Housing Community Facilities and Services Theme 14 Awareness Raising and Understanding

114 115 116 117 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129

CHAPTER 8 MONITORING AND REVIEW, AND INDICATORS FOR CHANGE 130 Theme 1 Wildlife 132 Theme 2 Geology 132 Theme 3 Landscape and Seascape 132 Theme 4 Cultural Heritage 133 Theme 5 Natural Resources 133 Theme 6 Tranquillity 134 Theme 7 Recreation Resources 134 Theme 8 Primary Industries 134 Theme 9 Tourism 135 Theme 10 Transport 135 Theme 11 Utilities and Communciations 135 Theme 12 Development and Offshore Activities 136 Theme 13 Housing Community Facilities and Services 136 Theme 14 Awareness Raising and Understanding 136

CHAPTER 9 THE NEXT STEPS

137

APPENDIX 1 DESIGNATED SITES Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Ramsar Sites Special Protection Areas (SPA) National Nature Reserves (NNR) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Local Nature Reserves Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Reserves Coed Cadw Reserves Ancient Woodland Sites

138 138 138 138 139 139 140 140 140 140 Gower AONB Management Plan

APPENDIX 2 CONSERVATION AREAS

150

APPENDIX 3A LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN IN AONB 151 APPENDIX 3B LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN IN AONB

158

APPENDIX 4 GOWER AONB SOCIO- ECONOMIC PROFILES Table 1 Population Table 2 Economic Activity Table 3 Students & Qualifications

165 165 166 167

APPENDIX 5 GOWER COUNTRYSIDE FORUM Terms of Reference Membership of the Gower Countryside Forum

168 168 168

APPENDIX 6 GOWER VISITOR SURVEY 2001 Background and objectives Methodology Summary and Conclusions (extract)

170 170 170 170

APPENDIX 7 LIST OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CONSULTATION DRAFT

176

DIAGRAMS Diagram 1 Diagram 2

13 17

MAPS Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sites of Special Scientific Interest National Nature Reserves Wildlife Trust Reserves Historic Parks and Gardens Figure 1 Tranquil Areas in England and Wales Public Rights of Way Common Land

20 27 28 43 60 71 74 77

7 Gower AONB Management Plan

Executive Summary

E.1. The Gower peninsula (excluding its north eastern corner) was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956 for the quality and variety of landscapes and associated scenery and for the fact that all of this variety occurs in such a small area. The high quality of the peninsula’s coastal landscapes and sea views contribute to the seascape and its varied heathland commons provide superb views across the surrounding farmland and coastline. E.2. The main purpose of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the designated area. The conservation of the flora, fauna, landscape and geology of each AONB is central to the designation but local settlement patterns, ancient heritage features, and local architectural styles also make important contributions to Gower’s character and sense of place as do the people who live and work there and the cultural traditions that have evolved over many generations. E.3. The designated area covers 188 square kilometres (73 square miles) and 59 kilometres (37 miles) of the coastline is also designated as Heritage Coast. Complex geology gives a wide variety of scenery. It ranges from the south coast’s superb carboniferous limestone cliffs between Worm’s Head and Oxwich Bay to the extensive salt marshes in the north, and the dune systems of the major bays at Rhossili, Broughton, Port Eynon, and Oxwich. Inland the landscape is dominated by sandstone heath ridges including the soaring sweeps of Rhossili Down and Cefn Bryn. In between, secluded river valleys, small beaches and coves, rich broadleaved woodland, picturesque villages, and a patchwork of fields characterised by traditional walls, stone faced banks, and hedgerows are scattered throughout the peninsula. E.4. The quality of Gower’s natural beauty is reflected in the large number of nationally important sites designated for nature conservation reasons including: 25 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 5 Special Areas of Conservation, 1 Special Protection Area, 1 Ramsar site, 3 National Nature Reserves, and 3 Local Nature Reserves. These contain a wide range of wildlife and important geological sites. While a good deal of information exists about them the plan has identified a need to collect more information on their condition. E.5. Cultural features (built heritage) include 83 scheduled ancient monuments, two areas of historically important landscapes, four historic parks and gardens, 126 listed buildings, and 17 conservation areas. These are associated with cultural traditions such as religious worship, defensive constructions, farming and the local estates, as well as fishing, including cockle gathering. Gower has seen human habitation and activity since the stone age and much visible evidence of previous settlement activity exists. With such a wealth of natural and built features it is not surprising that Gower is popular with artists and photographers and field study groups.

8 Gower AONB Management Plan

E.6. The management plan seeks to conserve and sustain these intrinsic qualities for the next 20 years. They serve to define Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character and underpin a successful tourism industry. At the same time the farming industry and local communities play a significant role in managing many of the elements that contribute to Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of place. Taking this on board and following an extensive consultation process, a 20 year vision for the AONB has been agreed and the management plan seeks to ensure that: E.7. Gower is recognised by residents and visitors as a protected landscape of international importance where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and cultural value, and with high biological diversity. Its natural beauty will be sustained by the conservation and enhancement of its natural special qualities, whilst at the same time supporting a sustainable local economy and maintaining culturally rich communities and is reflected in the quality and scale of the built environment. E.8. The Plan also outlines a Strategy developed from the vision, and which is set out across the following 14 themes: 1. Wildlife 2. Geology 3. Landscape and Seascape 4. Cultural Heritage 5. Natural Resources 6. Tranquillity 7. Recreation Resources 8. Primary Industries 9. Tourism 10. Transport 11. Utilities and Communications 12. Development and Off-Shore Activities 13. Housing, Community Facilities and Services 14. Awareness-Raising and Understanding E.9. Under each of these themes there is a more detailed vision for that theme, followed by a set of policies and objectives which articulate long term goals and specific action targets. The vision under each theme spans a 20-year period while the policies, objectives, and actions in the action plan span a 5-year period up to 2009. The detailed actions contained in Chapter 7, expand on the objectives in more detail but have not been included in this executive summary for the sake of clarity. The Action Plan, explains how, when and by whom the strategy will be implemented, and includes the actions by the Council and other organisations required to achieve the objectives. It is intended that this should form a rolling programme up to 2009, and will be reviewed annually. Gower AONB Management Plan

E.10.There are many challenges which need to be met if the plan is to be seen as a success in 20 years time. Many of the actions for the first five years are vital and seek to provide improved baseline information so that future actions can be effectively monitored. The following paragraphs give a short summary of just some of the key issues: E.11.Air and water quality is generally good. The quality of the seawater meets or exceeds the EC minimum standard, which has enabled successful applications to be made for Blue Flag and Green Coast awards. Global warming may in future result in issues over localised flooding and the impact that might have on habitats and communities. E.12.Gower has been identified as a relatively tranquil area in recent national studies but the threat of light and noise pollution and of increased urbanisation through insensitive development remains. E.13.Rights of way and access land provide an important recreation resource and link to the tourist industry. The importance and value of this countryside access throughout the AONB was clearly demonstrated during the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak. There are 383 kilometres (235 miles) of rights of way and 2,957 hectares (7,306 acres) of land to which the public has access. Gower is also renowned for its sandy beaches: four have Blue Flag Awards, and a further four have Green Coast Awards (more rural beaches). Access to the countryside is gaining in profile and accessibility issues are coming to the forefront following the Disability Discrimination Act. E.14.Agriculture is still one of the main primary industries in Gower despite recent declines in agriculture. The future care and management of the landscape, and its quality, is heavily dependent on the activities of farmers. The EU Common Agricultural Policy reforms which came into effect in 2005 may help sustain Gower farms but may also create pressures and affect their viability in ways not yet anticipated. Common land and woodland are important features of the AONB and their future condition and management is closely allied with farming and the emerging agri-environment schemes.

E.15.Tourism and recreation activities are becomingly increasingly important in supporting the local economy. Much of the spend on tourism (almost ÂŁ238 million) in the Swansea area, and the 4,700 jobs associated with it, can be attributed to Gower and the attraction of its special qualities. The concept of sustainable tourism, which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems, is particularly relevant to the AONB.

Gower AONB Management Plan

E.16.Mobile phone masts, wind turbines and offshore dredging activities are currently controversial issues, which can have an impact on the AONB. Decisions regarding these activities, and on planning applications, are partly dependent on government policies, and need to take account of the special qualities of the AONB. E.17.Local residents and visitors have clear views and aspirations on the future of the AONB. In the Gower 2001 visitor survey, the beaches and coastal countryside came out as the most popular destinations. 74% of people said that the general beauty of the place was the most important feature of Gower. Swansea Voices surveys in 2000 and 2002 echoed these views, with 83% of people in the 2002 survey rating the quality of the natural environment as very important to their quality of life. E.18. The 2005 Residents Survey (‘Gower Today’) found similar results: 87% of people living in the AONB thought that the quality of the environment and landscape was very important to their quality of life. Likewise 98% were aware of Gower’s designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition, the three landscape features identified most often by residents as giving Gower its special and distinctive character were the sandy beaches (1st), cliffs (2nd), and commons (3rd).

11 Gower AONB Management Plan

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 The City and County of Swansea has a statutory duty to prepare a management plan for the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This plan has been adopted by the City and County of Swansea but does not replace the 1990 Management for Supplementory Planning Guidance Purposes. Some parts of this plan may in due course be adopted as supplementary planning guidance. What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)? 1.2 AONBs were designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 for the natural beauty of their landscapes. Gower was the first of 49 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and was designated in 1956. The primary purpose of designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty. Such designation does not affect land ownership, but it is used in defining planning policies for an area. In Planning Policy Wales, it states that in U.D.P. (Unitary Development Plan) policies and development control decisions affecting AONBs they should favour conservation of natural beauty, although it is appropriate to have regard to the economic and social well-being of the areas1. The cultural influence on AONBs is recognised by the I.U.C.N.2, which has classified AONBs along with National Parks and Heritage Coasts as Category V Protected Landscapes and Seascapes. These are defined as ‘areas of land, with coast and sea as appropriate, where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with high biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this traditional interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and evolution of such an area.’ Management Plans and Statutory Duties 1.3 Under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 S.89 (2) the City and County of Swansea now has a duty to prepare a management plan for the Gower AONB. There is a requirement to ‘prepare and publish a plan which formulates their [local authorities] policy for the management of the area of outstanding natural beauty and for the carrying out of their functions in relation to it’. Following the publication of the Plan, the action plan section will be reviewed annually, and the whole Plan by April 2009. Also as a result of the CRoW Act public bodies have a duty under section 85 to take account of the need to conserve and enhance the natural beauty in carrying out their functions.

1 2

Planning Policy Wales - Welsh Assembly Government 2002. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources.

Gower AONB Management Plan

1.4 The former Swansea City Council published a management plan for the AONB in 1990. The City & County of Swansea had the option to review this, but it has been decided to start again as the 1990 plan was prepared using a different, and a now inappropriate method. 1.5 Guidance has been has issued to local authorities for the preparation of management plans for AONBs by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW)3. This plan follows that guidance. Management Plans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Their Purpose 1.6 The management plan should expand on the vision for the AONB and the action needed to conserve and enhance the special qualities for which it has been designated. This will link the special qualities with the underlying social and economic issues, which affect on, or interact with them. The Plan is intended to promote an integrated approach to the planning and management of land at a strategic level. Although the Plan will contain the policies of the local authority, it will also involve stakeholders in developing the vision and saying how they will help achieve the objectives. 1.7 Key groups that will be involved in the management plan process include: Community Councils *Section 85 organisations (public bodies) Landowners and managers Business, commerce and industry Voluntary organisations The general public *Public bodies as defined under S.85 of the CRoW Act which have a duty to have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of areas of outstanding natural beauty in carrying out their functions.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plans - Guidance for Local Authorities in Wales CCW 2002.

Gower AONB Management Plan

DIAGRAM 1 - AONB MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS

S T A K E H O L D E R I N V O L V E M E N T

Stage 1 STATE OF THE AONB

Stage 1 VISION FOR THE AONB

Stage 2 STRATEGY THE AONB

Stage 3 ACTION PLAN

Stage 4 MONITORING REVIEW

14 Gower AONB Management Plan

The Plan Process 1.8

There are four key stages as illustrated by diagram 1: Stage Stage Stage Stage

1 2 3 4

State of the AONB & Vision for the AONB (Chapter 2-5) Strategy for the AONB (Chapter 6) Action Plan (Chapter 7) Monitoring and Review (Chapter8)

1.9 Stage 1 of the process is contained in Chapters 2 and 3 and follows the process described in CCW’s guidance and has been addressed under four themes: ● ● ● ●

Natural Cultural Environmental Recreation

Each element within following headings: ● ●

these

themes

has

been

examined

under

the

Special qualities and the extent of the resource Condition

This is followed by an assessment of the overall impact of activities and pressures in Chapter 3, and public perception and the overall vision in Chapters 4 and 5. 1.10 The Strategy (Stage 2 of the process) is contained in Chapter 6 and is based on 14 key themes and a set of objectives. It aims to set objectives and linked policies in order to improve the state of the natural resources of the AONB. Chapter 7 contains the action plan (stage 3) for the next 5 years and explains in more detail how the strategy should be implemented. 1.11 The final stage of the process – monitoring and review (stage 4) - is contained in Chapter 8 and has indicators for measuring progress in meeting the plan objectives. Links with other plans 1.13 The relationship between the AONB management plan and other plans is particularly important as it articulates the vision for the AONB based on the special qualities and how these will be protected through sustainable development policies.

Gower AONB Management Plan

1.14 Diagram 2 illustrates the link with other plans, which include: ●

The community plan, which is an overarching plan, and which each local authority has to produce for its area. (The Swansea community plan – ‘Live Life Love Swansea’ was published in July 2004 and revised in February 2005).

●

The countryside strategy contains policies to develop a sustainable approach for the use of the countryside within the City & County of Swansea (published in 1999). The local bio-diversity action plan , which contains policies for conservation of wildlife and habitats (Due to be published in 2006).

●

The development plan as it applies to the AONB (West Glamorgan Structure Plan, Swansea Local Plan, and the Minerals Local Plan) which will be replaced by the Unitary Development Plan (U.D.P.). A consultation draft has already been published.

●

The Swansea Landmap study will contain an assessment and evaluation of the landscape for the whole of the City and County of Swansea (outside the main builtup area of Swansea itself).

●

Individual plans produced by the key partners or ‘stakeholders’. (Such as the shoreline management plans for Swansea and Carmarthen Bays, and the Catchment Management Flood Plans).

16 Gower AONB Management Plan

DIAGRAM 2 - RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS

COMMUNITY PLAN

COUNTRYSIDE STRATEGY

UK & WALES Sustainable Development Strategies & Local Agenda 21

STAKEHOLDER PLANS & STRATEGIES Single purpose plans e.g. ● Forestry ● Agriculture ●

Local Economy

AONB MANAGEMENT PLAN

UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

● Tourism/

Recreation of way ● LBAPs ● LEAPs ● Landmap

● Rights

Funding plans e.g. ● Agri-

TOPIC & AREA PLANS for AONB

Supplementary Planning Guidance

environment schemes ● Forestry grants ● Lottery ● EU Funding ● CCW grants

17 Gower AONB Management Plan

1.15 Parts of the Management Plan may be appropriate to be supplementary planning guidance for the Unitary Development Plan. Preparation of the U.D.P., which will replace the existing Development Plan, is currently underway. There may be an opportunity for the management plan to inform the U.D.P. by setting out guiding principles for the control of development, both within, and outside the AONB where this affects the special qualities. Although it is not intended that the whole management plan will be adopted as supplementary planning guidance, some of the outputs will be, such as design guidance. Sustainable Development 1.16 Sustainable development in social, economic and environmental terms is a fundamental principle to be incorporated in the Management Plan. It reflects the Welsh Assembly Government’s (WAG) duty to promote sustainable development and is embodied in section 121 of the Government of Wales Act 1998. The WAG’s Sustainable Development Scheme identifies four objectives: ●

social progress which identifies the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; ● prudent use of natural resources; and ● the maintenance of high and stable levels of growth and employment. These principles need to be applied within the context of the objectives of AONBs to conserve and enhance their natural beauty. ●

1.17 In 2001 WAG introduced a sustainable development fund for AONBs, following on from the successful scheme launched a year earlier in the National Parks. The aim of the Fund, which is operated by local authorities, is ‘…through partnership, to develop and test ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in a countryside of great natural beauty and diversity.’ Stakeholder Involvement 1.18 CCW’s guidance emphasises the importance of ‘stakeholder involvement’ throughout the management plan process. This occurred in two distinct phases: firstly to identify the special qualities and develop a vision; and secondly to help prepare the strategy and action plan. More detail is contained in paragraphs 1.27 onwards.

18 Gower AONB Management Plan

Description of the AONB 1.19 The AONB falls wholly within the City and County of Swansea, with the exception of a sandbank in the Loughor Estuary, which is in Carmarthenshire. Carmarthenshire County Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the AONB is assumed to be de minimis (legally insignificant).This is not to deny the important nature conservation value of the estuary. At the time the AONB was designated in 1956, the boundary followed the river channel, which was also the boundary between the counties of Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire. The channel has shifted southward in the intervening years. 1.20 Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, Gower was the first AONB in the UK to be designated in May 1956. It covers an area of 188 square kilometres (73 square miles) (see Map 1), and 59 kilometres (37 square miles) of the coastline is also designated as Heritage Coast. Except for the small, urbanised north-eastern corner, the entire Gower peninsula is within the AONB. The geology of Gower is comparatively simple and creates a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small area. It ranges from the south coast's superb carboniferous limestone scenery between Worms Head and Oxwich Bay to the salt marshes and dune systems in the north. Inland, the most prominent features are the large areas of common, dominated by sandstone heath ridges including the soaring sweep of Cefn Bryn. Secluded valleys have rich deciduous woodland and the traditional agricultural landscape is a patchwork of fields characterised by walls, stone-faced banks and hedgerows. Although not part of the reason for designation, the AONB also has a rich archaeological and built heritage including over 80 scheduled ancient monuments, over 120 listed buildings, and two areas designated as historic landscapes.

19 Gower AONB Management Plan

20 Gower AONB Management Plan

1.21 Data has been extracted from the 2001 Census (see Appendix 3), which gives an approximate population – wards do not coincide with the AONB boundary – of just over 16,000 and an average age of 44.2 compared with the average for Wales of 39.5. Unemployment was 2.5 %, well below the Welsh average of 3.5%. The AONB also has a well-educated population with 30.4% having a degree or higherlevel qualification, compared with the average for Wales of 17.4%. 1.22 The vast majority of the working population of Gower's villages commute to Swansea. The AONB lies almost entirely within the City & County of Swansea’s boundaries, and added to retirement and holiday homes, this dormitory element has considerably altered the area's social balance. 1.23 The residents of Gower are crucial in shaping its future both in terms of supporting its culture and in terms of helping to care for its special qualities, which are highly regarded by residents and visitors alike. The landscape of Gower reflects man’s activities over the centuries and will continue to do so in the future. 1.24 The AONB is also a popular tourist destination. In 2005, over 3.5 million visitors came to Swansea, most of whom would have visited the AONB, spending around £238m and creating approximately 4,700 jobs. In a 2004 survey4, out of visitors to Swansea City Centre, Mumbles and Gower, visitors to Gower were of the highest social class profile, with 41% of visitors being classed as AB. The visitor survey also showed that visitors to Worms Head were of a particularly high social class profile, with 87% of visitors being classed as ABC1. Gower visitors also had an older age profile, with those aged 55 or over accounting for 35% of all visitors. Out of all visitors to the area that were interviewed, 62% had visited or intended to visit Gower. Management Arrangements 1.25 In 1990 the former Swansea City Council established the Gower Countryside Forum as the advisory body for the AONB. Members include the key stakeholders in the AONB with almost 20 bodies represented. The Forum meets at least twice a year and is convened by the City & County of Swansea. Terms of reference are incorporated into the Council’s constitution, and Councillors are nominated to sit on the Forum, and are supported by Council officers. The Forum does not comment on planning applications in the same way that joint advisory committees do in many other AONBs. A review of the Forum’s role and assessment of its effectiveness is to be undertaken shortly. The current terms of reference and membership are contained in Appendix 5.

21 4

Swansea Bay Easter Visitor Survey 2004

Gower AONB Management Plan

1.26 Much of the coastline is in the ownership of, and managed by, publicly accountable bodies including the City and County of Swansea, the National Trust Wales, and the Countryside Council for Wales or the Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales. The City & County of Swansea also has an important role as the planning authority for the AONB in terms of setting planning policy and controlling development. The Consultation Process 1.27 Preparation of the State of the AONB report began with series of workshops with stakeholders in December of 2002 and January and February of 2003. The aim was to obtain a variety of views on the special qualities, and the development of a vision. 1.28 The first workshop day was held on 16th December 2002 in the North Gower Hotel, Llanrhidian. Invitations were sent to members of the Gower Countryside Forum plus Council officers. Following an introduction to the management plan process, three themed workshop sessions were held: natural/environmental; cultural; and recreation. Each one dealt with the special qualities, activities and pressures and the development of a vision. 1.29 On 19th. January 2003 a half-day session was held with Council officers, most of who had not been involved with the first workshop day. Several Council Departments were represented, including Environment (public transport and shoreline management), Regeneration (leisure and recreation facilities, and beaches) and Social Services and Housing. The day followed the same approach as the first one. This was then concluded with a shorter session on 14th. February 2003. 1.30 A further seminar for Council departments was held on 29th July 2004 to comment on a pre-consultation draft plan. Further refinements were made to the Plan as a result. 1.31 The draft Plan was issued for formal consultation on the 1st. March 2005 and consultees were given until 6th May to reply. A press release was used to promote the availability of the draft Plan, and copies were sent to 293 individuals and organisations. This included all City & County of Swansea councillors, and relevant members of staff. Responses were received from 45 of these consultees: 36 of these were organisations and eight individuals. A list of those who responded is listed in Appendix 7.

