Goodbye

As the Bryn has now been 'Saved' no more need for this site however you can get regular updates from the new blogsite from the Bryn Users Assoication

http://bryn-euryn-users-association.blogspot.com

Thanks for all those who helped

Pioneer Write Up

Copy below of the write up in this weeks Pioneer

Bryn Euryn Plans Dropped
Published date: 25 November 2009 Published by: Anna Glover

http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/81934/bryn-euryn-plans-dropped.aspx

POLITICIANS are delighted “mean-spirited” nature reserve plans have been dropped.
Walkers and Bryn Euryn users have battled to stop management committee plans to fence off large parts of the reserve for grazing. The plans were introduced in a bid to protect rare grass at the site.
David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, said: “This was a misconceived and, frankly, mean-spirited proposal which would have ruined the enjoyment of hundreds of people who walk Bryn Euryn on a daily basis. Bryn Euryn has always been used entirely for leisure purposes and the possibility of introducing livestock onto the site was generally unwelcome.”
This week the committee announced the plans would not go ahead, after conducting a feasibility study into the proposal.
Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, paid tribute to determined walkers and users of the reserve. He said: “I'm delighted that these unpopular proposals have been kicked into touch - they should never have seen the light of day in the first place. 'It is a great shame that the council did not see fit to drop the proposals altogether following the public meeting which was held in July, that said, at least the voice of the people prevailed in the end.
"As a result of this decision, users of the Bryn, including those who exercise their dogs, will still be able to enjoy unrestricted access to what is one of the few open green spaces left in the Rhos area.”
The recently established Bryn Euryn Users Association, which is made up of members of the public, celebrated a double victory after they were invited to take permanent representation on the committee.
Mr Millar said: “Their involvement of the association in the management of the reserve going forward is excellent news and should assist in preventing stand offs like this in the future.”

Weekly News write up

Copy of the write up in this weeks Weekly News, is it just me or is the comment from the council a little odd?

Walkers win in Rhos-on-Sea nature reserve fight
Nov 26 2009 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2009/11/26/walkers-win-in-rhos-on-sea-nature-reserve-fight-55243-25252942/

A POPULAR nature reserve has been saved for walkers after Conwy County Council dropped its plans to graze cattle there.
The council proposed in the summer to graze ponies on Bryn Euryn in Rhos-on-Sea to manage the limestone grassland by creating a pasture to cut costs.
It was also hoped that by charging animal owners the council would generate an income from allowing livestock to be grazed for part of the year.
But at a meeting of the Bryn Euryn Local Nature Reserve Management Advisory Group on Monday afternoon, the plans were scrapped.
Residents had formed the Bryn Euryn Users’ Association and argued that grazing ponies would ruin the nature reserve for dog walkers and ramblers as areas would need to be fenced off.
Several meetings had taken place with residents, and public feeling was so strong against the plans that over 200 people turned up at Colwyn Cricket Club in September to protest.
Gill Harvey of Rhos-on-Sea is chair of the Users’ Association and was more than satisfied with the news.
“It is fantastic. There are hundreds of people who are pleased, not just me,” she said.
“The fact our voice has been heard is really positive, and now we can have better involvement with the area.
“Had it gone ahead there would have been a lot of disappointed people who had lost a priceless facility, an accessible oasis that people really do appreciate and it is in our interests for it to remain that way for future generations.
“I’ve used Bryn Euryn since I was a child to play. We’ve done this not just for dog walkers; there are people who go up for a walk and people who take their kids. It is a valuable resource.”
Clwyd West MP David Jones had been involved with the residents’ protest and was pleased the matter had been resolved. “This was a misconceived and, frankly, mean-spirited proposal which would have ruined the enjoyment of hundreds of people who walk Bryn Euryn on a daily basis,” he said.
“Bryn Euryn has always been used entirely for leisure purposes and the possibility of introducing livestock onto the site was unwelcome.
“Users of Bryn Euryn fought a vigorous and very effective campaign, starting with the rally in June, and continuing with the very well attended and robust meeting in September.”
A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council commented: “As such, there are now no plans to introduce grazing livestock to Bryn Euryn Local Nature Reserve.”
richard.evans