22 Gower AONB Management Plan

1.32 Two groups: farmers and members of the tourist industry, requested additional meetings as they felt that their interests were not adequately represented in the Plan. 1.33 The initial meeting with farmers was held on the 25th April 2005 at Western Slade Farm and Oxwich Bay Hotel and was hosted by the NFU. This was followed by visits to a selection of six different farms to see how they operate and to gain a better understanding of the issues they face. A similar exercise was conducted with tourism operators in conjunction with Tourism Swansea, in June and July, after the end of the original consultation, and consequently the consultation period had to be formally extended until 29th July. 1.34 The majority of all comments were generally supportive of the Plan’s content, and there were suggestions to either add or correct information. Others were related to the document itself in terms of the quality and clarity of the maps or the formatting of the tables. Some responses requested more background detail similar to that in the original 1990 Plan, while others were expecting the Plan to contain planning policies. The 1990 Plan contained a lot of detail, but proved in practice to be too unwieldy, which is why the current draft plan is more succinct. 1.35 The farmers’ and the tourism groups, in particular, were both critical about the lack of sufficient information in Chapter 3: Activities and Pressures, and suggested additional information that should be included. A common thread in both groups’ comments was the view that planning policies in the AONB were too restrictive in nature and inflexible. The farmers claimed that the policies restricted their attempts to diversify, and the tourism group was concerned about restrictions to further on site development or extension of the season (caravan operators). However, the role of the Management Plan in these circumstances is to inform the Development Plan and suggest changes to the policies if necessary, but not to replicate them. Therefore, the comments have been passed the UDP team to be reflected in the UDP. Members of the tourism group requested more information in the Plan for their activity. It is more appropriate for this information to be provided in detail within the Council’s tourism strategy, and is beyond the remit of the AONB management plan. 1.36 Sustainability was registered as a concern. Further detail was requested in a variety of sections regarding how the aim of sustainable development influenced the development of the management plan. The principle of sustainability is fundamental to the development of the plan and a core element. This will be the only plan that seeks to articulate what it is that makes Gower special in terms of its landscape.

23 Gower AONB Management Plan

1.37 Concerns were also raised regarding the funding and implementation of the Management Plan. The Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions will only be implemented where these can be funded from existing budgets, supplemented by external grant aid. Upon adoption of the management plan, progress on implementing the items in the action plan will be monitored, and it will be reviewed annually.

Red Star or Milk Thistle

24 Gower AONB Management Plan

Chapter 2 - Resources

NATURAL 2.1 This theme covers the essence of the reason for designation of Gower as an AONB. It includes nature conservation both biological and geological, landscape, and seascape. Wildlife 2.2 The Gower AONB has a highly valued and wide range of designated habitats and important species. The significance of the AONB is recognised through the large number of sites with international, national and local protection. 2.3 These designations can be summarised as follows: Type of Designation

Number of Sites

Special Areas of Conservation

Ramsar Site

Special Protection Area

National Nature Reserves

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Local Nature Reserves

Wildlife Trust Reserves

Coed Cadw Reserves

Ancient Woodland Sites

An assessment of the extent, condition and vision for these sites and a list of statutory designated sites are contained in Appendix 1. The map on page 27 shows the distribution of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It should be noted that a number of these designated sites overlap, or include each other. They are based on the habitats, species, and geological value described overleaf.

25 Gower AONB Management Plan

2.4 The Swansea Biodiversity Partnership has produced a Local Biodiversity Action Plan. This strategy and action plan sets out a framework for the protection,management, enhancement and promotion of Swansea’s natural environmentand biodiversity. Specifically it aims to: ●

Fulfil the requirements of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (in accordance with UK and NAW Guidance) and provide a set of detailed action plans for UK priority habitats and species that occur locally as well as those considered being of local significance. (To date 23 Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and 91 Species Action Plans (SAPs) have been prepared).

●

Provide important Supplementary Planning Guidance to complement the Natural Environment policies in the Unitary Development Plan and provide added protection for the natural environment in the planning process in accordance with Planning Policy Wales.

2.4 The key habitats with the largest extent in the AONB are contained in the following tables: Lowland Calcareous Grassland; Lowland Heath; Coastal Saltmarsh; Coastal Sand Dunes; Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland; Wet Woodland; Purple Moor Grass and Rush Pastures; Boundary Features; Fens; Reedbed; Maritime Cliff and Slope; Cereal Field Margins; Lowland Meadows; Seagrass beds; Mudflats; and Honey Comb Worm reefs. 2.5 Several other priority habitats occur within Gower AONB. These are also extremely important factors in the biological make up and ecological integrity of the AONB. These habitats are: Lowland Beech and Yew woodland, wood pasture and parkland, lowland dry acid grassland, mesotrophic lakes, eutrophic standing water, coastal vegetated shingle, and sheltered muddy gravels. 2.6 The favourite wildlife sites for local residents, based on a 2005 survey5, were rocky shores (71%), woodlands (63%), and sand dunes (55%)5.

26 5

Gower Today 2005 - Gower Commons Initiative, Opinion Research Services - Swansea

Gower AONB Management Plan

27 Gower AONB Management Plan

28 Gower AONB Management Plan

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Approx. 80 ha, associated with limestone cliffs.

Declining habitat in UK, but less so in Gower as much is statutory protection. Some is semi-improved grassland.

Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Brown Hare, Chough, Carder bees (Bombus sylvarum, Bombus humilis), Hornet Robberfly, Dotted Beefly, Narrow-bordered bee, Hawk moth, Dingy Skipper butterfly, Small Blue butterfly, Silky Wave moth and Sword Grass moth, Red-Hemp nettle, Yellow Horned poppy.

Positive: Habitat management at Mumbles Hill LNR, south Gower National Trust Wales and condition South and West Wales Wildlife Trust land holdings, SSSI management agreements, Tir Cymen/Tir Gofal agreements. Negative: Agricultural improvement, nutrient enrichment, over and under grazing, abandonment of land, scrub cover, soil compaction from recreational use, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Lowland Calcareous Grassland

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

915 hectares (337.5 ha.humid, 577.5 ha. wet heath). This is 1.55% of UK BAP/CCS the UK total. There is a mosaic of heathland and grassland. LBAP/CCW

Declining habitat in UK Decline in Gower is being checked by local initiatives (see below).

Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, because it is a rare and threatened habitat. The UK has an important proportion (about 20%) of the international total of this habitat. WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. It provides an important habitat for rare and scarce plants and animals as well as locally rare and common species. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Three-lobed Water Crowfoot, bats, Marsh Fritillary butterfly, Southern Damselfly, Black Bog ant, and Great Crested and Palmate Newt.

Positive: Management at sites through schemes such as Gower Commons Initiative/Life in Common, Tir Cymen scheme, Tir Gofal statutory designations, management agreements and management plans. Negative: Lack of land management, invasive species, scrambler motor bikes and fourwheel drive vehicles, and lack of awareness of habitat.

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

CURRENT STATE

NAME OF RESOURCE : Lowland Heath

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Approx. 1000 hectares

Declining habitat in UK. Most is under statutory protection through national and international designations.

Burry Inlet alone represents around 16% of the Welsh resource, and is the longest single stretch in Wales. Particularly important for middle and upper salt marsh and its sandy content makes it valuable for grazing. European status and of international importance for over wintering birds. Designations include SSSI, SAC, SPA, and Ramsar. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Narrow Mouthed Whorl snail, Endemic Sea lavenders, Marbled White butterfly, Curlew, and Lapwing, Skylark, Shelduck, Widgeon, Oystercatchers, and Dunlin.

Positive: Statutory designations including SSSI, NNR, SAC, SPA, Ramsar, management agreements on statutory designated sites, Tir Gofal agreements, and traditional grazing. Negative: Pollution, inappropriate grazing levels, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Coastal Saltmarsh

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

Over 450 ha. almost 8% of total in Wales. 5 Sand dune systems UK within the AONB: Whiteford Burrows, Broughton & Hillend Burrows, BAP/CCS Port Eynon and Horton Dunes, Oxwich Bay and Nicholaston Burrows LBAP/CCW and Pennard Burrows

Declining habitat in the UK.

Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Found only along coastline. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: Brown Hare, Chough, Skylark, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Great Crested Newt, High Brown Fritillary butterfly, Shrill Carder bee, Strandline beetle Nebria complanata, Tiger beetle Cicindela maritima, Fen Orchid, Petalwort, Sea Stock, Dune Gentian, Early Sand Grass and Slender Green Feather Moss, Fen Orchid, and Petalwort.

Positive: Statutory designations â&#x20AC;&#x201C;SSSI, NNR and SAC, site management plans, grazing, natural sand movement and accretion, rising sea level associated with climate change, erosion, coastal defence works, sand extraction, potentially offshore dredging, lack of grazing, Sea Buckthorn, bracken, scrub, litter, vandalism of management controls such as fencing, falling water tables, forestry, and invasive species, and lack of awareness of habitat. Negative: Recreational pressure and storm damage

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

CURRENT STATE

NAME OF RESOURCE : Coastal Sand Dunes

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Approx 240 ha. including 232 ha. in Gower Ash Woodlands SAC.

Declining habitat in UK.

Most is European designated site. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: Otter, Dormouse bats, Spotted Flycatcher, Bullfinch, Double Line moth, Silver-washed Fritillary moth, Square Spotted Clay moth, White Letter Hairstreak, White Spotted Pinion moth, Juniper, Small Leafed Lime, Common White Beam and Wild Service. Small patches of woodland act as a link for species movement.

Positive: Some active positive management including removal of conifers in FCW managed woodlands, NNRs- Nicholaston and Oxwich, Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood LNR, on farms through Tir Cymen, Tir Gofal, Woodland Grant schemes, and coppicing for charcoal. Negative: Some mis-management including animal trespass, regeneration of non-native species, and rhododendron, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

Not fully quantified but at least 3.5 ha. including sites at Oxwich UK BAP/CCS Marsh, Burry Pill, Bishopston Valley, Ilston Valley Pengwern Common LBAP/CCW and Welshmoor, Coity Green, Llangennith, Burry Woods ,Stembridge, Horton and Port Eynon, Gelli Hir Woods, Whiteford , Blackhills, Moorlakes Wood, Parc Woods, Pennard Valley, Common Wood.

Declining UK habitat.

European designated site within Gower Ash Woodlands SAC. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: Otter, Dormouse, bats, Spotted Flycatcher, Bullfinch, Double Line moth, Silver-washed Fritillary moth, Square Spotted Clay moth, White Letter Hairstreak, White Spotted Pinion moth, Bullfinch Newt White Letter Hairstreak moth.

Positive: Statutory protection, Tir Gofal and associated active management. Negative: : Mis -management, cessation of management, development: clearance and conversion to other land-uses, lowering of water-tables e.g. as a result of drainage, inappropriate grazing levels, flood prevention measures, poor water quality, invasion by non-native species, air pollution, diseases such as Phytophthora root disease of alder, climate change, and lack of awareness of habitat.

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

CURRENT STATE

NAME OF RESOURCE : Wet Woodland

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Approx.200 ha.

Declining UK habitat, variable quality locally.

Important in European context. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: Otter, Water Vole, bats*, Lapwing, Curlew, Skylark, Barn Owl, Great Crested Newt, Grass snake Marsh Fritillary butterfly, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly, Narrow Bordered bee Hawk moth, Jewel beetle ,Southern Damselfly*, Scarce Blue tailed damselfly, Devils Bit Scabious, Meadow Thistle, and Whorled Caraway. *= scarce in a European context.

Positive: National Trust owned/managed land, land in Tir Cymen and Tir Gofal schemes, traditional grazing practices, Gower Commons Initiative, Cefn Bryn Tir Cymen scheme. Negative: Some mis-management, inappropriate grazing, common land management, arson and uncontrolled burning, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Purple Moor-Grass and Rush Pasture

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

Approx.200 ha.

Declining UK habitat, variable quality locally.

Important in European context. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: Otter, Water Vole, bats*, Lapwing, Curlew, Skylark, Barn Owl, Great Crested Newt, , Grass snake Marsh Fritillary butterfly, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly, Narrow Bordered bee Hawk moth, Jewel beetle ,Southern Damselfly*, Scarce Blue tailed damselfly, Devils Bit Scabious, Meadow Thistle, and Whorled Caraway. *= scarce in a European context.

Positive: National Trust owned/managed land, land in Tir Cymen and Tir Gofal schemes, traditional grazing practices, Gower Commons Initiative, Cefn Bryn Tir Cymen scheme Negative: Some mis-management, inappropriate grazing, common land management, arson and uncontrolled burning, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Purple Moor-Grass and Rush Pasture

Gower AONB Management Plan

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Not fully quantified but at following locations: Oxwich Bay SSSI, Cwm Ivy Marsh and Tor SSSI, parts of Pennard Valley SSSI and Llangennith Moors ditch system, and parts of Gower commons.

Declining UK habitat.

Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principle importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Otter, Water Vole, bats, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Lapwing, Curlew, Scarce Burnished Brass moth, Double-lie moth, Sword-grass moth.

Positive: Some positive management such as ditch management at Cwm Ivy and Oxwich, cattle grazing, scrub management, reed cutting. Negative: Drainage, agricultural intensification, pollution, scrub, lack of management, reed encroachment, spring and flush damage caused by scrambler motorbikes and four wheel drive vehicles, spread of heathland fires, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Fens

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

Not fully quantified , but sites include Oxwich Bay SSSI, Pwll Du, dune slacks, Pennard Valley, Cwm Ivy and reed beds at back of the Burry Estuary.

Declining UK habitat– 40% lost in UK 1945-1990.

Oxwich Bay SSSI – one of 55 in the UK larger than 20 ha. Protected sites. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principle importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: Otter, Water Vole, bats, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Bittern, Aquatic Warbler Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Water Rail Lapwing, Curlew, Scarce Burnished Brass moth, Double-lie moth, Sword-grass, Lapwing, Curlew.

Positive: Some positive management e.g reed cutting at Oxwich NNR, scrub removal, grazing, and management work associated with Tir Gofal schemes. Negative: Drainage pollution, scrub, tipping, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Reedbed

Gower AONB Management Plan

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

All arable fields.

Declining UK habitat because of more intensive agriculture but checked by the introduction of agri-environment schemes.

Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principle importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include: bats, Brown Hare, Skylark, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch, Lapwing, Curlew, barn owl, White Letter Hairstreak butterfly, White Line Snout moth, Nit Grass and Small Flowered Catchfly plant.

Positive: Tir Cymen and Tir Gofal schemes, management by National Trust and CCW, RSPB farmland bird project, and less arable field usage. Negative: Some mis-management; over ploughing of footpaths headland and field margins, intensification on some farms, and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Cereal Field Margins

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

Few known sites.

Static or increasing UK habitat, increasing in Burry estuary.

The estuary is the only site in Wales where substantial wintering flocks of Brent Geese are located, and it is the western limit of wintering flocks of subspecies bernicla. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principle importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Brent Geese, Widgeon, Pollack, and Wrasse, Pipefish and Goby.

Positive: Statutory protected sites and cleaner seawater associated with improved sewage treatment. Negative: Some mis-management, natural sediment movement associated with increased storm cycles and climate change. grazing at low tide by wildfowl, human disturbance- boats, bait digging, invasive species such as Spartina, pollution and lack of awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Seagrass Beds

Gower AONB Management Plan

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

Not fully quantified, but key sites are Burry Inlet and Three Cliffs Bay. UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

Declining UK habitat, but local situation unclear.

Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principle importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Otter, commercial fish species, marine turtles, Allis Shad, Twaite Shad, Common Scoter, Curlew, and Lapwing, Seagrass, polychaete worms, rag worm, bait, cockles, and other bivalves, which provide food for estuarine birds.

Positive: Cleaner seawater associated with improved sewage treatment, statutory protection, and survey data to inform status and condition. Negative: Some mis-management, cleaner sea water associated with improved sewage treatment, bait digging, shellfish extraction, sediment movement and changes, and lack of awareness of habitat.

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

CURRENT STATE

NAME OF RESOURCE : Mudflats

MEASURES

Not fully quantified, but at least 0.32 ha. at Port Eynon.

Declining UK habitat, but local situation unknown.

The British Isles represent the northern extremity in the north-east Atlantic for this species. Priority habitat in UK Biodiversity Action Plan, WAG list habitat of principal importance for the conservation of Biological Diversity. Associated UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan species include Otter, commercial fish species, marine turtles, Allis Shad, Twaite Shad, Common Scoter, seaweeds, dog whelks, other worms, barnacles, winkles, mussels, other bivalves, small fish, and small crabs.

Positive CCW Intertidal survey to improve knowledge, Negative: Some mis-management, burial by sand for long periods, accumulations or loss of sand, trampling, bait digging, and lack of knowledge or awareness of habitat.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : Honeycomb Worm Reefs

Gower AONB Management Plan

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

43 Gower AONB Management Plan

Geology 2.6 The geology of Gower is of national interest. It forms the southwest rim of the South Wales coalfield basin. The peninsula is made up almost entirely of Carboniferous (300-350 million years old) rocks, and most of this is Carboniferous Limestone (Dinantian) with small upfolded areas of more ancient strata, and Old Red Sandstone (Devonian), such as at Rhossili and Cefn Bryn. The coalfield's and the peninsula's rocks have the same broadly east-west ‘grain’, a grain that originated when southern Britain (and most of Europe) was involved in a period of mountain building (the Variscan Orogeny) at the end of the Carboniferous Period (around 350 million years ago). Smaller downfold pockets (synclines) of younger and softer Carboniferous beds, the”Millstone Grit” (Namurian), have been eroded by the sea to form the bays of Port Eynon, Oxwich, and Swansea Bay. The highest and youngest Carboniferous rocks appear in north and eastern Gower, where coal and ironstones have been mined such as in the Penclawdd area, and in Clyne Valley on the edge of the AONB. 2.7 Gower is a dissected limestone plateau, formed in pre- Ice Age (Pleistocene) times (10,000 to 1.8 million years ago), and is similar to South Pembrokeshire, and was once joined to it. The plateau is the product of many millions of years and phases of erosion after the Variscan Orogeny. This solid base was not much modified by Pleistocene glacial processes, though ice sheets from the north and west, deposited till, and glacial melt water channels were formed. There are also veneers of cold-climate freeze-thaw debris covering and fringing the upland. In the warmer phases of the Pleistocene, the sea lapped the limestone cliffs around the margins of the peninsula and deposited rocky and sandy beaches; and these are commonly preserved as “raised beaches”. Caves, in the coastal cliffs, contain sediments and fossil mammals that catalogue both warm and cold phases of the Pleistocene. 2.8 Although Gower is predominantly made up of limestone, karsitic areas with solutional features (e.g. sinks, dolines, and caves) are geographically limited in extent. Bishopston Valley and Green Cwm are notable examples. Such karsitic systems include caves, which have been inhabited by Man and animals in the past. 2.9 13 SSSIs have been designated for geological or geomorphological reasons throughout the AONB, and often in conjunction with biological reasons. These are numbers 1,4,6,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17, 20 and 23 listed in Appendix 1.

44 Gower AONB Management Plan

Caswell Bay

45 Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

13 sites. Area = 2,927 ha. 15.5% of AONB.

Not known.

Includes a wide range of sites important for their geology and geomorphology, which reflects the variety of geology within the AONB. Features include rock sections, sandstone ridge, limestone cliffs, glacial features, Karst scenery, raised beaches, and sand dune systems.

Positive: Engineering operations, which improve access or visibility. Negative: Erosion from recreation use of sites; unauthorised digging and removal of fossils; engineering operations and quarrying (potentially).

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (wholly or partly of geological or geomorphological interest)

Gower AONB Management Plan

CCW/City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

Landscape 2.10 The quality and variety of Gower’s landscape, contained in such a small area, is the reason for its designation as an AONB, and much of its coastline being designated as a Heritage Coast. Added to this, the AONB is nationally significant for its natural history. 2.11 The geology described earlier has given rise to a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small area. It ranges from the south coast dramatic limestone scenery at Worms Head and Oxwich Head to the extensive Burry Inlet mudflats, salt marshes, and remote dune systems on the north coast. Inland the Old Red Sandstone ridge of Cefn Bryn rising to 178 metres, the large areas of common land, wooded valleys, and a traditional pattern of small fields bounded by hedges, banks and stone walls predominate. Woodlands traditionally of oak and ash but also mixed conifer plantations are still a significant part of the landscape, although only covering about 7.5% of the AONB. West Gower is the only part mainly without tree cover. This is no doubt because of this part of the peninsula’s exposure to the saltladen prevailing south-westerly winds. 2.12 Landmap is a method of assessing the importance and value of a landscape by assessing its components and recording this in a series of layers on a computer generated map (Geographic Information System (GIS). This technique has been developed by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). The Swansea Landmap study has identified the following landscape character areas: • • • • • • • • •

Hill and lower plateau (e.g. Cefn Bryn) Mosaic lowland valley (e.g. valley at Parkmill) Rolling farmland mosaic (much of the inland part of the AONB) Rolling farmland (e.g. west of Three Crosses) Lowland wetland (Oxwich marsh) Inter tidal/sandy beaches (e.g. Oxwich Bay) Inter tidal saline marsh (north Gower salt marshes) Dunes (e.g. at Oxwich Bay) Cliffs (much of the south coast)

Rolling farmland mosaic is the most extensive character type. This reflects the pattern of small mixed farms, and horticulture especially on south Gower, taking advantage of the mild climate and suitable soils. Although horticulture has declined as an activity in recent years, the methods used have changed and the increasing use of plastic sheeting can have a significant visual impact on the landscape.