David Jones MP - Good news from the Bryn

From the web site of David Jones MP, his support has been very helpful in securing victory

http://davidjonesblog.com/2009/11/23/good-news-for-the-bryn/


Excellent news this evening. The Bryn Euryn management committee, having considered a feasibility study, has resolved not to turn over any part of the Bryn to grazing, which will allow continued unrestricted access to walkers and their dogs.
I cannot recall any local proposal that was more unpopular than this one. A campaign that began with a rally in June (see above) and continued with a packed and very robust public meeting in September has had an entirely satisfactory conclusion.
This was a mean-spirited and misconceived proposal that was rightly rejected and vigorously opposed by the users of the Bryn. Its defeat is a tribute to all involved in the campaign. Well done, everyone!

Darren Millar AM - Bryn Euryn grazing plans rejected

From Darren Millar's web site, his support has been very helpful in securing victory and his comment that the council should have abandoned plans back in July when they witnessed the strength of public opposition has been echoed by many...


http://www.darrenmillaram.com/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=465

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has welcomed news that proposals to introduce grazing on large parts of the Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve in Rhos-on-Sea have been unanimously rejected by the reserve's Management Advisory Group.
Plans to fence off large parts of the reserve for grazing as part of the sustainable management of rare grasses on the site had been put forward by Conwy County Borough Council officers. They met with fierce opposition from locals.

The recently established Bryn Euryn Users Association has also been invited to permanent representation on the Management Advisory Group in the future.

Darren Millar said, 'I'm delighted that these unpopular proposals have been kicked into touch - they should never have seen the light of day in the first place.

'It is a great shame that the council did not see fit to drop the proposals altogether following the public meeting which was held in July, that said, at least the voice of the people prevailed in the end.

'As a result of this decision, users of the Bryn, including those who exercise there dogs, will still be able to enjoy unrestricted access to what is one of the few open green spaces left in the Rhos area.

'I want to pay tribute to the recently established Bryn Euryn Users Association for their hard work in securing this important victory - it has been a pleasure to campaign alongside them.'

'Their involvement of the Association in the management of the reserve going forward is excellent news and should assist in preventing stand offs like this in the future.'

Victory for common sense, and people power

See below copy of email received this evening from the Bryn Euryn User Association, a victory for common sense, and people power I think!

Todays Bryn Euryn MAG meeting.

Wonderful news! The feasibility study and proposed grazing on Bryn Euryn was unanimously rejected at the meeting this afternoon. We are delighted that our Association now has a permanent place on the Management Group with full voting rights so all Bryn users will have a voice on all future plans regarding the area. We will tell you all about it at the meeting on Wednesday. Just to remind you we have a talk by the RSPB, a fun quiz, a raffle, and a chance for everyone to relax without having to don wellies and wade through mud.We wish to thank all of you for your support, emails and letters, without which we couldn't have achieved such a fantastic result.Hope to see you Wednesday.

Another letter

To the members of the Bryn Euryn MAG
Re Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve.
I would like to outline my opposition to any introduction of livestock on Bryn Euryn. Aside from all the arguments about the various practical problems not redressed in the feasibility study, I would like to air my very personal reasons why I was horrified when I first heard what was proposed.
From a young child, I was taken for walks to Pwllycrochan Woods, Flagstaff Gardens (now the Zoo) and Bryn Euryn. They helped develop my love of nature and I found they brought peace and wonder into my life. The freedom to explore and observe my surroundings, from the heady smell of bluebells, the majesty of the woodland, to the feeling of being on top of the world from the summit of the Bryn. The years passed, the world changed around me but the Bryn remained a constant. It has been my sanctuary in times of stress. I’ve carried my unborn children there, taken my young children for picnics to explore their natural surrounding and look at the beautiful area they are lucky to live in. As they grew they went up with friends and school to play and discover its wonders for themselves, something which is becoming increasingly rare these days. Where else can you let your children roam without fearing for their safety from traffic or livestock? Now my children are grown and the cycle is starting over again with their children visiting and enjoying this same freedom.
Before the grazing issue was proposed I used to see the remnants of old fences and gates and feel so grateful that the area is now open to all. It felt like a slap in the face to be told of the plans to erect fencing and introduce grazing as if it had nothing to do with the people who love and use the area daily. How dare they tell us they want to use us as ‘lookers’ and they will ‘train’ our dogs? We don’t want grazing so why do they think we will lift a finger to help. Why risk throwing away all the good will we have shown over the years. People are only too willing to help preserve such an outstanding amenity, but not to see it covered in wire fences, angle iron and gates. Much is said about the lack of community spirit these days, but it’s alive and well on Bryn Euryn. Don’t drive us all away and destroy something so valuable.