47 Gower AONB Management Plan

2.13 Common land is a distinctive landscape feature of Gower. In a resident’s survey in 20056, 89% identified common land as being a very important landscape feature and 86% thought commons were very important for wildlife. A further 51% thought the commons were important for agriculture. 2.14 With the exception of pockets of suburban style development in villages mainly on the eastern side of the AONB, the landscape is largely unspoilt with a mixture of fields bounded by hedges or stone walls and large tracts of common land in some parts. This has been affected to a limited extent by incremental changes such as loss of hedgerows and new telecommunication masts. The setting of villages within the landscape contributes to the character of the AONB. Many retain their historic core. 2.15 Agri-environment schemes such as Tir Cymen, Tir Gofal, Tir Cynnal, and the woodland management work undertaken with the advice from Coed Cymru, have encouraged farmers to improve the natural habitats for wildlife, and landscape features such as hedgerows and woodland. 2.16 The AONB management plan has a role to play in promoting the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the AONB by encouraging these objectives to be embedded in other policy documents particularly the Unitary Development Plan and design guidance. This also needs to be translated into action on the ground such as in the design and materials used for gates and stiles on public footpaths. However, it is not the function of this Plan to contain planning policies. 2.17 The issues associated with the impact of tourism are dealt with elsewhere in this Plan. Fundamental ones include marketing the ‘Gower landscape experience’, striking a balance between economic and conservation interests based on sustainable development, and the management of ‘honey pot’ sites.

Rhossili Down From Cefn Bryn

48 6

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Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

The whole of the AONB = 188 square kilometres.

Variable as demonstrated by the condition of the components. (The condition of the landscape visually is to be measured by taking photographs of key views from fixed points. The Landmap study for the City & County of Swansea will also assist when it becomes available in 2006).

The essence of AONB designation and major factor in creating the character of Gower and attracting visitors to the area.

Positive: Sensitive planning control. removal or enhancement of unsightly buildings and structures. Negative: Land use changes and development within and outside the AONB, as well as technological developments such as communication masts and wind turbines. Plastic sheeting associated with horticulture, large unscreened caravan sites, inappropriate house design, lighting and signs.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : LANDSCAPE(VISUAL AND SENSORY)

CCW/City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

Seascape 2.18 The high value and quality of coastal landscapes and sea views are significant features of the AONB, and an essential part of the area's sense of identity. CCW has published a guide to seascape assessment7. In it, they broadened the definition to include views of the land from the sea; views of the sea from the land; views along the coastline; and the effect of landscape on the conjunction of sea and land. No assessment has yet been undertaken for the AONB, although some work has been done associated with proposals for offshore wind turbines on the eastern side of Swansea Bay. 2.19 The variation in coastline type from limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, sweeping bays, and salt marshes is part of the special qualities of the AONB. 2.20 Many of the classic views of Gower, such as of Rhossili and Worms Head, and Three Cliffs Bay, feature the coastline and the sea beyond. Less well known are the views of the coast from the sea. All make a significant contribution to the special qualities of the AONB.

Rhossili And Worms Head

Guide to Best Practice in Seascape Assessment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CCW, Bradman Shipman Martin, and University College Dublin March 2001

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

70 Kilometres of coastline and surrounding Bristol Channel , Carmarthen Bay, Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary.

Variety of views with some unattractive development to the southeast of the AONB and beyond.

As an AONB with a lengthy coastline, seascape is an important part of its character. Most of it is designated as a Heritage Coast

Negative: Development on and off shore.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : SEASCAPE

CCS

DATA SOURCE

CULTURAL 2.21 The cultural theme reflects the interaction of man and his environment, including traditions and practices, that give the AONB certain special qualities. The following headings have been used and refer to physical man-made features and man’s activities: • • • • •

Culture Archaeology Historic landscapes Historic Parks and Gardens Historic buildings

Culture 2.22 Gower has been inhabited for at least 29,000 years and communities have developed and created their own cultures, traditions, and folk lore, principally associated with agriculture and the sea. This has been expressed through methods of farming, field patterns, the layout of villages and settlement patterns, the type and design of buildings, and the routes that linked settlements. 2.23 Traditionally Gower was an area closely linked with agriculture, and fishing especially for cockles, crabs, and lobsters. Locals often benefited from the misfortunes of those who were shipwrecked on the treacherous parts of the Gower coast. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, strong trading links were developed with North Devon through the export of lime and limestone from quarries particularly at Pwlldu. Quarrying for limestone was also widespread throughout much of the AONB on a smaller scale for manufacture of lime for use on farms. Traditions and customs have developed around these activities. 2.24 One of the distinctive cultural icons of Gower is the cockle industry. Unusually picking is still done by hand in the traditional manner and is regulated by the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee to ensure sustainable management. Ponies or donkeys once pulled the carts, but motor vehicles are now used. Cockles are processed in local plants overlooking the Burry Inlet. Originally, the cockles were taken to Swansea Market and to the South Wales valleys, but now they are taken further afield. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning has bedevilled the industry in recent years.

52 Gower AONB Management Plan

2.25 The Gower Show has been a major annual event in the farming calendar for over 100 years and has helped to maintain and promote agricultural traditions and practices. Others such as The Gower Festival, a classical musical festival, draw internationally famous performers to the churches and chapels of Gower every July. It gives visitors an opportunity to appreciate classical music in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has become a well-established annual event. 2.26 Gower has inspired artists and photographers, and their work can often be seen in local shops and galleries. Very often, the subject matter is a key landscape feature such as Three Cliffs Bay, Worms Head, and Rhossili Bay. John Dillwyn Llewellyn, a pioneer of photography lived in a house overlooking Caswell Bay. Gower also featured in the literary works of Dylan Thomas and his close friend Vernon Watkins. 2.27 The churches of Gower reflect a tradition of religious worship going back to at least the thirteenth century. In some cases, these buildings are on sites used for worship as far back as the sixth century. 2.28 Since its inception over 50 years ago, the Gower Society, has promoted Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and culture through walks and talks and carries out research which is published in its annual booklet. Courses in Gower studies, which include the Gower dialect, and social and natural history, and archaeology, are provided locally by Swansea University and others. 2.29 The Welsh language has always been more widely used in North Gower (part of which is outside the AONB). The 2001 Census recorded 10.6% of the population able to speak and write in Welsh in the Penclawdd ward compared with 7.4% in the Gower ward. 2.30 The closure of local facilities and services, higher than average rises in house prices, and purchase of second homes all have the potential to change local culture. These issues are explored further in the following Chapter. 2.31 Information provision and interpretation as methods of awareness raising have an important part to play in explaining Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture. This is mentioned in more detail in Chapters 6 and 7.

53 Gower AONB Management Plan

Archaeology 2.32 Gower is rich in archaeology. There are 83 scheduled ancient monuments and many other ancient monument sites in the AONB representing most periods in history from the Upper Palaeolithic caves through medieval castles, eighteenth century parkland and industrial monuments. The ‘Red Lady’ of Paviland is human remains found on south Gower dating back 29,000 years, the oldest found in the U.K. The AONB has been described as an ‘unrivalled microcosm of Wales’s historic wealth’.8 There is an increasing interest in archaeology and the historic environment, partly prompted by current media coverage. Archaeology as part of an area’s heritage is now being recognised to be important to the economy. A recent study by Professor Stephen Hill, Economic Adviser to the WDA estimated the economic value of the historic environment in Wales. The study estimated that it supports 22,500 jobs and has a total spending impact of £780 million per year. The interpretation of these sites is essential for the understanding and appreciation of them.

Arthur’s Stone, Cefyn Bryn

54 8

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

83 scheduled ancient monuments and ancient monument sites but many others recorded.

Variable.

Sites representing manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity from all periods in a small area. Earliest human remains in UK (29,000 years old).

Positive: Statutory protection, sympathetic landowners, and statutory agencies: including Cadw, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust. Negative: Development, erosion from recreation activities, unauthorised digging, vegetation encroachment, agriculture

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

GGAT/ Cadw

DATA SOURCE

Historic Landscapes 2.33 The Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales has identified two areas of the AONB of particular note: West Gower and Cefn Bryn. This is the part of the AONB with the greatest concentration of sites of archaeological importance. In West Gower, these include Upper Palaeolithic remains at Longhole and Paviland caves, Iron and Bronze Age settlements, and the medieval strip field system at Rhossili known as the Vile. Cefn Bryn in central Gower is believed to be one of the richest archaeological sites in South Wales.

The Vile, Rhossili

56 Gower AONB Management Plan

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Two sites: West Gower and Cefn Bryn. They cover about 30% of the AONB i.e. 5,640 ha.

Variable. Further survey work being undertaken.

One of the most archaeologically rich areas in Wales in a relatively small area.

Positive: Statutory protection, sympathetic landowners, and statutory agencies: including Cadw, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust. Negative: Erosion from recreation, lack of management, agriculture.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : HISTORIC LANDSCAPE

Cadw Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest. Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust.

DATA SOURCE

Historic Parks and Gardens 2.34 Within the AONB there are four historic parks and gardens identified in the Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Interest in Wales9: Clyne Castle, Kilvrough Manor, Stouthall, and Fairyhill. Each has its own distinct character and impact on the landscape. Clyne Castle until recently owned by the University of Wales Swansea and in the process of being converted into flats, is on the outskirts of Swanseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suburbs and adjoins a formal public park and gardens. The other three are a field study centre, a former field study centre, and a hotel/restaurant respectively. 2.35 Although not registered as an Historic Park and Garden, Penrice Castle and the adjoining estate exhibit many of the characteristics of the above, and contribute to the landscape of south Gower. Within the grounds there are several listed buildings and two SSSIs. 2.36 Public access to all these sites is restricted to public rights of way as they are all in private ownership. 2.37 Any development affecting these sites will have to be carried out in a sensitive way so as not impact on their intrinsic qualities.

The tower at the entrance to Penrice Estate, near Oxwich

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

Four Registered Historic Parks and Gardens. Area = 109 ha. 0.6% of AONB.

Information not available, although Stouthall is currently unoccupied and its condition gives cause for concern.

Good examples of country houses and associated parkland dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Positive and Negative: Adaptation to other uses. Negative: Lack of maintenance, disuse, insensitive management obscuring design, storm damage, and parkland character eroded by agricultural operations.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : HISTORIC PARKS AND GARDENS

City & County of Swansea/Cadw

DATA SOURCE

60 Gower AONB Management Plan

Historic Buildings 2.38 There are 123 listed buildings in the AONB. The key contributors to the AONBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special qualities include landmark buildings particularly castles, village churches with towers, country houses and long houses. The latter two are few in number. In addition stone boundary walls are characteristics often associated with these landmark buildings, as well as being features alongside roads such as at Kilvrough Manor. Conservation Areas 2.39 Many of the villages have an historic core and are designated conservation areas (17 in all, see Appendix 2 for a list). Each village has its own character and has the potential for interpretation. A building design guide, and conservation area and village plans, would be useful for this purpose. An interpretation trail of Gower churches already exists.

61 Oxwich Castle Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

123 listed buildings - 4Grade I, 21 Grade II*, and 98 Grade II. 17 Conservation areas. Area=242 ha. 1.3% of AONB.

It is not known what percentage of listed buildings are ‘at risk’.

Landmark buildings: castles, churches, large house and long houses which add to the landscape. Conservation areas define village envelopes and the buildings and spaces within them contribute to the village character.

Positive and negative: Finance for maintenance Change of use, alterations. Negative: Lack of maintenance, inappropriate alterations, and lack of enhancement schemes.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

City & County of Swansea

Cadw, City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

NAME OF RESOURCE : HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS

Gower AONB Management Plan

Three Cliffs Bay (Artist- Paul, New Deal trainee)

63 Cairn Near Arthurs Stone Gower AONB Management Plan

ENVIRONMENTAL Air Quality 2.40 A limited amount of data is available on air quality in the AONB, as most of the effort has been concentrated on the urban area, mainly Swansea, where there are likely to be the highest levels of air pollution. The AONB is not seriously affected by sources of pollution such as built-up areas, industrial sites and major roads. 2.41 Surveys have been undertaken to measure Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Two sets of survey data are available. The first study took place between November 1985 and November 1986 and had five sample sites located within the AONB and the second one in 1996/7. These surveys measured levels of between 14.4 µg/m3 (7.6 ppb ) and 20.9 µg/m3 (11 ppb), 18.4 µg/m3 (9.68 ppb) and 21.7 µg/m3 (11.4 ppb) respectively. These levels are well within acceptable maximum limits. 2.42 The Welsh Assembly Government has made regulations for the protection of ecosystems and vegetation. These regulations are referred to as The Air Quality Limit Values (Wales) Regulations 2001 and came into force on 19th July 2001. The City and County of Swansea will be required to undertake further survey and monitoring work to ensure compliance with the regulations.

North Gower

10 11

µg/m3 = micro grammes per cubic meter ppb = parts per billion

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

The whole of the AONB.

There are low mean levels of Nitrogen Dioxide pollution based on surveys in 1985/6 and 1996/7 and well within maximum acceptable limits.

Air quality is important to the sensory perception of the AONB, the physical well-being of inhabitants and visitors, vegetation, flora and fauna.

Positive: Cleaner vehicle exhausts, reduction in uncontrolled burning on common land, reduction in traffic speed across commons and in villages. Negative: Increases in road traffic and industrial pollution from elsewhere, fire, and air traffic.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : AIR QUALITY

CCS Environment Department.

DATA SOURCE

Water Quality 2.43 The Water Framework Directive is a significant tranche of EC water legislation. It requires all inland and coastal waters to reach "good status" by 2015. This will be achieved by establishing a river basin district structure within which demanding environmental objectives will be set, including ecological targets for surface waters, this process will be overseen by the Environment Agency. 2.44 There are no large rivers or significant areas of inland water within the AONB, although there are eight ‘statutory’ main rivers, excluding the River Loughor, identified by the Environment Agency Wales in their Local Environment Agency Plan . The River Loughor and its estuary form the AONB’s northern boundary. 2.45 Most issues concerning water quality within the AONB relate to seawater and to the diffuse pollution of minor watercourses from agricultural practices. These are primarily contamination associated with increased nitrate levels because of agricultural run off. These issues are important for bathing beaches and nature conservation. For example, the Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries European Marine Site has partly been designated for the presence of two species of fish: the Allis and Twaite Shad, which rely on clean water for survival. The potential of increased nutrient loading causing algae growth and eutrophication is an issue that will require ongoing monitoring. 2.46 Seawater samples are taken monthly from May to September at 13 points in the AONB, by either the City & County of Swansea or the Environment Agency. In 2005, 12 out of the 13 beaches passed the minimum standard set out the EC Bathing Waters Directive. This high standard resulted in four beaches being awarded Blue Flag status and another four rural beaches being granted Green Coast awards in 2006. 2.47 Oil pollution incidents are fortunately rare, although Gower is close to the main shipping lanes in the Bristol Channel, and close enough to Milford Haven to be slightly affected by the Sea Empress disaster in 1996. Generally, sea-borne litter is a continuing problem, particularly on the west coast. Much of this material is non-biodegradable (plastics and metals).

66 Gower AONB Management Plan

Gower AONB Management Plan

In 2005, 12 out of the 13 beaches passed the minimum standard set by the EC Bathing Waters Directive .

Water quality is important for bathing beaches and nature conservation. Sandy beaches and clean water are important features of the recreation resource and are important assets for the tourism industry.

Positive: Higher standards of sewage disposal. Negative: Pollution from domestic, industrial, agricultural and maritime sources.

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

CCS Environment Agency

There are no large rivers within the AONB, although the River Loughor CCS Environment forms the northern boundary and is an important feature of the Agency Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries European Marine Site. Elsewhere there are only small streams. Eight â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;statutoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main rivers identified by the Environment Agency Wales.

Extent of resource

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

CURRENT STATE

NAME OF RESOURCE : WATER QUALITY

Soil Quality 2.48 Soil is an important resource, which supports a variety of ecological, economic and cultural functions. However, information on soil quality is limited, and is not publicly accessible. CCW is currently discussing the preparation of soil strategy for Wales with the WAG. The European Commission has published a draft outline for a thematic strategy on soil. This will require governments to collect and make publicly available such data. Land management has a significant effect on soil quality and agriculture accounts for a large proportion of land use. DEFRA has produced the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Soil (the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;soil codeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;), which gives appropriate advice to farmers. 2.49 Much of the peninsula has agricultural land of grades 1, 2 or 3 and forms the best quality agricultural land in the Swansea area. Some tracts of grade 1 land in South Gower are devoted to horticulture. Some parts of Wales are difficult to farm due to their climate, where they are situated or features of the landscape. They are classified as a Less Favoured Area and additional grants are available. Some parts in the north-east of the AONB are in this category.

The Vile, Rhossili

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

The whole of the AONB.

Limited information is available. Relates to grades of agricultural land rather than soil quality.

Soil quality affects land use and landscape and Gower contains a significant amount of better quality agricultural land. Need to monitor leachates.

Positive: National Trust has soil policy written into tenancies, and agri-envronment schemes in short term ( Tir Cymen, Tir Gofal). Negative: Erosion, compaction, pollution, agricultural and recreation use,mis-management, fire causing slumping and landslip.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : SOIL

UK BAP/CCS LBAP/CCW

DATA SOURCE

Tranquillity 2.50 In 1997, the ASH Consulting Group prepared a report commissioned by CCW entitled the Tranquil Areas Wales Report 199712. It followed similar studies for England and Scotland that were carried out by the Council for the Protection of Rural England. It ‘identified parts of the countryside that are relatively undisturbed by noise and visual intrusion’. (See Figure 1). Most of the AONB came out as an area usually free of any substantial daytime disturbance. Higher levels of noise were recorded alongside the main roads; where the AONB abuts the built up area of Swansea; under the flight paths to Swansea Airport, and microlites and lowlevel light aircraft. In addition, bursts of noise arise from low flying military aircraft, and watercraft, such as jet skis and speedboats. 2.51 The Tranquil Areas report also identified the absence of ‘sky glow’, caused by light pollution, as an indicator of tranquillity. This affects Gower and is an issue that is causing increasing interest and concern. Electricity was introduced into Gower within living memory, and at first was confined to limited areas and with low wattage lighting. Not all villages have street lighting to this day. Where street lighting exists, it tends to be orange sodium lamps. In addition, there is an increasing trend for caravan sites to use this form of lighting, coupled with the same variety in the nearby urban areas of Swansea and Llanelli. This results in an orange glow in the night sky making the stars less visible. There is no local specific data to measure the extent of this problem.

Tranquil Areas Wales – a report to the Countryside Council for Wales by the ASH Consulting Group August 1997

Gower AONB Management Plan

71 Gower AONB Management Plan

RECREATION 2.52 The recreation resource is a significant feature of the AONB. In the 2005 Gower Today survey, the most frequently sites were beaches (59%), coastal cliffs and footpaths (53%), and inland footpaths (45%). This was reflected in response to a question about the most popular outdoor recreation activity: walking the coast and cliffs (85%), walking inland (67%), and visits to the beach (84%). Public Rights of Way 2.53 Public rights of way provide a significant means of access to the coast and countryside and enable a variety of activities to take place including walking, cycling, and horse riding. They are shown on Ordnance Survey maps and some are featured in published walks booklets. As part of the recreation resource, rights of way help support the local tourist industry and its associated economic benefits. This was clearly demonstrated during the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak. Many of the routes in Gower are historic ones linking villages within the peninsula, whilst others follow the coast. There are many examples of sunken and bounded lanes, which have a character of their own. The City and County of Swansea has a duty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to produce a Rights of Way Improvement Plan by 2007. It will include a review of the use of the rights of way network. 2.54 The City and County of Swansea is required to take part in annual surveys conducted by the Audit Commission Surveys to monitor the performance of its rights of way service. Five per cent sample surveys have been conducted for the whole of the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area. The latest results are for November 2005. This data has been disaggregated for the AONB area, and the results are contained in the table below.

72 Coast Path Overlooking Oxwich Bay Gower AONB Management Plan

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

982 lengths of public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways, and byways) majority of which are footpaths. Only 2 byways. Total length=383 Km.

A sample survey carried out in November 2005, using criteria set by the Audit Commission, and covering the whole of the City & County of Swansea identified 52.8% of the rights of way in the AONB as useable and accessible. Useable was defined as a route, which was free from obstructions such as fences, overgrowth or otherwise impassable. Accessible routes were those which were signposted or waymarked.

Provide extensive public access to the coast and countryside. Many are bounded lanes and historical routes. Important resource for the tourist industry. Landscape features.

Positive: Adequate level of maintenance, path improvement work, promotion and interpretation Positive and Negative: Level and nature of use and associated level of maintenance. Negative: Undergrowth, natural or manmade erosion, obstructions, scrambler bikes, off-road four wheel drive vehicles, under-funding.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

City & County of Swansea Audit Commission Survey

City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

74 Gower AONB Management Plan

Access Land 2.55 One of the significant features of Gower is the amount of land to which the public has a legal right of access. This consists of common land in the former County Borough of Swansea (pre- 1st April 1974); common land on which there is a deed of access; land owned by the City & County of Swansea to which the public have access; National Trust Wales land; and Forestry Commission land. In total, this amounts to 2,470 hectares or 12% of the AONB. In addition, there is also access land as defined by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act), and which came into effect in May 2005. This is shown on new Ordnance Survey maps and the CCW website.

Cefyn Bryn Common

75 Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

1 Areas of common land with public right of access (urban or deed of access). Area = 432 ha. 2.3% of the AONB. Village greens = 6ha. City & County of Swansea land (excluding Local Nature Reserves) = 191 ha. 1% of the AONB. 27 areas of National Trust Wales land. Area = 2,226 ha. 11.8% of the AONB. Forestry Commission land (2 sites Parkwood 164 ha & Millwood 126 ha. Hectares) Area = 290 ha. Total access land listed above = 3,145 ha.16.7% of AONB. (Total area of common land=5,271 ha.)

Most is actively grazed, except woodland. City & County of Swansea, National Trust Wales and Forestry Commission actively manage their land for recreation and nature conservation.

Represents a significant area of the AONB. Will be considerably increased with addition of land identified as access land under the CRoW Act.

Positive: Appropriate management and information provision,, and grazing by commoners animals. Negative: Inappropriate or excessive recreational use, litter, grazing level and extent, uncontrolled burning on common land and motor vehicles driving off road.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : ACCESS LAND

Gower AONB Management Plan

City & County of Swansea National Trust Wales Forestry Commission

DATA SOURCE

77 Gower AONB Management Plan

Pennard Valley And Oxwich Bay

78 Sunset At Rhossil Gower AONB Management Plan

Beaches 2.56 A major feature of the AONB is the number of sandy beaches both as a recreation resource; landscape feature and a nature conservation habitat (see paragraphs 2.4 above). Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sandy beaches are one of the main attractions for visitors to the area, and therefore a significant resource supporting the tourism industry. Several of the beaches have either Blue Flag Awards or Green Coast Awards. Blue Flag Awards are given to beaches, which meet EU standards of water quality and provide a minimum range and quality of beach facilities such as public toilets, lifeguards, and safety information. The Green Coast Award scheme has been used in Wales for more rural beaches where it is not always possible or appropriate to provide the same range of facilities as the Blue Flag beaches but still have to have water quality and a range of facilities of set standard. Four beaches were given Blue Flag Awards in 2005, and five were given Green Coast status. 2005 over 3.5 million visitors came to Swansea, spending around ÂŁ238m. and supporting over 4,500 jobs.

Rhossili Bay

79 Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

16 main beaches, plus a number of smaller coves and inlets. All except one are located on the south or west coast.

Variable the more rural beaches suffer less from visitor litter but more from sea borne litter.

Sandy beaches are important for recreation health, well-being, and a landscape feature of the AONB and often used to promote the image of the AONB market the area for tourism. In addition, they are an important marine habitat. ( Four Blue Flag and 5Green Coast Award beaches in 2005).

Positive: Improvements to water quality associated with new sewage treatment works in Swansea and Llanelli. Positive & Negative: Access and recreational use. Negative: Loss of sand from sandy beaches on south coast. Reasons unclear whether natural causes or offshore dredging, climate change water pollution especially sewage and oil, sea borne litter.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/

NAME OF RESOURCE : BEACHES

Gower AONB Management Plan

City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

Chapter 3 - Activities and Pressures

3.1 In Chapter 2 the special qualities of the AONB were identified under four main themes. The tables in each section summarised the activities and pressures affecting each special quality. This Chapter describes a broader picture of the AONB, and how these activities and pressures might change over the next 20 years. It follows the concept of a ‘state, pressure, response’ model. 3.2 Activities and pressures reflect the social and economic aspects of the AONB. The principle of sustainable development recognises the inter-relationship and interdependency between these two aspects and the environment. 3.3 Activities and pressures can be categorised under the following headings which are each amplified further, below: Primary industries • Agriculture • Timber & forestry • Fishing • Minerals Tourism Transport Utilities and communications Development and Off-shore activities Housing, Community Facilities and Local Services Climate Change

Primary Industries Agriculture 3.4 Agriculture is one of the main traditional economic activities in the AONB and has the biggest single role to play in safeguarding its landscape and special qualities. A combination of an agreeable climate and relatively good soils has enabled agriculture to thrive. A significant amount of the enclosed farmland in the AONB is grade 1 or 2. Traditionally farming has focussed on rearing livestock (mainly cattle and sheep), and horticulture for the local markets. 3.5 The farms on Gower tend to be small to medium sized, and some operate on a part-time basis. Many have diversified into tourism and/or the production of goods for sale through farm shops. For example, most of the caravan sites on Gower are on farms, some of which are still working farms. Other farmers work part- as contractors providing services to other farmers or undertaking work for various organisations. For example, the Council makes use of some of these Gower AONB Management Plan

contractors to undertake rights of way maintenance work. In addition, some South Gower farms have pick your own fruit or vegetable sites, as well as caravan or campsites. 3.6 Like elsewhere farming in Gower has been affected by the general decline in prices for agricultural products, the growth in the large multiples, and changing shopping habits. Although, it appears to have fared better than some areas in recent times, as it is not dependent on those sectors with depressed prices such as dairy or pig farming. Agri-environment schemes such as Tir Cymen (Gower was part of a pilot area), and more recently Tir Gofal and Tir Cynnal have assisted farmers in promoting bio-diversity and woodland management on their farms. Other initiatives such as the Gower Commons Initiative have helped to encourage more grazing on common land, thereby enhancing its bio-diversity, and also its appearance by the removal of scrub and bracken and the creation of firebreaks. 3.7 Agriculture can have a positive impact on the landscape and bio-diversity by using methods of cultivation, which leave field margins for wildlife, for example. In contrast, the use of pesticides can have the negative impact. Pesticides are used on arable land and as Gower has a limited amount of it, the impact of this management practice on wildlife has not been as great as in the eastern parts of England, for example, where arable land is dominant, though pesticides are used on some of Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commons. Similarly, Gower has for the most part retained its pattern of small to medium sized fields bounded by hedges and traditional stone walls/banks since it has not been subject to the demands of more intensive production and amalgamation of fields associated with arable farming. As mentioned in the previous chapter, the use of plastic sheeting to cover vegetables and warm the soil, as well as the rise in horticulture can have an adverse effect on the landscape. 3.8 One activity that seems to have increased in recent times within the AONB is the lifting of pasture for turf. Clearly this initially leaves a barren landscape and a loss of habitat for wildlife. However, any changes to uncultivated or semi-cultivated land which may cause soil erosion or loss of soil structure over time now require an Environmental Impact Assessment. The extent of such activity needs to be monitored.

82 Gower AONB Management Plan

3.9 It is difficult to predict the future for farming in Gower. In the short-term, changes in the EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) which come into effect in 2005 may be beneficial to Gower. The CAP reforms will result in a move away from production subsidies to single farm payments and greater support for less intensive production and agri-environment schemes. There will also be a requirement on 3.10 farmers to have cross compliance on a range of statutory management practices relating to the environment, public, plant, and animal health, and for animal welfare. Farmers will also have to maintain cross compliance to keep land in good agricultural and environmental condition. The reforms should certainly help farmers to conserve and enhance landscape features and bio-diversity, by retaining field margins and hedgerows for example, and to manage land well and keep soils in good condition. Defra has predicted that through CAP reform there will be an overall net benefit of â&#x201A;Ź06-0.8 million to UK agriculture, but a reduction of between 3-7% in agricultural employment21. How this will translate at the local level on Gower has yet to be seen and further data on agricultural demographics is needed.

Livestock Farming

83 21

Defra Economic and Statistics Directorate - May 2004

Gower AONB Management Plan

3.11 Organic farming, which aims to deliver quality food in a socially and economically sustainable way based on ecologically sound principles, is being encouraged by the Welsh Assembly Government through the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Second Organic Action Plan for Wales 2005-201013. The aim across Wales is, through financial support, to encourage an increase of land under organic production, from the current 4% to 10-15% by 2010. The Plan recognises that the original target set in the first plan of 10% by 2005 may be hard to achieve. It identifies that the key to achieving the 2010 target lies in raising public awareness. Gower with its historical role of supplying fruit and vegetables to local markets as well as its proximity to a large urban population has the potential to capitalise on the growth in organic food production, providing it can meet the demands of the local and farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s markets where the majority of organic produce is sold. 3.12 Throughout the AONB, there are significant tracts of common land, including the North Gower salt marshes, many of which are grazed by cattle and sheep, and to a lesser extent by ponies. 3.13 Common land forms an important part of the special qualities of the AONB from a landscape and bio-diversity point of view and many farms on Gower rely on having access to common land as part of their operations. The maintenance and enhancement of grazing will be crucial to achieving the conservation of this feature as the commons have suffered from under-grazing because traditional practices have altered and pressures from traffic travelling across the commons have combing to increase the risk of car/livestock accidents. Since 2000, the Gower Commons Initiative has achieved a great deal by the removal of bracken and scrub coupled with the installation of cattle grids to contain animals on the commons. Investigations are currently underway into the feasibility of introducing a blanket 40 m.p.h. speed limit on roads across certain commons in Gower. The Initiative is a partnership project. Initially, it depended heavily on the Heritage Lottery Fund, and forms part of the Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heathland Heritage programme, which is targeted at lowland heathland as an important UK habitat. While the HLF funding has come to an end, the project has been successful in obtaining additional funding under the Life in Common banner. The continuation of such initiatives will be crucial for the future of the commons and will need to be supported.

Second Organic Action Plan for Wales 2005-2010 published by the Agri-Food Partnership on behalf of the Welsh Development Agency 2004.

Gower AONB Management Plan

Bracken Rolling 3.14 Currently there are relatively few full-time farmers, and as elsewhere the average age is increasing as less young people enter farming. In the future it is expected that this trend will continue, but may be at a slower rate as the potential benefits of Common Agricultural Policy reform take effect. The likely impact of CAP reform, both positive and negative, on the AONB and its special qualities are difficult to determine at this moment in time as the precise impacts will depend on how farming communities respond to the changes. DEFRA commissioned GFA-RACE Partners to assess possible impacts for England and their report14 outlines a number of impacts which could, in time, apply equally to Gower. At the same time, opportunities for farm diversification may help buffer Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farms from the structural changes which are taking place and thereby ensure that the positive land management practices which protect Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape and special qualities continue. To this end the Council has been reviewing the existing Article 4 direction as part of the concurrent Unitary Development Plan (UDP) process.

The Potential Environmental Impacts of the CAP Reform Agreement, GFA-RACE Partners Ltd., for DEFRA, December 2003

Gower AONB Management Plan

3.15 Affordable housing and incentives will also be needed to enable young farmers and farm workers/contractors live locally. The growth of horse riding and stables, and the use of farmland for grazing horses near the larger villages on the edge of the AONB are expected to continue giving more fields a paddock-like appearance. In turn this is likely to keep land values higher than their normal agricultural value. The sites being used in this way are also coinciding with the location of some the best quality land in the AONB. At the same time, monoculture and horticulture are increasing and consequently having an impact on field patterns and the wider landscape. 3.16 Sustaining the viability of farm units on Gower is a major consideration in safeguarding the special qualities and this management plan will play a vital role in informing other key Council documents such as the UDP referred to above, the emerging Tourism and the Economic Regeneration strategies. Timber and Forestry 3.17 More farm woodland may be brought into active management with the help of organisations such as Coed Cymru. The conversion of small diameter timber into useful products on the farms, by the use of mobile sawmills, is becoming increasingly viable. Other possible outlets include timber for charcoal, and for the local craft industry. 3.18 The timber industry in Gower is small, with a handful of growers, and one static sawmill at Cilibion, and several mobile sawmills. There are several woodland management contractors and a charcoal producer. The Penrice Estate has some large areas of woodland, and the Forestry Commission Wales manages two sites: Parkwood and Millwood. The former is a mixed wood plantation with some broad leaves dating back 150 years, whereas the latter is predominantly a coniferous plantation. Much of Gowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woodlands though are owned privately or by conservation bodies such as the National Trust Wales, South and West Wales Wildlife Trust, or the Woodland Trust. 3.19 In recent years, the management of private or charitably owned farm woodland has been encouraged through woodland grant schemes while the Forestry Commission sites have been increasingly managed for multiple and community use, with informal recreation being encouraged, as a result of the policies in Woodlands for Wales15.

86 15

Woodlands for Wales published by the WAG JUly 2001

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3.20 Gower’s woodlands form predominantly small blocks dispersed throughout the landscape between fields and commons and the peninsula is particularly noted for its alder and ash woodlands. There are five such sites, and these are recognised as being some of the best sites in the UK. They are of European importance for their bio-diversity as well as being important landscape features and have been awarded Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designation. 3.21 The woodlands make a significant contribution to the appearance and character of the landscape. Management techniques, which adopt a continuous cover approach, relying on small scale felling replanting and regeneration can help to maintain healthy and attractive woodland. This is the approach advocated by Coed Cymru and the Forestry Commission linked to woodland grant schemes. 3.22 With a future emphasis on agri-environment schemes, and the Forestry Commission committed to managing woodlands for community use in a sustainable way, the future for Gower’s woodlands looks promising. Many of Gower’s woodlands would benefit from more active management and, with appropriate felling, thinning, and replanting, this would improve their condition as well as providing economic activity. In some locations a reduction of conifers and their replacement with broad- leafed species would be beneficial and would result in more bio-diverse woodland. Fishing 3.23 There is some commercial fishing around the coast of Gower by a small fleet based near the Tawe Barrage in Swansea. There are also several lobster boats based at Oxwich. Mussel gathering takes place off Whiteford Bay and in Swansea Bay, and commercial fishermen from outside the area catch crabs. Cockle fishing is traditional along the north coast in the Burry Inlet and Loughor estuary and is still carried out by hand. Angling is probably more economically significant, and is carried out by individuals from the shore and from charter boats, several of which are based near the Tawe Barrage. 3.24 Fishing employs relatively few people including those in the cockle processing works near Penclawdd (which is outside the AONB). In 2001/02 cockle gathering and processing in the Burry Inlet was badly affected by an outbreak of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning which resulted in all activity being suspended for a period of year. Longer term, changes in water quality, through improved sewage treatment, and global warming may also have an impact.

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Minerals 3.25 Traditionally limestone was quarried on a small scale on farms in Gower to provide raw materials for the manufacture of lime and for buildings. One of the larger quarries was at Pwlldu Bay, stone from which was exported to north Devon by sea. Barlands Quarry at Kittle was the last working quarry in the AONB, and this ceased operation several years ago though the site has an existing planning consent and could be reactivated under the terms of that consent. On the north eastern edge of the AONB coal was mined in the Crofty and Penclawdd areas until the 1930’s, but little trace of the associated works is now visible apart from mineshafts which occasionally appear on Llanrhidian marsh. 3.26 Dredging sand for use in the construction industry has long been practised at various sites in the Bristol Channel, including Helwick Bank, which lies to the south of Port Eynon. Between 1964 and 1999 a total of 1,265,241 tonnes was extracted. Licensing through the Welsh Assembly Government on behalf of the Crown Estate regulates sand extraction. The Welsh Assembly Government is currently considering an application to extend the existing licence to enable up to 300,000 tonnes to be extracted per annum. In October 2003 it gave consent for the existing licence period to be extended for another two years with an annual limit of 107,000 tonnes to be extracted. Another application is currently under consideration for the Nobel Bank, which lies further to the south and west of Gower. This application is for the extraction of up to 300,000 tonnes per annum over 15 years. 3.27 The Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned studies which have assessed sediment movements in the Bristol Channel, and alternative sources of supply of sand from sites on land. No sites were identified in the AONB. However, the first study said that the evidence of the effect of dredging on the coast of the AONB was inconclusive. In 2001 the Welsh Assembly Government published a consultation document- Marine Aggregates Dredging Policy (South Wales). Its objective is “to develop strategic level policy that enables objective and transparent decisions to be taken about the most appropriate locations for dredging marine aggregates in Welsh waters of the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and River Severn.” This will provide the policy context for consideration of dredging licence applications.

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Tourism 3.28 Tourism and recreation has been a key part of Gower’s economy since the 1930’s. While tourism and recreation trends have changed over the years, pressures on the other economic sectors and the growth in more active lifestyles have both meant that tourism and recreation have become increasingly important in supporting the local economy of the AONB. The 2003 tourist bedspace survey for South and West Wales16 revealed 138 establishments and 20,790 bedspaces in the SA3 7 postcode area, which in area is approximately the same as the AONB. The majority of this accommodation is in self-catering properties and particularly caravan and campsites. In 2005 3.5 million17 visitors came to Swansea, most of whom would have visited the AONB. Their associated spend is estimated at around £238m for the year and this is estimated to have supported 4,700 jobs. Although it is impossible to know how many of these jobs are in Gower, information from the Office of National Statistics suggests a figure of about 60018. 3.29 Gower is also an important day visitor destination and is cherished by people living locally as a place to visit in the off-season and on bank holiday weekends. The tourism industry is supported by a variety of infrastructure such as roads, signage, car parks and public toilets. During the summer season and on bank holidays these can be put under pressure by the number of holiday makers and day visitors. 3.30 A wide range of recreational pursuits take place in Gower, many of which are linked with its special qualities, and especially associated with the sea (e.g. surfing, swimming, diving, fishing, boating and canoeing). Land based activities include walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing, hang-gliding, and caving are popular, as well as less active pursuits such as bird watching, archaeology, and visiting historic sites. Golf is a major activity and four 18 hole courses lie within the AONB (Langland, Clyne, Fairwood, and Pennard), with a further 18 hole course (Gower) located in Three Crosses just on the edge of the AONB boundary. The natural beauty of Gower is the main reason for tourists visiting the area. In the 2001 visitor survey19, natural beauty and tranquillity were identified as the main reasons behind visits. Interpretation off and on site can add to visitors’ enjoyment, understanding and appreciation. The general absence of indoor tourist attractions is a recurring theme, although there are some successful existing attractions (Gower Heritage Centre and Perriswood Archery Centre for example).

Survey by South West Wales Regional Tourism Partnership 2003 City and County of Swansea STEAM 18 2001 Census 19 Gower Visitor Survey 2001 prepared for the City and County of Swansea by Market Research Wales and published in December 2001 17

Gower AONB Management Plan

3.31 As an activity, tourism has an environmental impact. For example, the growth of static caravan sites, traffic congestion at peak times, and erosion of popular footpaths all have an impact on the natural beauty and special qualities. As a consequence, tourism and recreation developments need to be carefully managed in order to protect the very assets which attract people to Gower and which define its character and shape its landscape. Indeed in the 2001 visitor survey, visitor pressure was cited as the greatest threat to Gower, followed by sand erosion, and air pollution (e.g. from vehicle exhaust fumes). 3.32 Recent trends suggest a continuing increase in the number of tourists to Wales from within the UK, and a faster increase in visitors from overseas. Gower’s attractive and distinctive natural and built environment lends itself to the promotion of tourism based on outdoor activities. The current City & County of Swansea marketing plan identifies this as a growth sector locally and nationally and the current Visit Wales (formerly the Wales Tourist Board) marketing campaign is also linked to it. 3.33 The impact on the AONB in terms of noise, pollution, and erosion will not only depend on the rate of growth in tourism, but also on the dispersion of visitors. At peak times there may not be enough accommodation, roads may suffer from congestion and car parks can become full. If for example, more visitors were encouraged to come in spring and late summer or autumn through activity-based or cultural tourism and if this was partly offset by a reduction in numbers in the peak season, then traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution would be eased. Such a shift in visitor patterns could be coupled with approaches to disperse visitors to the less frequented parts of Gower and the surrounding areas. The Gower Way long distance path is a good example of just such an initiative. The South West Wales Regional Tourism Strategy “Open All Year”21 and the Wales Tourist Board’s “Achieving Our Potential”22 both advocate trying to spread visitor pressures throughout the year. 3.34 Whilst the growth in the tourist industry will benefit the local economy, this has to be carefully balanced against the potential negative impact on the environment and its special qualities. An approach based on the principles of sustainable tourism would address this where tourism and recreational activities take place without damaging the natural environment that underpins them while at the same time supporting local economic enterprises and communities. One definition is ‘sustainable tourism in its purest sense, is an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism, which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive’.

21 22

Open All Year, South West Wales Regional Tourism Strategy, 2004 Achieving Our Potential, Welsh Tourist Board, 2000

Gower AONB Management Plan

3.35 Like many rural areas, Gower suffers from some nuisance and illegal activities. These tend to be confined to localised sites and encompass common problems such as fly-tipping, wild-camping, barbeque parties, and opportunistic car parking. Off-roading in 4X4 vehicles and motorbikes is a problem on Cefn Bryn and there have been issues in the past with mountain bikers using the coastal path and doing damage to some of iron-age earthwork sites, particularly the site on Llangennith Hill. Sea borne debris and litter on the beaches is a regular problem and organisations such as the National Trust Wales organise regular beach cleaning events. Transport 3.36 Travel by car is the most popular mode of transport for residents and visitors alike. Some of the routes to the more popular beaches become congested at peak times with the attendant noise and pollution from vehicles. Traffic counter figures suggest a slower increase in volumes in recent times than the national average. There is a variety of car parks serving the most popular coastal destinations, several of which are owned by the Council. The majority however are privately owned and run. Car parks nearest to Swansea, such as Bracelet Bay, Langland Bay and Caswell Bay tend to get full at peak periods. 3.37 For the foreseeable future, the car is likely to continue to be the main means of transport in Gower. Traffic growth will to some extent be limited by the capacity of the road network and the fact that Gower, being a peninsula, does not have any through routes. At the same time limited car park capacity at the popular destinations, more active lifestyles, and the need to address global warming are all likely to be influencing factors. In the 1970s a traffic management system for car parks was in operation using roadside information boards on the main approach roads to Gower. It was updated manually at regular intervals stating which car parks were full. This was reasonably successful but was dependent on regular and accurate updates from staff at the car parks. It may be worth reviewing this idea but using an automated system. In the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Gower Sustainable Transport Project (formerly the Gower Transport Initiative) examined ways of encouraging the use of alternative means of transport to the car for recreational trips. It proposed several pilot schemes including a circular bus service geared to walkers and cyclists, traffic calming on routes across common land, and the promotion of a lightly trafficked route on road for cyclists on North Gower. The bus service is in operation on Sundays as part of the Gower Explorer bus network, and the cycle route has been completed accompanied by a leaflet and signing. It is linked to the Celtic Trail (Route 4 of the national cycle network) at Dunvant and Gowerton, and will eventually follow an off-road route between Llanmorlais and Gowerton, part of which has already been constructed.