Another reaction to the feasibility report

Copy of a letter highlighting concerns

I have recently retired from farming and keeping horses and ponies for 50 years. I have been an active member of the British Horse Society and an Area Commissioner for the British Driving Society, Meirionydd area, and these are my comments on the feasibility of grazing animals on Bryn Euryn.
Grazing is successful on Anglesey, but there is no comparison between the areas on Anglesey and Bryn Euryn. Holyhead Breakwater Park is approx. 1,000 acres, and the majority of the users are concentrated around the visitor centre, shop and boating lake. The ponies are on the open moorland and have about 50 acres to graze. Ponies are also grazed above Trearddur Bay, but are fenced onto the land around the land owners’ house away from the public footpath, with sheep netting which is dog-proof. Ponies are also used in Newborough Forest, but yet again not in contact with Forest Users.
Bryn Euryn would be two small paddocks with unlimited public access and plain wire fencing. While the majority of dog walkers are responsible, there are a lot of people who have no control over their dogs and let them run wild. Responsible owners do not need a course on controlling their dogs and the others would not bother – so courses would be a waste of time and money.
Also signs would be a further eyesore and expense, and would be ignored as are the signs which say - No Camping – No litter – No fires and Bag and Bin dog mess. As to reporting incidents to the warden, that’s a joke. From personal experience, at 4.30pm he’s gone home, we’ll tell him in the morning. Surely his hours should be flexible to cover evenings and weekends when common sense dictates that’s when incidents happen.
No responsible owner would put their animals into such an unsuitable environment and public liability Insurance would be difficult to obtain. Putting animals onto small paddocks, out of sight, away from the owners home, with unlimited public access, dogs running free, no warden cover and a history of vandalism and anti social behaviour, especially as the owner is looking for members of the public to look out for them, to save them the bother of daily visits. The Carneddan Herd were applying to be exempt from having passports for their ‘wild ponies’ to be in line with Exmoor and Dartmoor etc. If they were successful in this campaign, their ponies would have no passports or microchips, which would make it illegal to move them from their home ground – which in itself would invalidate any insurance, and if they want to use the grazing they should transport them at their own cost.
According to information from the CCW, the cost of strimming is £1,500 of which they pay half, NOT the £3000 which you claim the Council pay.
The paddocks would NOT support 5 ponies for 4months. September – December, as well as supplementary feeding, they would require extra minerals to prevent them killing trees by stripping the bark, to provide them with the extras they need to change their coats from summer to winter. Unless droppings are cleared from small paddocks they soon become sick and sour, weeds take over and the horses suffer from worms. The paddocks are too small for the ponies to keep themselves out of harm’s way, in fact it makes them easier prey for dogs or vandals to chase. If chased by dogs, ponies will often retaliate by chasing and striking out with their forelegs and kicking.
If you insist on carrying on with this hare-brained scheme, in wasting tens of thousands of pounds of Public Money against public wishes, when the cry is there is not enough funding for essential services, then you obviously have no need of further Council Tax from me, and if any animal is put into a potentially dangerous situation, I will contact all animal welfare organisations on a daily basis until they are removed to a place of safety, hopefully before a tragedy happens. Feel free to contact me about any points I have raised.
Yours sincerelyMrs S

Concerned Rate Payers!

Darren Millar's letter has arrived through several letter boxes this morning, there have been a few letters objecting to the council plans, we'll publish all those we get a copy of...


I am writing in response to a letter recieved from AM Darren Millar inviting me to express my feelings regarding the issue of livestock on Bryn Euryn.

May i commence with letting you know i am firmly opposed to the plans on a number of levels. On a personal note i have grown up with the Bryn on my door step, as a child i would make dens, go sledging in winter and generally enjoy the freedom of having this natural reservation as a safe place to go with friends. I remember going for picnics and learning about its history with parents and going on walks and environmental lessons when i was a child in LLandrillo Junior school with the teachers. All of these experiences i would have liked my own children to have but i would obviously be concerned to allow them such freedom if unsupervised animals and restrictions were put in place. The reasons being danger to children from the animals if the animals became scared, danger to the animals by older less responsible children. I recall an incident in Mochdre where teenage children were responsible for the death of one pony. Finally of course who could go sledging on a field full of ponies with dangerous fencing to crash into and injure themselves on.

Areas to enjoy unspoilt by restrictions are limited in this area already. I have given thought to other places with such a range of history, wildlife and above all unresticted by policies or cattle (llandudno fields), sheep (penrhynside), ponies/donkeys (Llandudno), goats (Great Orme). I honestly can't think of anywhere!!

Now onto my daily enjoyment, walking my dog. Currently we are restricted in our walks to a choice of a lead walk or a free run of Bryn Euryn. The beach is restricted, a dog is not allowed on the beach in Rhos -on -sea. We are allowed on near Colwyn Bay, which without having a large amount of time on my hands i can only go to if i drive there. Which to me seems against what the council is working towards which is to help the environment. I understand the fencing will not only stop us using the field to enjoy the views whilst the dogs run but we can't even use the path as it is to run though the field. Ruining another walk as it will become restricted by leads and fear for the ponies, myself and my dog. The fence proposed is dangerous for the dogs as they do not always see the wires until tangled in it or impaled on it. I understand you are looking into providing training for us and our dogs, this however probably won't be required as the reason i go is to let him run there SAFELY. Which will not be possible with the bottom field as an allotment and the second field homing ponies, i will no longer be able to go there. I do not see how dog training will help the council as many bryn euryn users are not always from the area.

I feel the council are not listening, i rarely feel so strongly about an issue. I pay my council tax, i clean up after my dog (who will clean up the pony mess?), i am a professional working woman who enjoys seeing the views and having time out from the chaos of daily life on Bryn Euryn. I know if this goes a head people will not go there as much, the fences over time won't be maintained (fences there now have been reported following an injury to a dog and nothing was done), it is just a waste of public money on something the public who use the Bryn don't want.

In summary if the proposed plans go a head. It will be a sad day for the public who use the Bryn and for the future generations who will miss out on the experiences i was lucky enough to have.

Mrs C. Jones

Plea for Dog Control

From the councils own web site, 16/11/09 - Plea for Dog Control

The Orme has a long history of grazing, lots of big open spaces and they still have problems, what hope for the Bryn with no grazing in living memory, small paddocks and surrounded by urban areas!!

The Country Park Warden and the grazier on the Great Orme would like to make dog walkers aware that sheep are once again grazing within the Country Park.
Last week two sheep were killed as a direct result of being chased by a dog off the cliffs above Pen Trwyn; this is the second such incident in as many weeks.
To maintain the wildflower grasslands and the unique species that rely on them, such as the Silver-studded Blue and Grayling butterflies, it is essential that sheep continue to graze on the Great Orme.
The grazier, Mr. Emrys Jones, invests much time and money into his sheep and said that Monday's incident was totally irresponsible and that he was disappointed that people seem unable to keep their dogs under control.
Country Park Warden, Sally Pidcock added, "Dogs have also been lost over the cliffs and killed in their pursuit of sheep, goats and other wildlife. A minority of dog owners seem not to care that their dog is chasing sheep and can be openly hostile to anyone who approaches them on the matter. If only they realised that their dog is also at risk."


http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=142&doc=25183&Language=1