Gower AONB Management Plan

3.38 Generally, Gower roads are not well suited to cycling other than by keen cyclists, as they are hilly and narrow in many places. Although mountain biking is generally a popular activity much of the AONB is not used as the off road routes are not continuous. 3.39 There is a public right of way network of 383 Kilometres, which consists mainly of footpaths. Traditionally these were used for travel between villages on foot or horseback. Now they are mainly used for recreational purposes, for walking, cycling, and horse riding. A number of the routes are bounded by old walls and traditional hedge banks, or are sunken lanes, with their own character. Several paths retain traditional or unusual features such as stone stiles, old signposts, and stone bridges. The Gower Way, referred to earlier, is the only long distance path within the AONB although there are numerous guidebooks featuring Gower walks and the south Gower coast is particularly well promoted. 3.40 There are no railway routes in the AONB. The nearest railway station is at Gowerton, northeast of the AONB. Information is provided there on bus links. 3.41 Swansea airport on Fairwood Common lies on the eastern side of the AONB. In recent years its facilities have been upgraded, and Air Wales was based there from 1999 until October 2004, and provided passenger services to other parts of the UK and to short-haul European destinations. 3.42 In the current highly competitive air travel market, it is difficult to foresee how air traffic will change in the future. The withdrawal of the Air Wales services suggests the airport is not viable as a UK/Short-haul gateway and the airport runways are not long enough to accommodate large aircraft. Their capacity could only be increased by extending them onto Fairwood Common. This is a Special Area of Conservation and as such it is not realistic to envisage any development of this nature going ahead given the damage to habitat that would occur. 3.43 Highways signs and infrastructure can impact upon the character of the AONB and its special qualities. Feedback via the Gower Countryside Forum shows that Gower residents are sensitive to such works and to the need also to review speed limits, especially on roads crossing the commons. Interpretation signs are needed to guide and inform visitors about the AONB and an Interpretation Strategy has been produced to assist this.

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Utilities and Communications 3.44 Most of the equipment used by utility companies, such as at water supply reservoirs at sewage works, and electricity transmission equipment, is small and not generally visually intrusive. Utility companies are bound by S.85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to have regard to the objectives for AONBs (i.e. the need to conserve and enhance the natural beauty) when carrying out their functions. Much of their work also requires planning consent. 3.45 The growth in mobile phones and the provision of digital radio communications (TETRA) for the police has resulted in the construction of a number of masts in the AONB, many of which have been contentious. A joint accord exists between the Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Association of National Parks, and the Mobile Phone Operators Association. The accord recognises the operatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; obligations to protect the special qualities of AONBs and National Parks, and at the same time the other associations recognise the obligations on the operators to provide as consistent a service as possible in all parts of the countryside including protected areas. 3.46 In the future there is unlikely to be the need for additional utility infrastructure as planning policy restricts any significant growth in population or development of additional tourist accommodation or attractions. Mobile phone technology is moving towards a greater use of satellites and therefore some of the existing masts may become redundant.

Climate Change 3.47 Climate change has been widely accepted as an environmental phenomenon which will have an impact on all areas of the built and natural environment of Wales within the next 50 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By the 2050s, typical spring temperatures may occur between one and three weeks earlier than at present and the onset of present winter temperatures may be delayed by between one and three weeks. This is likely to lead to a lengthening of the thermal growing season for plants. The amount of heating and cooling required in buildings will also change.24 3.48 It should be noted that much of the climate change over the next 30 to 40 years has already been determined by historic emissions and because of inertia in the climate system. Consequently we are likely to have to adapt to some degree of climate change however much future emissions are reduced.

93 24

Climate Change Scenarios for the UK : UKCIP02 Scientific Report

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3.49 The impacts of sea level rise coupled with an increase in storm severity will serve to alter the coastline through such mechanisms as increased erosion and flooding. The likely impact of increased weather activity may be seen through increased rates of sediment transfer and flood damage and erosion. The area of Gower that will potentially experience the greatest threat from these pressures will be the sensitive estuarine environment of North Gower. In seeking to develop an effective strategy for dealing with the pressures of environmental change the management plan will where appropriate defer to the Shoreline Management Plans developed by the relevant body. The principles for managing coastal zone issues follow broadly the following decision making hierarchy: • • • •

Do nothing Hold the existing line Advance the existing line Retreat

3.50 The predicted impacts of climate change will also lead to more frequent incidences of temperature extremes which may, over time, result in altered growing seasons and changes to what crops/produce can be successfully grown on Gower. There may also be an impact on the lifecycle of indigenous species across all forms of biodiversity and increased stress placed upon existing native species and local habitats. 3.51 The management of this change process is integral to the purpose of the AONB unit and in conjunction with our partner organisations we will monitor, manage and mitigate where possible the impacts of climate change in order that the special qualities are where possible preserved. Offshore activities 3.52 Offshore development can have an impact on the landscape and seascape of an AONB, although it is outside the control of local planning authorities as their remit only extends to the mean low water level. Territorial waters extend to up 12 miles out to sea and are regulated by the Crown estate on behalf of central government. Dredging for sand and proposals for offshore wind turbines are the two main activities which have a potential impact on Gower. Dredging has already been mentioned under the minerals heading.

3.53 The Welsh Assembly Government has recently given consent following a planning inquiry for a set of offshore wind turbines on the Scarweather Sands east of Porthcawl. The turbine towers, if built, will be 125 metres high and will be clearly visible from the south eastern part of the AONB.

Gower AONB Management Plan

3.54 The search for non-fossil fuel sources of energy may well result in other sites closer to the AONB being identified. Outline proposals have already being made for twin tidal lagoons in Swansea Bay offshore from Swansea Docks. On the 2nd August 2004 the UK government announced a £50 million fund to help ensure the UK is a world leader in harnessing wave and tidal stream power as a potential source of renewable energy. This could result in the resurrection of schemes such as a barrage across the Loughor Estuary, or for the Bristol Channel upstream of Swansea Bay. There may be impacts on the AONB if any such schemes come to fruition, but these will depend on their design, function, and location. Development 3.55 Most changes in land use require planning permission, and therefore are regulated by planning policies. These are contained in the Unitary Development Plan and supporting guidance. The emphasis of existing policies is that development in the AONB should be controlled so as not to prejudice the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and historic built environment of the AONB. These allow for small-scale housing developments, for example, of a scale and design in keeping with the existing setting. A recent example is at Llangennith. The purpose of the policies is to ensure that development within the AONB is of a type, scale, and quality which complements the special qualities and strengthens the landscape. 3.56 There is less control over agricultural buildings, which can, because of their size, materials and siting have a significant impact on the landscape. 3.57 Future changes in agriculture will affect the demand for new buildings and the conversion of others to non-agricultural uses. Barn conversions to houses and adaptation of other buildings for holiday accommodation are typical recent examples. However, the loss of such accommodation now has to be justified under the Welsh Assembly Government’s Technical Advice Note on Design – TAN(W) 12. 3.58 Design guidance for the AONB is needed to help guide new developments, reinforce existing vernacular architecture and village character and prevent inappropriate development which would otherwise detract from the AONB’s special qualities.

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Housing 3.59 The pattern of settlements and the design of individual buildings and the space between them contribute to the appearance of the landscape and its evolution over time. Dwellings form a significant part of this scene, and are essential for those working in the countryside. 3.60 The draft Unitary Development Plan (U.D.P.) has identified 23 ‘small villages’ where it is proposed that small-scale residential development (and non-residential) would be supported subject to certain criteria. One ‘large village’ has been identified in the AONB – Pennard/Southgate – where new housing will be allowed in small infill plots. 3.61 An issue in many rural areas including Gower is the need for affordable housing for local people, particularly with the recent rise in house prices. Until relatively recently, most Gower villages had Council houses for rent to meet these needs, and were often for people working locally in agriculture. However, this stock of houses for rent has been reduced as a result of the tenants’ right to buy legislation, without houses being replaced. The availability of affordable housing for rent or to buy is important in helping to maintain communities and ensure there is a balance across age groups, so that villages do not become dominated by wealthy or retired people. This is recognised in the U.D.P., and a site at Scurlage has been identified for this purpose. Community Facilities and Local Services 3.62 Most of the larger villages in the AONB have some community facilities such as a church, village hall or a pub. Community facilities and services are important for the well-being of residents living in the AONB. Several village halls are in need of repair or refurbishment and play facilities (indoor or out) are limited. The provision of doctors and dentists is sparse with Scurlage medical centre providing the focus for west Gower, and Pennard surgery for east Gower. Villages just outside the AONB such as Bishopston and Penclawdd also possess these facilities. Sub post offices are also more limited and their futures are uncertain with the current Royal Mail review that is underway. 3.63 Most villages have at least one shop, but this is a situation that is threatened by increasing numbers of people shopping at larger shops and supermarkets outside the AONB, and with the advent of home delivery services from these to villages in the AONB.

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3.64 There are four primary schools in the AONB, and these are feeder schools for the two comprehensive schools at Gowerton or Bishopston. In addition to their educational function, these schools also provide a venue for community activities, such as non-vocational further education classes and community meetings. Bishopston Comprehensive does not have a sixth form so post 16 pupils have to travel to Swansea or Gorseinon to attend colleges there. There is also a public preparatory school at Clyne (Craig y Nos) which takes pupils from outside the AONB as well. Despite the general pressures facing education services in Swansea and elsewhere, there are currently no proposals to close any of the primary schools on Gower. 3.65 In terms of recreational facilities, there are two gyms within the AONB, one at Llangennith and the other at the Langrove Health Club. There are two swimming pools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one at Scurlage run as part of the Gower Holiday Village and the other in Pennard which is a small pool attached to the Primary School. The Gower Holiday Village also operates the South Gower Sports Club which offers a range of activities to residents and non-residents. There are two libraries in the AONB (one in Mumbles and the other in Pennard) but Gower is also served by a mobile library service for those that cannot access these locations.

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Chapter 4 Public Perception

4.1 In accordance with CCW guidance, the management plan utilises a resourcebased approach identifying the special qualities, and human interaction with them. Public perception of protected landscapes can have an influence on how landscapes are managed. This section draws on information from a visitor survey undertaken in 200125, and sample surveys of local residents in 2000, 200226, and 2005. SURVEYS 2001 Visitor Survey 4.2 It is estimated that Gower receives over 2.5 million visitors per annum, both day and staying visitors. In 2001, the City & County of Swansea commissioned a visitor survey, which was carried out by Market Research Wales (see Appendix 6). 400 visitors were interviewed in the summer and autumn of 2001. 4.3 Although the focus of the survey was on perceptions of common land in Gower, several questions were particularly relevant to the AONB’s wider special qualities. 4.4 People were asked about their frequency of visit to four different types of locations: beaches, coastal countryside, inland countryside, and tourist attractions. The natural environment came out strongly, with, not surprisingly the beaches and coastal countryside, being the most visited locations. 4.5 Respondents were also asked about the most valued aspects of Gower and beauty, peace and quiet, and the atmosphere stood out as the most important. 4.6 Visitors were asked what they thought were the most important features on Gower. Of the 17 categories 74% said the ‘general beauty of the place’, 69% ‘the beaches generally’, 61% ‘the countryside, and 52% ‘the proximity of the beaches to the countryside’. AONB was next with 31%. Archaeology and SSSI were rated by less than 10% of respondents.

Gower Visitor Survey 2001 prepared for the City and County of Swansea by Market Research Wales and published in December 2001. 26 Swansea Voices – surveys carried out for the City & County of Swansea by Opinion Research Services, Swansea, March 2000 and April 2002. 27 Gower Today 2001 survey for Gower Commons Initiative by Opinion Research Services, Swansea.

Gower AONB Management Plan

4.7 Visitors were also asked what they perceived as the greatest threat to the Gower landscape and wildlife. 39% of people said visitor pressure, 11% sand erosion, and the rest of the threats were identified by less than 10%. 26% of people did not give answer. Interestingly the view expressed by several people at the workshop held in December 2002 was that visitor pressure had declined in recent years. However, it may be that the season is extending at the same time. The visitor survey confirmed expectations in that the beaches and the coast are a major draw for visitors. Awareness of AONB was perhaps higher than anticipated, although it may reflect the marketing and promotion, which regularly states that Gower was the UK’s first AONB. There is clearly a limited knowledge of, and interest in, the inland countryside, and the archaeological heritage of Gower. Swansea Voices 4.8 Swansea Voices – the City & County of Swansea’s citizens panel – is another source of public perception about the countryside and landscape although not specifically about the AONB. The Panel consists of approximately 1,200 people at any one time and is chosen at random from all the households in the City & County of Swansea. Panel members are sent questionnaires quarterly. 4.9 In the April 2000 survey, the Panel were asked for their views on three key themes: protection (from development) and management of the countryside; protection and promotion of the diversity of habitats and wildlife; and the protection of historic landscapes, buildings and settlements. In all three categories over 70% of respondents supported policies to achieve these objectives, and this suggests that residents value their natural environment and built heritage. 4.10 Another survey using Swansea Voices in March 2002 included questions about the importance of the natural environment to people’s quality of life. 83% rated it as very important. Other questions were about frequency of visits, by local residents, to areas including the coast and countryside. Many people visited the beaches and coastal cliffs at least several times a year. Going for a walk was easily the most popular activity (88% of people). South and North Gower were clearly the most popular destinations, followed by West Swansea, which abuts the AONB. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that these perceptions broadly reflect opinions of Gower. 4.11 Overall, it would appear from these surveys, that the public holds the AONB in high regard for its special landscape.

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Gower Today 2005 Survey 4.12 The results of the Gower Today 2005 survey, mentioned earlier, make for interesting reading regarding the respondents perceptions of Gower and in particular the AONB. It was identified that 98% of those that responded were aware that Gower had been awarded AONB status. Throughout the survey, the unique character and landscape proved a recurring theme in the answers submitted. The three things identified on Gower, which residents most valued, were natural beauty, followed by beaches, and peace and quite with the open landscapes also being mentioned as significant. 4.13 The distinctiveness of Gower could in the main, it was felt, be attributed to the beaches, cliffs and commons all of which are key elements of the special qualities identified during the AONB designation process. The built environment, including villages, historic buildings and ancient monuments was mentioned by just over one third of respondents and this reflects the fact that there are over one hundred listed buildings and 17 Conservation Areas on Gower including many of the village centres. 4.14 The majority of responses indicated that agriculture has played a large role in creating the landscape as we see it today and that this activity was quite closely linked with conservation issues that predominate today such as, wildlife protection, landscape conservation and preservation of the local character. 4.15 Given the responses identified it is of little surprise that 98% of respondents felt that the landscape of the AONB had an important impact upon their quality of life. One third of the people questioned felt that there had been a deterioration in the quality of the natural environment over the last decade and consequently it would be reasonable to assume that these individuals had experienced a decline in their quality of life. The remainder of the sample felt that in the main there had been little change in the natural environment over the preceding decade with around 15% indicating that there had been a number of improvements.

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Chapter 5 The Overall Vision

5.1 The Vision aims to express the desirable condition of the AONB in 20 years time. It would be useful to reflect on the changes in the national vision for AONBs since their inception. 5.2 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were designated under Section 87 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. They were identified as areas of outstanding landscape quality, but generally smaller than national parks. Gower was the first one to be designated in the whole of the UK in 1956. 5.3 The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 has recently enhanced the importance of AONBs. This places new duties on public bodies to have regard to the objectives of AONBs when undertaking their functions.This is in addition to the duty on local authorities to prepare a management plan. 5.4 There is a clear expectation under the CRoW Act for local authorities to embrace the principles of sustainable development. This is further emphasised in the guidance for the preparation of AONB Management Plans published by CCW. In turn this reflects the Welsh Assembly Government’s’ duty under section 121 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 to promote sustainable development in everything it does. ‘Learning to Live Differently’ was published in 2000, was the Welsh Assembly Government’s plan for achieving this objective. 5.5 Key elements of the vision enshrined in ‘Learning to Live Differently’ included: ‘The environment being cherished and protected so that it remains healthy and biologically diverse and can continue to support us all; A self-sustaining economy which respects the environmental and social context of Wales and responds to sustainable development opportunities; Action to make our communities strong and viable and people healthier; People being enabled to play a part in decisions that affect them.’ 5.6 At a local level, therefore, it is essential that AONB management plans recognise the inter relationship between the environment, the economy and the community and achieves a balance between them.

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5.7 The overall vision for the AONB is as follows: Gower is recognised by residents and visitors as a protected landscape of international importance where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and cultural value, and with high biological diversity. Its natural beauty will be sustained by the conservation and enhancement of its natural special qualities, whilst at the same time supporting a sustainable local economy and maintaining culturally rich communities and is reflected in the quality and scale of the built environment.

View From Cefn Bryn Looking Northwest Towards Carmarthen Bay

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Chapter 6 The Strategy

6.1 The strategy consists of 14 key themes and under each one, there is a vision, policies, and objectives. The vision under each theme is based on a 20-year period. The objectives, policies, and actions in the action plan are based on a 5year period up to 2009. Theme 1 Wildlife VISION A landscape rich in wildlife and of international importance, with the key habitats of limestone grasslands, lowland, heathland, salt marshes, sand dunes, freshwater marsh and alder and ash woodlands in a good and stable condition. POLICIES W1 Conserve and enhance all existing areas of key habitats and wildlife to bring them into a favourable condition. W2 Conserve and enhance of all existing statutory designated biological sites. W3 Gain a better understanding of the condition of key habitats and wildlife at sites statutorily designated for biological reasons and other important sites.

Objective 1 To complete and implement management plans in accordance with the Swansea Local Biodiversity Action Plan for all existing areas of limestone grassland, lowland heath, salt marsh, sand dunes, freshwater and open marsh, and alder and ash woodlands by 2009, in order to bring them into a favourable condition. Objective 2 To collect survey data to assess the condition of the key habitats and associated wildlife by 2008. Objective 3 To collect survey data to assess the condition of statutory designated and other important biological sites by 2009. Objective 4 To provide information and interpretation for all existing and future statutory designated biological sites by 2009.

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Theme 2 Geology VISION A geological landscape of international importance which is understood and respected, which continues to provide opportunities for environmental education, and is protected from damaging activities. POLICY G1 Conserve and enhance of all existing statutory designated geological sites.

Objective 5 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt planning policies to conserve and enhance all existing and future statutory designated geological sites, by 2006. Objective 6 To provide information and interpretation for all existing and future statutory designated and other important geological sites by 2009.

Theme 3 Landscape and Seascape VISION A landscape, which is internationally renowned for its small scale and variety of character and which is closely related to the surrounding sea and, supports sustainable development. A landscape where the built environment is complementary to this character and where the pattern of small fields, tracts of common land, and sunken lanes remain as examples of man’s impact in evolving the landscape character. POLICIES LS1 Encourage the conservation, and enhancement of the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features of limestone cliffs, salt marshes, sand dunes, common land, wooded valleys, and small fields bounded by hedges and stone walls. LS2 Protect and enhance traditional views of the landscape, seascape, and landmark features, from inappropriate development.

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LS3 Undertake visual surveys of the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features and monitor change. LS4 Raise awareness of the importance of the AONB’s key landscape features. Gower AONB Management Plan

Objective 7 To produce management plans and schemes in conjunction with land managers, and agri-environment schemes where possible, in order to conserve and enhance these landscape features, by 2007. Objective 8 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt planning policies to conserve and enhance the landscape features, views, and landmarks identified in Objectives 9 and 10 below, by 2006. Objective 9 To identify and map the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features of limestone cliffs, salt marshes, sand dunes, common land, wooded valleys, and small fields bounded by hedges and stone walls using LANDMAP and aerial photography, by 2007. Objective 10 To identify and photograph traditional views of the landscape and seascape, and landmark features, and views of them, by 2007. Objective 11 To monitor the effects of climate change on the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features. Objective 12 To produce publicity material, which promotes the importance of the AONB’s landscape features by 2006.

Theme 4 Cultural Heritage VISION A landscape in which the rich cultural heritage, with its ancient monuments, historic landscapes, parklands, gardens, and historic buildings, is managed to a high standard in recognition of its national importance, and is interpreted to a high standard. POLICIES CH1 Conserve and enhance the main archaeological features and listed buildings and monitor change. CH2 Raise the awareness of the cultural heritage of Gower.

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Objective 13 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt planning policies to conserve and enhance the main archaeological features and listed buildings by 2006. Objective 14 To devise and implement a programme of management agreements with landowners to protect the most important archaeological and historic features in conjunction with the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust by 2009. Objective 15 To collect data on the condition of archaeological sites by 2007. Objective 16 To collect data and photographs of all listed buildings, and those at risk, by 2007. Objective 17 To raise the awareness of the cultural heritage of Gower, to help to conserve and enhance its features by providing interpretation at key sites, in conjunction with the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust by 2009. Objective 18 To engage in dialogue with the community about their cultural heritage by 2009.

Theme 5 Natural Resources VISION An environment where the air and water quality is good, and supports quiet recreation and a variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Soil quality is maintained to support more environmentally friendly agriculture. POLICIES NR1 Maintain the current level of air quality by regulatory means for the benefit of people, ecosystems and vegetation. NR2 Maintain the current level of fresh water, seawater, and air quality by regulatory means for the benefit of people and ecosystems. NR3 Conserve and enhance soil quality by resisting losses and pollution linked to the new measures in the revised Common Agricultural Policy and agri-environment schemes, and any recommendations made by relevant guides for soil improvement.

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Objective 19 To set up air quality monitoring stations in the AONB by 2007, and collect data to monitor changes. Objective 20 To continue to collect data on the quality of fresh water, and sea water at monthly intervals throughout the bathing season. Objective 21 To undertake a survey of soil quality by 2008, and identify areas most at risk from decline in quality.

Theme 6 Tranquillity VISION A landscape where tranquillity can still be enjoyed free from noise and visual intrusion. A landscape where the beauty of the starlight night sky can still be appreciated. POLICIES T1 Conserve and enhance tranquillity. T2 Promote measures to limit the increase noise levels from road traffic, aircraft, and watercraft. T3 Promote measures to reduce sky glow.

Objective 22 To undertake a local survey of noise and light pollution by 2007 and at five yearly intervals thereafter. Objective 23 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor that new development, which is likely to generate noise, is carefully assessed prior to determination, particularly in areas designated for their wildlife value. Objective 24 To prepare and publish a guide for new lighting for domestic, commercial, and industrial premises, and highways, by 2006 based on the DOE and Countryside Commission guide produced in 1997.

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Theme 7 Recreation Resources VISION A network of public rights of way which is fully open, usable and well-maintained, and has been improved to provide access for all as far as possible. Access land which is clearly identified, and is available for use, unless subject to temporary restrictions. Beaches, which are well managed for public use and meet current standards of management and criteria, including those set by award schemes. POLICIES RR1 Increase the number of public rights of way which are usable. RR2 Ensure that access land is available for public use and its availability is well publicised. RR3 Manage and maintain beaches to a high standard. RR4 Promote the recreation resource in line with the principles of sustainable tourism in conjunction with stakeholders.

Objective 25 To improve the current standard and level of maintenance of public rights of way so that 95% are open, usable and clearly signposted, by 2009. Objective 26 To identify and promote a part of the rights of way network in conjunction with access land (see Objective 27 below) for walking (including circular walks), horse riding and cycling by 2009, taking account of those people with varying abilities and linked to the healthy living agenda. Objective 27 To set up arrangements to publish the availability of access land under the CRoW Act, and that of any temporary closures and changes, by 2006. Objective 28 To have at least four beaches with Blue Flag Awards, and four with Green Coast Awards by 2006. Objective 29 To provide website information for the Award beaches referred to in Objective 24 by 2006.

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Theme 8 Primary Industries VISION An economically thriving sector where agriculture is more diverse, meets modern day and perceived future requirements and is supported by agri-environment schemes and diversification compatible with the objectives of conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB. POLICIES PI1 Promote agriculture and woodland management in a sustainable manner linked to local, regional, and national markets. PI2 Support environmentally sustainable craft and workshop activities.

Objective 30 To increase the percentage of landowners and commoners in agrienvironment schemes, woodland grant schemes, and partnership schemes, by 2009. Objective 31 To complete a study to ascertain the feasibility of using a brand for Gower products, by 2006. Objective 32 To improve knowledge and understanding of local agriculture by 2009. Objective 33 To encourage and support training schemes for traditional skills and crafts.

Theme 9 Tourism VISION A vibrant tourism economy based on the principles of sustainable tourism offering a quality experience, in which the conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB, and their quiet enjoyment have top priority. A dynamic tourist industry, which creates economic benefits, and helps support community facilities and infrastructure.

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POLICIES TR1 Encourage a sustainable tourism industry and appropriate recreation facilities, in order to help to support the local economy and the local community. TR2 Promote tourism with the aim improving the visitor experience, and in accordance with the principles of sustainable tourism.

Objective 34 To devise and implement an Integrated Quality Management Plan (IQM) for the AONB in order to improve the visitor experience and apply the principles of sustainability, by 2007. Objective 35 To use the IQM to inform relevant policies in the U.D.P. or its successor by 2007. Objective 36 To apply for the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism through the Europarc Federation by 2009.

Theme 10 Transport VISION A network and management system, which supports a variety of modes of transport to suit community and visitor needs in a sustainable way, with a minimal impact on the special qualities of the AONB. POLICIES TP1 Publicise public transport networks and the services available. TP2 Promote schemes which offer a sustainable means of alternative transport including bus, cycling, and walking, and the better integration of different modes. TP3 Ensure that transport network improvements are carried out in a way to minimise their impact on the special qualities of the AONB.

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Objective 37 To publicise transport networks and the services available in an integrated form, particularly as an alternative to using the car, by 2006. Objective 38 To produce a sustainable transport scheme based on alternatives to the car for recreation visits, in conjunction with the current Local Transport Plan, and its successor, by 2007. Objective 39 To prepare and publish a car parking policy for the AONB by 2007. Objective 40 To produce a good practice guide for the highway authority for road improvements and particularly the use of materials, signs, street furniture and kerbs by 2006, and refer to it in the U.D.P.

Theme 11 Utilities and Communications VISION A landscape in which the needs of the utility and communication companies, including the supporting infrastructure, can be accommodated without a detrimental impact on the landscape and seascape. POLICIES UC1 Encourage utility companies and communication mast operators to only install equipment that minimises the impact on the special qualities of the AONB.

Objective 41 To contact all utility companies and communication mast operators to remind them of their obligations under S.85 of the CRoW Act, and to find out what their plans are for the short to medium term, by 2006. Objective 42 To meet with mobile phone companies to discuss the Joint Accord for Mobile Operators, and how they intend to apply this to the AONB, by 2006.

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Theme 12 Development and Offshore Activities VISION A landscape in which the needs of new development including the supporting infrastructure can be accommodated without a detrimental impact on the landscape and seascape, and where the principles of sustainable development are adopted. POLICIES D1 Support new development which is locally distinct, sensitive to the location and setting has a minimum impact on the special qualities of the AONB landscape and seascape, and incorporates designs based on the principles of sustainable development. D2 Discourage development outside the AONB which will have a detrimental effect on the special qualities of the AONB.

Objective 43 To adopt development policies (including changes of use), through the U.D.P., in accordance with the aim of enhancing and conserving the special qualities of the AONB landscape and seascape, by 2008. Objective 44 To improve the quality of the design of new buildings and their surroundings, and alterations to existing ones, and based on the principle of sustainable development by 2009. Objective 45 To assess developments outside the AONB which would have a detrimental impact on it by 2007.

Theme 13 Housing, Community Facilities and Services VISION Thriving diverse communities, which contain a range of housing and facilities to meet the needs of residents and visitors. POLICIES HC1 Promote the provision of affordable housing for local people.

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HC2 Monitor the change in the provision of community facilities and services. Gower AONB Management Plan

HC3 Encourage support for existing community initiatives, facilities and services, including shops, post offices and primary schools.

Objective 46 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt policies for affordable housing for local people to meet local needs and on a scale compatible with size of each settlement, by 2007. Objective 47 To carry out a survey of the type and extent of community facilities and services, including shops, post offices and primary schools by 2008. Objective 48 To work in partnership with charity and voluntary based groups by 2009.

Theme 14 Awareness Raising and Understanding VISION A landscape which is fully recognised for its special qualities and, and is appreciated and understood by residents and visitors. POLICIES AR1 Maintain a high profile for the AONB as a protected area of UK importance, which is widely recognised, and its special qualities appreciated. AR2 Gain a better understanding of how the AONB functions through improved data collection. AR3 Support effective governance arrangements for the management of the AONB.

Objective 49 To promote the special qualities of the AONB to a wide audience through a communications strategy from 2006 that is linked to tourism promotion policies. Objective 50 To adopt and implement an interpretation strategy by 2007 in order to improve visitor information and on site interpretation. Objective 51 To prepare and develop datasets specifically for the AONB by 2008. Objective 52 To review the operation of the Gower Countryside Forum by 2007.

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Chapter 7 Action Plan

7.1 The action plan identifies the sets of actions required to achieve the objectives listed in Chapter 6 above up to 2008/9, and these are cross-referenced accordingly. Only organisations that have a known link with the actions have been included. 7.2 The following abbreviations have been used in the Agency column in the table below: CCS = City and County of Swansea CC = Community Councils CCW = Countryside Council for Wales EAW = Environment Agency Wales GCF= Gower Countryside Forum FCW = Forestry Commission Wales GGAT = Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust KWT = Keep Wales Tidy NFU = National Farmers Union NT = National Trust Wales OVW = One Voice Wales SCVS = Swansea Council for Voluntary Service SWWT= South West Wales Tourism Partnership WAG = Welsh Assembly Government WAG(VW) = Welsh Assembly Government (Visit Wales) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; formerly the Wales Tourist Board

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Gower AONB Management Plan Policy W1

Objective

Objective 2 To collect survey data to assess the condition of the key habitats and associated wildlife by 2008.

Objective 3 To collect survey data to assess the condition of statutory designated and other important biological sites by 2009.

Objective 4 To provide information and interpretation for all existing and future statutory designated biological sites by 2009.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 1: Wildlife

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• Prepare a programme for compiling the information. • Decide on the format. • Publish information.

• Identify list of sites. • Conduct field surveys at appropriate time of year by 2007. • Enter on a database and GIS.

• Identify list of sites. • Prepare habitat and species action plans, as part of the Swansea Local Biodiversity Action Plan. • Implement plans.

Actions to achieve objective

CCW/CCS/ landowners

CCW

CCW/CCS

CCW/CCS/ landowners

Agency

Policy G1

Objective

Objective 5 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt planning policies to conserve and enhance all existing and future statutory designated geological sites, by 2006.

Objective 6 To provide information and interpretation for all existing and future statutory designated and other important geological sites by 2009.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 2: Geology

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• Prepare a programme for compiling the information. • Decide on the format. • Publish information.

• Review draft policies in U.D.P. or its successor and revise as necessary.

Actions to achieve objective

CCW/CCS

CCS

Agency

Gower AONB Management Plan Policy LS1

LS2

LS3 LS4

LS3, LS4

Objective

Objective 7 To produce management plans and schemes in conjunction with land managers, and agri-environment schemes where possible, in order to conserve and enhance these landscape features, by 2007.

Objective 8 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt planning policies to conserve and enhance the landscape features, views, and landmarks identified in Objectives 9 and 10 below, by 2006.

Objective 9 To identify and map the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features of limestone cliffs, salt marshes, sand dunes, common land, wooded valleys, and small fields bounded by hedges and stone walls using LANDMAP and aerial photography, by 2007.

Objective 10 To identify and photograph traditional views of the landscape and seascape, and landmark features, and views of them, by 2007.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9

Theme 3: Landscape and Seascape

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• Identify views. • Take photographs from fixed points. • Record locations on GIS.

• Identify sites and map.

• Review draft policies in U.D.P. or its successor and revise as necessary.

• Identify priority sites for management plans. • Discuss with landowners. • Link with Tir Gofal agri-environment scheme and Farm Connect.

Actions to achieve objective

CCS/landowners CCS

CCS

CCS/CCW/ landowners

Agency

Policy LS4

LS4

Objective

Objective 11 To monitor the effects of climate change on the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features.

Objective 12 To produce publicity material, which promotes the importance of the AONB’s landscape features by 2006.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9

• Issue press releases and promote via publicity leaflets and website.

• Identify indicators. • Collect data.

Actions to achieve objective

Theme 3: Landscape and Seascape (continued)

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CCS

Agency

Gower AONB Management Plan CH1

CH2

Objective 16 To collect data and photographs of all listed buildings, and those at risk, by 2007.

Objective 17 To raise the awareness of the cultural heritage of Gower, to help to conserve and enhance its features by providing interpretation at key sites, in conjunction with the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust by 2009.

Objective 18 To engage in dialogue with the community about their cultural heritage by 2009.

• Organise awareness raising events.

• Identify appropriate sites. • Discuss proposals with landowners. • Implement using AONB Interpretation Strategy as a guide. • Identify sites. • Prepare plans in conjunction with landowners.

• Devise survey method and criteria. • Carry out field survey. • Enter on a database and GIS.

• Identify sites. • Collect data. • Enter on a database.

CH1

Objective 15 To collect data on the condition of archaeological sites by 2007.

• Review draft policies in U.D.P. or its successor and revise as necessary.

• Identify sites. • Prepare plans in conjunction with landowners.

CH1

Objective 13 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor in order to adopt planning policies to conserve and enhance the main archaeological features and listed buildings by 2006.

Actions to achieve objective

Objective 14 To devise and implement CH1 a programme of management agreements with landowners to protect the most important archaeological and historic features in conjunction with the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust by 2009.

Policy

Objective

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 4: Cultural Heritage

119

CCS/CCW/Cadw/ GGAT

CCS/building owners

GGAT

CCS/CCW/Cadw/ GGAT

CCS

Agency

Policy NR1

NR2

NR3

Objective

Objective 19 To set up air quality monitoring stations in the AONB by 2007, and collect data to monitor changes.

Objective 20 To continue to collect data on the quality of fresh water, and sea water at monthly intervals throughout the bathing season.

Objective 21 To undertake a survey of soil quality by 2008, and identify areas most at risk from decline in quality.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 5: Natural Resources

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• • • •

Devise survey method. Conduct field survey. Enter on a database and GIS. Identify areas most at risk from decline in quality.

• Enter on a database and GIS.

• Identify locations. • Collect data. • Enter on a database and GIS.

Actions to achieve objective

WAG/CCS

CCS/EAW

Agency

Gower AONB Management Plan Policy T1

Objective

Objective 22 To undertake a local survey of noise and light pollution by 2007 and at five yearly intervals thereafter.

Objective 23 To inform the U.D.P. or its successor that new development, which is likely to generate noise, is carefully assessed prior to determination, particularly in areas designated for their wildlife value.

Objective 24 To prepare and publish a guide for new lighting for domestic, commercial, and industrial premises, and highways, by 2006 based on the DOE and Countryside Commission guide produced in 1997.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 6: Tranquillity

121

• Prepare and publish guide in paper and electronic form. • Adopt the guide as supplementary planning guidance. • Devise method for monitoring effectiveness of guide.

• Inform policies in the U.D.P. or its successor. • Monitor use of criteria.

• Use the technique used in previous all Wales surveys. • Undertake surveys.

Actions to achieve objective

CCS

CCS/CCW/ consultants

Agency

Policy RR1

RR2, RR4

RR3, RR4

RR4

Objective

Objective 25 To improve the current standard and level of maintenance of public rights of way so that 95% are open, usable and clearly signposted, by 2009.

Objective 26 To identify and promote a part of the rights of way network in conjunction with access land (see Objective 27 below) for walking (including circular walks), horse riding and cycling by 2009, taking account of those people with varying abilities and linked to the healthy living agenda.

Objective 27 To set up arrangements to publish the availability of access land under the CRoW Act, and that of any temporary closures and changes, by 2006.

Objective 28 To have at least 4 beaches with Blue Flag Awards, and 4 with Green Coast Awards by 2006.

Objective 29 To provide website information for the Award beaches referred to in Objective 24 by 2006.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 7: Recreation Resources

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• Collate information and publish.

• Submit applications for awards annually. • Produce management plans for award beaches and carry out necessary work to ensure compliance with criteria.

• Identify appropriate methods of publicity. • Prepare a working practice note. • Implement arrangements for publicity.

• Carry out ground survey to check feasibility of route. • Consult with interested parties. • Produce leaflets to promote easy walks accessible by public transport.

• Identify routes which are not open. • Prepare programme of work in conjunction with rights of way improvement plan.

Actions to achieve objective

CCS

CCW/CCS

CCS

Agency

Gower AONB Management Plan Policy PI1

PI1

PI2

Objective

Objective 30 To increase the percentage of land owners and commoners in agri-environment schemes, woodland grant schemes, and partnership schemes, by 2009.

Objective 31 To complete a study to ascertain the feasibility of using a brand for Gower products, by 2006.

Objective 32 To improve knowledge and understanding of local agriculture by 2009.

Objective 33 To encourage and support training schemes for traditional skills and crafts.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 8: Primary Industries

123

• Collate information on training schemes and help publicise.

• Consider setting up local farmer forum linked to Gower Countryside Forum or its successor. • Establish method and arrangements for collecting local data.

• Prepare a brief. • Engage a consultant. • Publish study.

• Find out the percentage of landowners and commoners in agrienvironment schemes, woodland grant schemes, and partnership schemes. • Target new potential applicants. • Ensure that there is a link between Tir Gofal applications and Woodland Grant Schemes. • Prepare a successor partnership scheme to the Gower Commons Initiative.

Actions to achieve objective

CCS/NFU/FUW

CCS/consultant/

CCW/CCS/GCI steering group/Coed Cymru

Agency

TR1

Objective 35 To use the IQM to inform relevant policies in the U.D.P. or its successor by 2007.

• Assess requirements and devise a programme of work. • Prepare and submit an application. • Encourage tourism businesses to enter environmental training programmes.

• Link with U.D.P.

Prepare brief. Prepare and publish the IQM. Implement plan. Develop a series of codes of conduct and/or activities charter to promote the effective management and use of activities throughout the area. • To collect data specifically for the AONB to measure the volume, value, and jobs associated with tourism. • Link to Swansea Tourism Strategy.

• • • •

Actions to achieve objective

CCS/SWWT/ tourism businesses

CCS

CCS/SWWT /WAG(VW)

Agency

An Integrated Quality Management Plan aims to improve the quality of a visitors experience from start to finish by promoting high standards

TR2

TR1

Objective 34 To devise and implement an Integrated Quality Management Plan (IQM)28 for the AONB in order to improve the visitor experience and apply the principles of sustainability, by 2007.

Objective 36 To apply for the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism through the Europarc Federation by 2009.

Policy

Objective

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 9: Tourism

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Gower AONB Management Plan Policy TP1

TP2

TP3

Objective

Objective 37 To publicise transport networks and the services available in an integrated form, particularly as an alternative to using the car, by 2006.

Objective 38 To produce a sustainable transport scheme based on alternatives to the car for recreation visits, in conjunction with the current Local Transport Plan, and its successor, by 2007.

Objective 39 To prepare and publish a car parking policy for the AONB by 2007.

Objective 40 To produce a good practice guide for the highway authority for road improvements and particularly the use of materials, signs, street furniture and kerbs by 2006, and refer to it in the U.D.P.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 10: Transport

125

Agency

• Prepare a brief. • Prepare and publish the guide. • Decide on whether to adopt it as supplementary planning guidance. • Cross refer to Highway Asset Management Plan.

• Prepare and publish a policy as part of the Local Transport Plan.

• Decide on approach for the AONB. • Prepare a scheme as part of the Local Transport Plan.

CCS

• Assess and evaluate effectiveness of CCS/public existing forms of publicity. transport • Revise publicity to particularly target companies recreation visitors.

Actions to achieve objective

Policy UC1

UC1

Objective

Objective 42 To meet with mobile phone companies to discuss the Joint Accord for Mobile Operators, and how they intend to apply this to the AONB, by 2006.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

Theme 11: Utilities and Communications

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• Arrange meetings to discuss the implementation of Joint Accord, and operators future plans.

• Prepare a briefing note for companies affected by S.85 of the CRoW Act. • Convene meetings to discuss briefing note. • Seek information about companies’ future plans.

Actions to achieve objective

CCS/mobile phone operators

CCS/utility and communication companies

Agency

Gower AONB Management Plan Policy D1

Objective

Objective 44 To improve the quality of the design of new buildings and their surroundings, and alterations to existing ones, and based on the principle of sustainable development by 2009.

Objective 45 To assess developments outside the AONB which would have a detrimental impact on it, by 2007.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

• To set up a system to monitor and comment on developments.

• To produce building design guidance for the AONB by 2007 which will be linked to conservation area plans and village plans. • Submit for adoption as supplementary planning guidance.

• Review policies in the light of the content of this management plan. • Adopt revised policies as necessary.

Actions to achieve objective

Theme 12: Development and Offshore Activities

127

CCS

Agency

Policy HC1

HC2

HC3

Objective

Objective 47 To carry out a survey of the type and extent of community facilities and services, including shops, post offices and primary schools by 2007.

Objective 48 To work in partnership with charity and voluntary based groups.

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

• Establish and implement arrangements for community involvement

• Devise survey method • Undertake survey • Enter on to a database and GIS

• Review level of demand for affordable housing needs • Review of policies in the U.D.P. or its successor

Actions to achieve objective

Theme 13: Housing, Community Facilities and Services

128

Gower AONB Management Plan

CCS/SCVS/OVW/ CC

CCS

CCS/CC

Agency

Gower AONB Management Plan AR1

AR1

AR2

Objective 49 To promote the special qualities of the AONB to a wide audience through a communications strategy from 2007 that is linked to tourism promotion policies.

Objective 50 To adopt and implement an interpretation strategy by 2007 in order to improve visitor information and on site interpretation.

Objective 51 To prepare and develop datasets specifically for the AONB by 2008.

Objective 52 To review the operation of the Gower Countryside Forum by 2007.

Policy

Objective

Period = 2005/6-2008/9.

• Assess options in consultants study and seek support from CCS. • Implement changes.

• Identify needs for data for the AONB management plan, economic development strategy, tourism strategy, regeneration strategy and community strategy. • Agree a common and shared approach to data collection through a working group.

• Re-asses the information needs of visitors linked to the interpretation strategy and identify gaps. • Adopt and implement an interpretation strategy by 2007. • Implement additional information provision requirements.

• Define scope of communications strategy and devise brief. • Commission strategy.

Actions to achieve objective

Theme 14: Awareness Raising and Understanding

129

CCS/GCF

CCS/CCW

CCS and Gower Countryside Forum

CCS

Agency

Chapter 8 Monitoring And Review, And Indicators For Change

8.1 Monitoring is required in order to measure the effectiveness of the management plan in achieving its objectives. At the end of the first five-year period of the Plan, a review of it will be undertaken which will include on a check on the achievement of the objectives using the following indicators. In turn, this will provide a revised baseline for the next five-year stage of the Plan, and a new action plan will be prepared. 8.2 Monitoring also offers the opportunity to detect unexpected adverse effects, so that during the five year of the Plan, there may effects, which require more immediate action. The organisation responsible for collecting the monitoring information will then have to notify stakeholders for decision to be made on a revision the action plan. 8.3 The indicators listed below will need to be compared to those used in the Community Plan and Unitary Development Plan, as a number of the actions in this Plan will have implications for them. It is intended that the Gower Countryside Forum and its successor will have a major role to play in the annual review of the action plan and associated indicators. 8.4 The actions listed below follow the same order as the themes and objectives and are cross-referenced to them. Under the data source column the following abbreviations have been used: CCS = City and County of Swansea CC= Community Councils CCW = Countryside Council for Wales EAW = Environment Agency Wales GCF= Gower Countryside Forum FCW = Forestry Commission Wales GGAT = Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust KWT = Keep Wales Tidy NFU = National Farmers Union NT = National Trust Wales OVW= One Voice Wales

130 Gower AONB Management Plan

SCVS = Swansea Council for Voluntary Service SWWT= South West Wales Tourism Partnership WAG = Welsh Assembly Government WAG (VW) = Welsh Assembly Government (Visit Wales) â&#x20AC;&#x201C;formerly the Wales Tourist Board

131 Gower AONB Management Plan

CCW CCW CCS CCW/CCS/NT

No of sites surveyed percentage of key habitats in favourable condition.

% of biological SSSIs with information or interpretation Change in area covered by biological sites + or â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hectares.

Objective 2

Objective 3

Objective 4

Completion of U.D.P policy review.

% of geological SSSIs with information or interpretation.

Objective 5

Objective 6

CCW

No of management plans prepared.

Adoption of policies in U.D.P. or its successor.

Production of map showing key landscape features.

No of sites photographed.

No of indicators set. Compilation of data.

Objective 7

Objective 8

Objective 9

Objective 10

Objective 11

CCS

Data source

Indicator

CCW/CCS/NT

CCS

Objective

Theme 3 Landscape and Seascape

Indicator

Objective

Data source

CCS/CCW

No of management plans produced and implemented.

Objective 1

Theme 2 Geology

Data source

Indicator

Objective

Theme 1: Wildlife

132

Gower AONB Management Plan

Gower AONB Management Plan CCS CCS CCS

% of sites with management agreements.

Completion of survey.

Completion of data and photo collection. No of buildings at risk.

No of sites with interpretative material.

No of awareness raising events, leaflets.

Objective 14

Objective 15

Objective 16

Objective 17

Objective 18

CCS CCS/EAW CCS/EAW CCS/EAW CCS/EAW

No of new air quality monitoring stations. % change in air quality. No of pollution incidents.

% change in water quality. No of pollution incidents.

Completion of survey.

Objective 19

Objective 20

Objective 21

WAG

Data source

Indicator

CCS/GGAT

Objective

Theme 5 Natural Resources

GGAT

Completion of UDP policy review.

Objective 13

CCS

Indicator

Objective

Data source

CCS

Number of items of publicity material produced.

Objective 12

Theme 4 Cultural Heritage

Data source

Indicator

Objective

Theme 3 Landscape and Seascape (continued)

133

No of planning applications where advice has been given.

Publication of guide for lighting.

Objective 23

Objective 24

% of public rights of way open, usable and signposted.

No of rights of way routes promoted for different activities.

Establishment of arrangements to publicise access land and temporary closures.

No of beaches with Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.

Publication of website information.

Objective 25

Objective 26

Objective 27

Objective 28

Objective 29

CCW FCW CCS/CCW

% of farms in agri-environment schemes and area covered by them. % of farms in woodland grant schemes and area covered by them. % of commoners in partnership schemes and area covered by them.

Completion of feasibility study.

Establishment of forum. Range of data collected.

No of training schemes publicised.

Objective 30

Objective 31

Objective 32

Objective 33

Gower AONB Management Plan

CCS/ NFU

CCS

Data source

Indicator

CCS

CCS/KWT

CCW/CCS

CCS

Data source

CCS

Objective

Theme 8 Primary Industries

Indicator

Objective

Theme 7 Recreation Resources

CCS/CCW CCS/CCW

No of surveys. % change in tranquillity

Objective 22 CCS

Data source

Indicator

Objective

Theme 6 Tranquillity

134

Gower AONB Management Plan

No of policies in U.D.P. or its successor informed by IQM.

Achievement of Charter. No of businesses participating in environmental awareness training such as Green Dragon awards.

Objective 35

Objective 36

Production of a sustainable transport scheme.

Publication of parking policy.

Production of good practice guide.

Objective 38

Objective 39

Objective 40

Indicator

Completion of survey.

No of companies contacted re S.8.5 obligations. Completion of discussions with mobile phone operators.

Objective

Objective 41

Objective 42

Theme 11 Utilities and Communications

CCS/PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS

Establishment of publicity for public transport networks in the AONB No of methods of publicity. Percentage of visitors using public transport to ‘main attractions.’

Objective 37

CCS

Data source

CCS

Data source

Indicator

CCS

Objective

Theme 10 Transport

CCS

Publication of IQM plan.

Objective 34 CCS

Data source

Indicator

Objective

Theme 9 Tourism

135

CCS

Production of design guide and adoption as supplementary planning guidance.

No of applications commented on.

Objective 44

Objective 45

CCS

Adoption of affordable needs housing policies in the U.D.P. or its successor.

Establishment of partnership arrangements.

Objective 47

Objective 48

Indicator

Completion of communications strategy.

Implementation of interpretation strategy.

Complete of dataset collection.

Completion and implementation of review.

Objective

Objective 49

Objective 50

Objective 51

Objective 52

CCS

Data source

CCS

Completion of survey.

Objective 46

Theme 14 Awareness Raising and Understanding

Data source

Indicator

Objective

Theme 13 Housing, Community Facilities and Services

CCS

Adoption of policies in UDP.

Objective 43

CCS

Data source

Indicator

Objective

Theme 12 Development and Offshore Activities

136

Gower AONB Management Plan

Chapter 9 The Next Steps

9. 1 There are four key stages to the management plan process as illustrated by diagram 1 above: • • • •

Stage Stage Stage Stage

1 2 3 4

State of the AONB & Vision for the AONB Strategy for the AONB Action Plan Monitoring and Review

9.2 The whole Plan is due to be reviewed by April 2009 as required by the guidance issued by the Countryside Council for Wales and based on the CRoW Act. 9.3 However, the Action Plan is intended to be a five-year rolling programme with annual targets. Therefore, this part of the Plan will be updated annually in conjunction with the Gower Countryside Forum partners as part of Stage 4 Monitoring and Review. 9.4 If you require any further information about the content of this document, require it another format or further copies, or have any comments to make on it, please forward them to the Head of Planning Services, Environment Department, City & County of Swansea, Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PH. Tel. 01792 635094 or e-mail goweraonb@swansea.gov.uk.

Gower Sunset

Gower AONB Management Plan

137

Appendix 1 Designated Sites

Statutory designated sites are listed below (as at February 2006 - Source CCW). An assessment of these and other designated sites follows. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) SACs are designated to help maintain the rich variety of European wildlife by protecting vulnerable habitats, and the plants and animals they support. SACs and marine SACs are also SSSIs. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Gower Commons Gower Ash Woods Limestone Coast of South West Wales Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries Carmarthen Bay Dunes

Ramsar Sites These are wetlands of international importance. Wetlands are vital for many types of birds, particularly waterfowl, which in winter gather in Wales and other areas of the UK from nearly every part of the Northern Hemisphere. Indeed Wales' wetlands are of international importance, and are of key importance to the survival of many wetland plants and animals. The need for nations to co-operate to encourage wetland conservation, especially as a habitat for wildfowl, was recognised and agreed by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The Convention met at Ramsar in Iran, on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, in 1971. Ramsar sites are also SSSIs. 1.

Burry Inlet

Special Protection Areas (SPA) SPAs are important sites for migratory birds that may be travelling thousands of miles to winter in a warmer climate and need a stopping-off place where they can rest and feed. They have been designated under the EC Birds Directive. SPAs are also SSSIs. 1.

Burry Inlet

138 Gower AONB Management Plan

National Nature Reserves (NNR) NNRs represent the very best examples of our wildlife habitats and geological features. NNRs are declared by CCW under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. NNRs also part of SSSIs. 1. 2. 3.

Whiteford Oxwich Gower Coast

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) SSSIs are so important to the nation's natural heritage that they have Been notified as SSSI. This may be for ecological or geological reasons. Notification of a site as a SSSI under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 forms the statutory bedrock for protecting land to conserve its natural features. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Barland Common Stream Section Berry Wood Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood Blackpill Bracelet Bay Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary (part of Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC, Burry Inlet SPA, Burry Inlet RAMSAR) Caswell Bay Cefn Bryn Common (part of Gower Commons SAC) Fairwood, Pengwern and Welshmoor Commons (part of Gower Commons SAC) Gower Coast: Rhossili to Port Eynon (part of Gower Coast NNR and Limestone Cliffs of South West Wales SAC) Horton, Eastern and Western Slade Ilston Quarry Langland Bay (Rotherslade) Minchin Hole Nicholaston Woods (part of Gower Ash Woods SAC and Oxwich NNR) Oxwich Bay (part of Oxwich NNR, part in Gower Ash Woods SAC and part in Limestone Cliffs of South West Wales SAC) Parkmill Woodlands and Llethrid Valley (part of Gower Ash Woods SAC) Pennard Valley (part in Gower Ash Woods SAC) Penrice Stables and Underhill Cottage Pwlldu Head and Bishopston Valley (part in Limestone Coast of South West Wales and part in Gower Ash Woods SAC)

Gower AONB Management Plan

139

21. Rhossili Down (part of Gower Commons SAC) 22. Sluxton Marsh, Whitemoor (part of Gower Commons SAC) 23. Whiteford Burrows, Landimore Marsh and Broughton Bay (part of Whiteford NNR, Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC and Carmarthen Bay Dunes SAC, Burry Inlet SPA, Burry Inlet RAMSAR site) 24. Rose Cottage 25. Courthouse Grasslands (part of Gower Commons SAC) Local 1. 2. 3.

Nature Reserves Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood Mumbles Hill Pwlldu Cliffs

Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Reserves 1. Berry Wood 2. Bunker's Hill 3. Broadpool and Bog 4. Castle Wood Field 5. Betty Church Reserve 6. Cwm Ivy Woods 7. Hambury Wood 8. Kilvrough Manor Woods 9. The Elizabeth and Rowe Harding Reserve (Ilston Quarry) 10. Gelli Hir Wood 11. The Lucas Reserve (Part of Cwm Ivy/Betty Church) 12. Llanrhidian Hill 13. Peel Wood 14. Redden Hill Wood 15. Redley Cliff 16. South Gower Coast - Deborah's Hole 17. South Gower Coast - Long Hole Cliff 18. South Gower Coast - Overton Cliff 19. South Gower Coast - Overton Mere 20. South Gower Coast - Port Eynon Point 21. South Gower Coast - Sedger's Bank Coed Cadw Reserve 1. Common Wood Llanrhidian Ancient Woodland Sites 67 sites at various locations

140 Gower AONB Management Plan

Gower AONB Management Plan

5 SACs Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries, Carmarthen Bay Dunes, CCW Limestone Coast of South and West Wales (includes part of Pembrokeshire coast), Gower Commons and Gower Ash Woodlands. Area = 5,897ha. 31.4 % of the AONB.

Management plans/schemes in the course of preparation for all of these. All terrestrial sites are SSSIs and reports have to be prepared on condition by 2006. Regulation 33 advice being drafted for the marine site by CCW.

SACs represent excellent examples of particular habitats and species of importance in a European context, especially those associated with a coastal or marine environment.

Recreation, water and air pollution, agriculture, scrub encroachment, fire and lack of appropriate grazing.

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ /condition

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

CURRENT STATE

NAME OF RESOURCE : SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION

141

MEASURES

1 covering the whole of the Burry Inlet some of which is outside the AONB. Area = 3,332 ha. 17.7% of the AONB.

Water quality improving as a result of new sewage treatment works but may indirectly affect food supply for birds by causing a reduction in shellfish.

Internationally important wetland for wildfowl and migrating birds.

Recreation on the north side (outside AONB), over fishing, bait digging, off-shore dredging, invasion of spartina grass, noise and air pollution associated with increased air traffic, water pollution, shifting sands and estuary channel, and salt marsh erosion.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ /condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : RAMSAR SITE

142

Gower AONB Management Plan

CCW

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

1 covering the whole of the Burry Inlet some of which is outside the AONB. Area = 3,332 ha. 17.7% of the AONB.

Water quality improving as a result of new sewage treatment works but may indirectly affect food supply for birds by causing a reduction in shellfish.

Important for waterfowl and migrating birds.

Same as Ramsar site (see above).

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA

143

CCW.

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

3: Whiteford, Gower Coast, and Oxwich. Area=1,163 ha. 6.% of the AONB.

Whiteford and Gower Coast are managed jointly by CCW, National Trust Wales, and the South and West Wales Wildlife Trust. Management plans have Been prepared for SSSIs, which include NNRs.

A collection of prime UK sites managed to conserve their natural features including wildlife, geology and landforms. Variety of coastal habitats inc. dunes, saltmarshes and limestone cliffs and associated plants and species representing the best of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecological resource and priority habitats.

Coastal erosion and accretion. Over stabilisation of sand dunes causing scrub encroachment and a reduction in habitat diversity. Some footpath erosion associated with recreation.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES

144

Gower AONB Management Plan

CCW

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

25 sites. Area = 6,479 ha. 35 % of AONB.

Variable. Minimum format management plans are being prepared by CCW.

Identifies a wide range of sites of UK important for nature conservation. Especially important as there so many with such a diversity and richness in such a small area.

Positive: Management as National Nature Reserves Negative: Erosion from recreation, lack of appropriate management, fire, lack of appropriate grazing levels, quarrying.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

145

CCW/City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

MEASURES

3 LNRs with an area of 59ha. 0.3 % of the AONB.

Reasonable condition. Management plans in place (Pwlldu through Tir Gofal) and sites actively managed by City & County of Swansea. Plan for Bishop’s Wood being updated in light of recent SAC and SSSI designations.

Combination of coastal habitats: limestone cliffs, broad-leaved ash and oak woods and heathland. Geological interest is also important. Bishop’s Wood also has important historical connections with John Dillwyn Llewellyn. They provide access for people.

Invasion of non-native species: holm oak and cotoneaster, vandalism and visitor pressure.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : LOCAL NATURE RESERVES

146

Gower AONB Management Plan

City & County of Swansea

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

23 reserves. Area=161 ha. 0.9% of the AONB.

Not known.

These are important ecological and wildlife resources.

Invasive species.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

City & County of Swansea and South and West Wales Wildlife Trust

DATA SOURCE

NAME OF RESOURCE : WILDLIFE TRUST SOUTH & WEST WALES RESERVES

147

MEASURES

1 = Common Wood Llanrhidian.

Not known.

Part of the landscape and nature conservation character of the AONB, and to which there is public access.

Mis-management and invasive species (rhododendron and Japanese Knotweed).

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/ condition

NAME OF RESOURCE : COED CADW RESERVES

148

Gower AONB Management Plan

City & County of Swansea and Coed Cadw

DATA SOURCE

Gower AONB Management Plan

MEASURES

67 sites of ancient woodland. Area=764 ha. 4.1% of the AONB. (Does not include sites which are no longer wooded or have Been replanted)

Further information required from National Trust Wales, and CCW.

Part of the landscape and nature conservation character of the AONB with a high density of ancient woodland in a small area, which is ecologically rich.

Fragmentation, mis-management, uncontrolled grazing and invasive species (rhododendron and Japanese Knotweed), and quality (currently good), and agricultural run-off.

CURRENT STATE

Extent of resource

Condition

Why important?

Factors affecting/

NAME OF RESOURCE : ANCIENT WOODLANDS

149

City & County of Swansea/CCW

DATA SOURCE

150

NAME

REYNOLDSTON

PARKMILL

PORT EYNON

CHERITION

ILSTON

HORTON

LANDIMORE

LLANMADOC

LLANGENNITH

PENRICE

RHOSSILI

OXWICH GREEN

OXWICH VILLAGE

LANGLAND BAY

BISHOPSTON

LLANRHIDIAN

REF

CA:003

CA:004

CA:005

CA:006

CA:007

CA:008

CA:009

CA:010

CA:011

CA:012

CA:016

CA:019

CA:020

CA:024

CA:026

CA:030

APPENDIX 2 - CONSERVATION AREAS

4.512

16.165

34.433

9.003

3.415

5.7

3.295

14.67

5.811

20.071

28.045

14.501

7.097

33.582

16.825

33.762

AREA IN HECTARES

Appendix 2 Conservation Areas

Gower AONB Management Plan

Index

Property

Church of St. Teilo, Church Lane

Church of St. Cadoc (Church of St. Cattwg)

Glebe Farmhouse

Church of St. Illtyd

Church of St. David

Church of St. Cenydd

Church of St. Madoc

Parish Church of St. Rhidian and St. Illtyd

Penrice Towers Gate House

Church of St. Illtyd

‘The Nook’ & ‘The Cottage’

Church of St. Mary, Pennard Road

Kilvrough Manor

Church of St. Andrew

Home Farm Granary

Penrice Castle (Mansion)

Listing No.

LB:011

LB:012

LB:013

LB:014

LB:015

LB:016

LB:017

LB:018

LB:019

LB:020

LB:021

LB:022

LB:023

LB:024

LB:025

LB:026

Penrice

Pennard

Oxwich

Penrice

Llanrhidian

Llanmadoc

Llangennith

Llandewi

Ilston

Cheriton

Bishopston

Location

APPENDIX 3A - LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN THE AONB

Grade I

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade I

Grade II*

Grade

Appendix 3a Listed Buildings By Listing Number Within The AONB

151

LB:147

LB:223

LB:145

LB:144

LB:222

LB:140

LB:139

LB:173

LB:137

LB:136

LB:163

LB:056

LB:030

LB:149

LB:029

LB:028

LB:148

LB:027

Listing No.

Index

Clyne Castle, Mill Lane

The Barns west of Home Farm

Bridge over Clyne River, (known as Roman Bridge), Mumbles Road

Mount Pisgah Chapel

Margaret’s Cottage

60 Bishopston Road

Mumbles Pier including Life Boat Station & Slipway

Telephone Call Box north of Post Office

Telephone Call Box near Townsend

Park Mill Miller’s House/Carpenters Shops/Smithy

Henbury Cottage, Southgate Road

Big House Farmhouse

Langrove Cottage

Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

‘The Old House’, Delvid Farm

Church of St. Mary

Stouthall

Pitt Farmhouse

Property

Blackpill

Penrice

Blackpill

Parkmill

Oxwich

Bishopston

Mumbles

Llanmadoc

Landimore

Parkmill

Southgate

Llanmadoc

Pennard

Mumbles

Llangennith

Rhossili

Reynoldston

Penrice

Location

APPENDIX 3A - LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN THE AONB

152

Gower AONB Management Plan

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade

Gower AONB Management Plan

Index

Overton House

Briardene Cottage

Glass Houses, Clyne Castle, Mill Lane

‘Hareslade’, Brandy Cove Road

‘Long Elms’, 118 Bishopston Road

Clock Tower at Clyne Castle, Mill Lane

Bristol Channel Yacht Club, Mumbles Road

Italian Bridge, Clyne Gardens

Gazebo, Clyne Gardens

Public Conveniences (at landward end) of Mumbles Pier Mumbles

Clyne Lodge Clyne Gardens

Japanese Bridge, Clyne Gardens

The Ivy Tower in Clyne Woods off Mill Lane

Viewing Tower, Clyne Gardens

74 Mumbles Road

Gate Screens at Clyne Lodge, Clyne Gardens

Gun Embankment on the South Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

LB:229

LB:242

LB:246

LB:263

LB:264

LB:269

LB:270

LB:272

LB:273

LB:274

LB:279

LB:280

LB:281

LB:282

LB:283

LB:284

LB:287

Mumbles

Blackpill

Mumbles

Blackpill

Bishopston

Blackpill

Oxwich

Overton

Blackpill

Clyne Chapel, Mayals Road

LB:224

Location

Property

Listing No.

APPENDIX 3A - LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN THE AONB

153

Grade II

Grade

LB:310

LB:311

LB:312

LB:298

LB:303

LB:297

LB:296

LB:302

LB:295

LB:294

LB:301

LB:293

LB:292

LB:300

LB:290

LB:289

LB:299

LB:288

Listing No.

Index Mumbles

Location

Penrice

Oxwich

Mumbles

Great Pitton Farmhouse, Pitton

Rocket Cart Shed

Rhossili Old Rectory

Lime Kiln in Oxwich Woods

Pitt Farm Buildings

Oxwich Castle Dovecote

Home Farm Cartshed and Loft

Penrice Castle - East Gates and Piers

Rhossili

Oxwich

Penrice

Oxwich

Penrice

Penrice Castle - South West Gates, Railings and Piers Penrice

Penrice Castle - North West Gates, Railings and Piers Penrice

Penrice Castle Dovecote

Penrice Castle Stables

Cole Grave in St. Andrews Church

Penrice Castle ( Ruins)

Oxwich Castle

Mumbles Battery South Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Magazine on North West Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Mumbles Head

Gun Embankment on the North East Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Property

APPENDIX 3A - LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN THE AONB

154

Gower AONB Management Plan

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade I

Grade II

Grade

Gower AONB Management Plan

Index

Property

U-Plan ranges at Great Pitton Farmyard, Pitton

Corner House, Pitton

Perimeter Wall of The Vile Open Field System

Lifeboatmen’s Memorial at South East Corner of St. Cattwg’s Churchyard

The Culver Hole

Providence Baptist Chapel and attached Manse

Old Henllys

Pennard Castle, Pennard Burrows

Stable Court at Kilvrough Manor

Sundial at Kilvrough Manor

Entrance Gates to Kilvrough Manor

Kilvrough Lodge

Vennaway Lime Kiln

Boundary Wall at Kilvrough Manor

Gazebo and attached Walls of former Kilvrough Manor Nursery

Church of St. George

Fairyhill House

Stouthall Ice House

Listing No.

LB:313

LB:314

LB:315

LB:316

LB:317

LB:318

LB:319

LB:320

LB:321

LB:322

LB:323

LB:324

LB:325

LB:326

LB:327

LB:328

LB:329

LB:330

Reynoldston

Pennard

Llandewi

Knelston

Port Eynon

Rhossili

Location

APPENDIX 3A - LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN THE AONB

155

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade

LB:342

100

LB:349

LB:341

106

LB:340

LB:348

LB:339

105

LB:338

LB:347

LB:337

104

LB:336

LB:345

LB:335

103

LB:334

LB:344

LB:333

102

LB:332

LB:343

LB:331

101

Listing No.

Index

Llanrhidian Lower Mill, Mill Lane

Pillory in Llanrhidian Village formed from reputed Ancient Cross

Weobley Castle

Fairwood Lodge

Ty Gwyn

St. Cenydd’s Lychgate

Whiteford Lighthouse

Circular Pigsty near Pill House

Trinity Presbyterian Chapel

The Old Rectory

Plenty Farmhouse

Well opposite St. Cenydd Church

Barn attached to Church with Roadside Range

Lime Kiln in Bovehill Wood

Packhorse Bridge near Burry Pill

Tyle House Farm

Bethesda Presbyterian Chapel

Well in Robin’s Lane

Property

Llanrhidian

Upper Killay

Llanmadoc

Llangennith

Whiteford Burrows

Llanmadoc

Cheriton

Llanmadoc

Llangennith

Landimore

Cheriton

Burry Green

Reynoldston

Location

APPENDIX 3A - LISTED BUILDINGS BY LISTING NUMBER WITHIN THE AONB

156

Gower AONB Management Plan

Grade II

Grade I

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade

Gower AONB Management Plan

Listing No.

LB:350

LB:351

LB:352

LB:361

LB:363

LB:364

LB:365

LB:366

LB:367

LB:368

LB:369

LB:370

LB:371

LB:372

LB:373

LB:374

LB:375

Index

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

Outlying Tower to complement Penrice Towers

Penmaen Farmhouse and adjacent cottage

The Orangery

Old Cottage in grounds of Underhill Cottage

Big House Farmhouse

Preaching Cross in St. Nicholas’ Churchyard

Lime Kiln

Village Pound

Penrice Castle North East Gates Railings & Piers

Church of St. Nicholas

Former school incl. Schoolmaster’s House

Lime Kiln at Cwm Green

Tirzah Baptist Chapel

Retaining Wall and Pool of Llanrhidian Lower Mill, Mill Lane

Miller’s House, Llanrhidian Lower Mill, Mill Lane

Limekiln below Weobley Castle

Property

Penrice

Penmaen

Penrice

Lunnon

Nicholston

Penmaen

Lunnon

Penrice

Nicholston

Parkmill

Cwm Green

Llanmorlais

Llanrhidian

Location

APPENDIX 3A - Listed Buildings by Listing Number within the AONB

157

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade II

Grade

158

LB:016

LB:018

LB:019

LB:020

LB:023

LB:029

LB:015

LB:014

LB:028

LB:011

LB:347

LB:027

LB:292

LB:026

LB:024

LB:012

Listing No.

Index

Church of St. Mary

Stouthall

Pitt Farmhouse

Church of St. Andrew

Kilvrough Manor

Church of St. Illtyd

Penrice Towers Gate House

Parish Church of St. Rhidian and St. Illtyd

Church of St. Cenydd

Church of St. David

Church of St. Illtyd

Church of St. Teilo, Church Lane

Weobley Castle

Oxwich Castle

Penrice Castle (Mansion)

Church of St. Cadoc (Church of St. Cattwg)

Property

Rhossili

Reynoldston

Penrice

Pennard

Oxwich

Penrice

Llanrhidian

Llangennith

Llandewi

Ilston

Bishopston

Llanrhidian

Oxwich

Penrice

Cheriton

Location

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

Grade II*

Grade I

Grade

Appendix 3b Listed Buildings By Grade Within The AONB

Gower AONB Management Plan

Index

Property

Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Clyne Castle, Mill Lane

Penrice Castle ( Ruins)

Penrice Castle Dovecote

Pennard Castle, Pennard Burrows

Whiteford Lighthouse

Church of St. Nicholas

Penrice Castle North East Gates Railings & Piers

Outlying Tower to complement Penrice Towers

Glebe Farmhouse

Church of St. Madoc

‘The Nook’ & ‘The Cottage’

Church of St. Mary, Pennard Road

Home Farm Granary

‘The Old House’, Delvid Farm

Langrove Cottage

Big House Farmhouse

Henbury Cottage, Southgate Road

Listing No.

LB:056

LB:223

LB:293

LB:296

LB:320

LB:342

LB:365

LB:366

LB:375

LB:013

LB:017

LB:021

LB:022

LB:025

LB:030

LB:136

LB:137

LB:139

Southgate

Llanmadoc

Pennard

Llangennith

Penrice

Pennard

Oxwich

Llanmadoc

Cheriton

Penrice

Nicholston

Whiteford Burrows

Pennard

Penrice

Blackpill

Mumbles

Location

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

159

Grade II

Grade II*

Grade

Listing No.

LB:140

LB:144

LB:145

LB:147

LB:148

LB:149

LB:163

LB:173

LB:222

LB:224

LB:229

LB:242

LB:246

LB:263

LB:264

LB:269

LB:270

LB:272

Index

Italian Bridge, Clyne Gardens

Bristol Channel Yacht Club, Mumbles Road

Clock Tower at Clyne Castle, Mill Lane

‘Long Elms’, 118 Bishopston Road

‘Hareslade’, Brandy Cove Road

Glass Houses, Clyne Castle, Mill Lane

Briardene Cottage

Overton House

Clyne Chapel, Mayals Road

The Barns west of Home Farm

Bridge over Clyne River, (known as Roman Bridge), Mumbles Road

Mount Pisgah Chapel

Margaret’s Cottage

60 Bishopston Road

Mumbles Pier including Life Boat Station & Slipway

Telephone Call Box north of Post Office

Telephone Call Box near Townsend

Park Mill Miller’s House/Carpenters Shops/Smithy

Property

Blackpill

Mumbles

Blackpill

Bishopston

Blackpill

Oxwich

Overton

Blackpill

Penrice

Blackpill

Parkmill

Oxwich

Bishopston

Mumbles

Llanmadoc

Landimore

Parkmill

Location

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

160

Gower AONB Management Plan

Grade II

Grade

Gower AONB Management Plan

Index

Public Conveniences (at landward end) of Mumbles Pier Mumbles

Clyne Lodge Clyne Gardens

Japanese Bridge, Clyne Gardens

The Ivy Tower in Clyne Woods off Mill Lane

Viewing Tower, Clyne Gardens

74 Mumbles Road

Gate Screens at Clyne Lodge, Clyne Gardens

Gun Embankment on the South Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Gun Embankment on the North East Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Magazine on North West Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Mumbles Battery South Side of Mumbles Lighthouse, Mumbles Head

Cole Grave in St. Andrews Church

Penrice Castle Stables

Penrice Castle - North West Gates, Railings and Piers Penrice

Penrice Castle - South West Gates, Railings and Piers Penrice

Penrice Castle - East Gates and Piers

Home Farm Cartshed and Loft

LB:274

LB:279

LB:280

LB:281

LB:282

LB:283

LB:284

LB:287

LB:288

LB:289

LB:290

LB:294

LB:295

LB:297

LB:298

LB:299

LB:300

Penrice

Mumbles

Blackpill

Gazebo, Clyne Gardens

LB:273

Location

Property

Listing No.

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

161

Grade II

Grade

Listing No.

LB:301

LB:302

LB:303

LB:310

LB:311

LB:312

LB:313

LB:314

LB:315

LB:316

LB:317

LB:318

LB:319

LB:321

LB:322

LB:323

LB:324

LB:325

Index

Vennaway Lime Kiln

Kilvrough Lodge

Entrance Gates to Kilvrough Manor

Sundial at Kilvrough Manor

Stable Court at Kilvrough Manor

Old Henllys

Providence Baptist Chapel and attached Manse

The Culver Hole

Lifeboatmen’s Memorial at South East Corner of St. Cattwg’s Churchyard

Perimeter Wall of The Vile Open Field System

Corner House, Pitton

U-Plan ranges at Great Pitton Farmyard, Pitton

Great Pitton Farmhouse, Pitton

Rocket Cart Shed

Rhossili Old Rectory

Lime Kiln in Oxwich Woods

Pitt Farm Buildings

Oxwich Castle Dovecote

Property

Pennard

Llandewi

Knelston

Port Eynon

Rhossili

Oxwich

Penrice

Oxwich

Location

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

162

Gower AONB Management Plan

Grade II

Grade

Gower AONB Management Plan

Gazebo and attached Walls of former Kilvrough Manor Nursery

Church of St. George

Fairyhill House

Stouthall Ice House

Well in Robin’s Lane

Bethesda Presbyterian Chapel

Tyle House Farm

Packhorse Bridge near Burry Pill

Lime Kiln in Bovehill Wood

Barn attached to Church with Roadside Range

LB:327

LB:328

LB:329

LB:330

LB:331

LB:332

LB:333

LB:334

LB:335

LB:336

LB:337

LB:338

LB:339

LB:340

LB:341

LB:343

LB:344

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

Ty Gwyn

St. Cenydd’s Lychgate

Circular Pigsty near Pill House

Trinity Presbyterian Chapel

The Old Rectory

Plenty Farmhouse

Well opposite St. Cenydd Church

Boundary Wall at Kilvrough Manor

LB:326

Property

Listing No.

Index

Llanmadoc

Llangennith

Llanmadoc

Cheriton

Llanmadoc

Llangennith

Landimore

Cheriton

Burry Green

Reynoldston

Pennard

Location

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

163

Grade II

Grade

Listing No.

LB:345

LB:348

LB:349

LB:350

LB:351

LB:352

LB:361

LB:363

LB:364

LB:367

LB:368

LB:369

LB:370

LB:371

LB:372

LB:373

LB:374

Index

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

Penmaen Farmhouse and adjacent cottage

The Orangery

Old Cottage in grounds of Underhill Cottage

Big House Farmhouse

Preaching Cross in St. Nicholas’ Churchyard

Lime Kiln

Village Pound

Former school incl. Schoolmaster’s House

Lime Kiln at Cwm Green

Tirzah Baptist Chapel

Retaining Wall and Pool of Llanrhidian Lower Mill, Mill Lane

Miller’s House, Llanrhidian Lower Mill, Mill Lane

Limekiln below Weobley Castle

Llanrhidian Lower Mill, Mill Lane

Pillory in Llanrhidian Village formed from reputed Ancient Cross

Fairwood Lodge

Property

Penmaen

Penrice

Lunnon

Nicholston

Penmaen

Lunnon

Parkmill

Cwm Green

Llanmorlais

Llanrhidian

Upper Killay

Location

APPENDIX 3B - LISTED BUILDINGS BY GRADE WITHIN THE AONB

164

Gower AONB Management Plan

Grade II

Grade

Total Population 3,654 2,648 3,341 2,774 3,672 16,089 223,301 2,903,085 52,041,916

Ward /area

Gower

Pennard

Bishopston

Fairwood

Penclawdd

Sub total/average

Swansea

Wales

England & Wales

TABLE 1 POPULATION

â&#x20AC;˘ Source: 2001 Census - Neighbourhood Statistics.

Gower AONB Management Plan 38.6

39.5

40.0

44.2

42.1

41.6

46.7

46.9

43.8

Average Age

APPENDIX 4 GOWER AONB SOCIO - ECONOMIC PROFILES

91.3

97.9

97.8

99.2

99.7

98.8

99.1

99.2

99.4

Ethnic Group White (%)

Appendix 4 Gower AONB Socio Economic Profiles

165

52.4 54.9 58.0 54.7 55.9 52.0 55.2

Pennard

Bishopston

Fairwood

Penclawdd

Sub total/average

Swansea

Wales 60.6

59.4

Gower

England & Wales

Employed

Ward /area

TABLE 2 ECONOMIC ACTIVITY (%)

â&#x20AC;˘ Source: 2001 Census - Neighbourhood Statistics.

3.4

3.5

2.8

2.5

2.8

2.5

2.4

2.7

2.2

Unemployed

APPENDIX 4 GOWER AONB SOCIO - ECONOMIC PROFILES

166

Gower AONB Management Plan

13.6

14.8

15.4

20.9

19.8

16.2

24.5

25.7

18.3

Retired

Gower AONB Management Plan 16+ students (%) %tage of 4.7 4.3 4.1 5.8 4.4 4.7 6.8 5.1 5.1

Ward /area

Gower

Pennard

Bishopston

Fairwood

Penclawdd

Sub total/average

Swansea

Wales

England & Wales

TABLE 3 STUDENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

â&#x20AC;˘ Source: 2001 Census - Neighbourhood Statistics.

29.1

33.1

30.5

20.6

28.9

22.4

15.8

16.8

19.3

With qualifications (%)

APPENDIX 4 GOWER AONB SOCIO - ECONOMIC PROFILES

167

19.8

17.4

19.0

30.4

21.2

27.6

35.3

34.9

33.0

Qualifications Degree or higher (%)

Appendix 5 Gower Countryside Forum

Terms of Reference 1.

The Consultative Forum for the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast will be known as the Gower Countryside Forum (referred to in the following as the Forum). It will be convened by the Council.

The Forum will be an advisory group, providing an opportunity for an exchange of views and for making recommendations regarding new initiatives.

The Chair will be the appointed by the Council. A Vice-Chairman shall be elected from the representatives present.

The Forum will be representative of the local authority, relevant statutory bodies, agricultural and common land interests, the local community, nature conservation, tourism, heritage and access interests.

The Forum will have the authority to co-opt other organisations and agencies, on an ad-hoc basis when specific issues arise.

Where necessary, the Forum will make collective representations when issues affect AONBs and Heritage Coasts generally.

Necessary work will be carried out by the agency responsible in liaison with the Planning Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Countryside and Nature Conservation Section.

The Countryside and Nature Conservation Section will produce regular reports for the Forum.

The Forum will meet at least twice a year. Additional meetings can be called if necessary by common agreement, should a need arise

10. The Forum will be supported by Officers from the main statutory and public interest bodies which will be called and serviced by the Planning Department. 11. The Forum will be serviced by the Assistant Chief Executive (Governance). 12. Minutes of the meetings will be made available to constituent organisations and reported to the next meeting.

168 Gower AONB Management Plan

Membership of the Gower Countryside Forum The following organisations are currently represented on the Forum, although this may change as a result of a review due to take place in 2006: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

City & County of Swansea Cabinet member for Environment City & County of Swansea Gower Councillors City & County of Swansea Officers from Planning Services City & County of SwanseaTourism Section Council for the Protection of Rural Wales Country Land and Business Association Countryside Council for Wales Forestry Commission Wales Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Gower Commoners Association Gower Riding Club Gower Society National Farmers Union National Trust Wales North Gower Heritage Group One Voice Wales Pennard Area Commons Management Committee Ramblers Association Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Tourism Swansea Bay Welsh Assembly Government(Visit Wales) Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales

169 Gower AONB Management Plan

Appendix 6 Gower Visitor Survey 2001

Prepared for the City and County of Swansea by Market Research Wales and published in December 2001. Background and Objectives The Council wanted to assess visitor knowledge of the area, as part of the Gower Commons Initiative – a ‘Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage’ part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. As part of this study, the Council commissioned an initial survey on Gower to understand visitors’ views, patterns, perceptions and opinions of the area, its environment, attractions and facilities. The specific objectives of the study were: • To evaluate public attitudes and understanding of the Gower, its landscape, flora and fauna, attractions and what the public value • To investigate visitor type • To investigate visitor patterns • To determine reasons for visit • To identify potential areas of improvement. Methodology A quantitative survey was conducted involving 400 face-to-face interviews with a random sample of visitors to Gower at the following six sites: • • • • • •

Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill (GHC) – 79 interviews achieved Hillend Caravan Park, Llangennith (HCP) – 60 interviews achieved King Arthur Hotel, Reynoldston (KAH) – 59 interviews achieved National Trust Wales Visitor Centre, Rhossili (NTVC) – 65 interviews achieved Pennard Cliffs Car Park (PCCP) – 77 interviews achieved Port Eynon Beach (PEB) – 60 interviews achieved

Summary and Conclusions (Extract) The profile of visitors to Gower is markedly more upmarket than the population, with 77% of its visitors coming from socio-economic groups ABC1, which is higher than the 50% of the UK population that fall into these categories. There were a particularly high number of ABC1s at the National Trust Wales Visitor Centre (85%), whereas the Gower Heritage Centre attracted more C2DEs.

170 Gower AONB Management Plan

The beaches and the coastline came through strongly as the main reasons for visiting the Gower, as well as the general beauty of the area. Awareness and knowledge of the common land of much of the Gower and landscape issues was perhaps not surprisingly low, even though visitors felt such issues to be very important. There is therefore a role for educating visitors in landscape issues, especially since their demographic profile suggests they may be sympathetic to environmental issues. A lot of interest was also evident in local Gower produce and products, with over four in five visitors saying they would like to see more and over three in five saying they would be prepared to pay a small premium for such goods. There seems to be an opportunity to encourage the production of more local produce therefore, as well as the more active promotion and marketing of existing goods. The following charts illustrate the answers to Questions 5, 15, 16, and 20.

171 Gower AONB Management Plan

172 Gower AONB Management Plan

173 Gower AONB Management Plan

174 Gower AONB Management Plan

175 Gower AONB Management Plan

Appendix 7 List Of Individuals And Organisations Who Responded To The Consultation Draft

APPENDIX 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LIST OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO RESPONDED TO THE CONSULTATION DRAFT Title

First Name

Last Name

Organisation/Individual

Rhodri H.

Thomas

Environment Agency Wales

Rebecca

Wright

Countryside Council for Wales

Mr Mr

Adrian RK

Richards Church

Reynoldston Community Council Tourism Swansea

Tom

Ridd

Clerk to Bishopston Community Council

John

Jacobs

Clerk to Ilston Community Council

Eddie

Jones

Individual

Brian L.

Smith

Clerk to Pennard Community Council

Elizabeth

Hatcher

Clerk to Penrice Community Council

Stephen

Pritchard

Clerk to Port Eynon Community Council

Jenny

Edwards

The Environment Centre

Peter

Thomas

Ramblers Association

Bob

Oliver

Chairman of Upper Killay Community Council

Lucy

Von Weber

South West Wales Tourism Partnership

Adrian

Bailey

Swansea Council for Voluntary Service

Alison

Smith

Welsh Development Agency

Paul

Meller

Planning Services (UDP Team)

Deb

Hill

Planning Services (Nature Conservation Team)

Des

Radford

Cyclists Touring Club

Jonny

Evans

Individual/member of Local Access Forum

Michael

Whittaker

Transport and Engineering Division

Simon

Lydiard

Regeneration Department

Rob

Wachowski

Transportation and Engineering

Mrs

Ruth

Ridge

Secretary of the Gower Society

Rhodri H.

Thomas

Environment Agency Wales

Rebecca

Wright

Countryside Council for Wales

176 Gower AONB Management Plan

Title

First Name

Last Name

Organisation/Individual The West Glamorgan Group Ramblers Association

Church

Tourism Swansea

Tom

Ridd

Clerk to Bishopston Community Council

John

Jacobs

Clerk to Ilston Community Council

Eddie

Jones

Individual

Brian L.

Smith

Clerk to Pennard Community Council

Elizabeth

Hatcher

Clerk to Penrice Community Council

Stephen

Pritchard

Clerk to Port Eynon Community Council

Jenny

Edwards

The Environment Centre

Peter

Thomas

Ramblers Association

Bob

Oliver

Chairman of Upper Killay Community Council

Lucy

Von Weber

South West Wales Tourism Partnership

Adrian

Bailey

Swansea Council for Voluntary Service

Alison

Smith

Welsh Development Agency

Paul

Meller

Planning Services (UDP Team)

Deb

Hill

Planning Services (Nature ConservationTeam)

Des

Radford

Cyclists Touring Club

Jonny

Evans

Individual/member of Local Access Forum

Michael

Whittaker

Transport and Engineering Division

Simon

Lydiard

Regeneration Department

Rob

Wachowski

Transportation and Engineering

Mrs

Ruth

Ridge

Secretary of the Gower Society

Sion

Brackenbury

Gower Commons Initiative

Selina

Taylor

Clerk to Rhossili Community Council

Mark

Mead

Whitford Bay Leisure

Tom

Beynon

Future Farmers of Gower Nicholaston Farm

177 Gower AONB Management Plan

Title

First Name

Last Name

Organisation/Individual

Leslie

Richards

Secretary of the Gower Commons Association

Mrs

Olive

Edwards

Individual

Mr & Mrs SI

Evans

Individual

Howard

John

Ilston Community Council

Mrs

Frances

Owen-John

Ilston Community Councillor

Grove

Individual

Carter

Gower Heritage Centre

Graham

King

Individual

John

Harris

Individual

Mrs

Phillips

Individual

Paul

Jenkins

Individual

Sian

Jones

National Trust Wales

Simon

Evans

NFU Mutual and NFU

Tony

Lewis

Individual

Sue

Hughes

Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust

178 Gower AONB Management Plan