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.”
Thursday 26 November 2009
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
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
Wednesday 25 November 2009
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!
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.'
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.'
Monday 23 November 2009
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.
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.
Thursday 19 November 2009
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.
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
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
Wednesday 18 November 2009
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
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
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
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Social Evening - Wednesday 25th November – 7.30pm
Wednesday 25th November – 7.30pm, Colwyn Bay Cricket Club, Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-sea.
Letter from Darren Millar
We are very grateful to Darren Millar AM who has kindley written to all members of the Bryn Euryn Users Association, details below
Darren Millar AM / AC
Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
Gweinidog yr Wrthblaid dros Gymunedau a Llywodraeth Leol
Welsh Conservative Member for Clwyd West
Aelod y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig dros Orllewin Clwyd
Dear ,
Re: Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve
I am writing to you as a person that has expressed an interest in the future of the Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve.
You will be aware that the management advisory group is currently considering proposals to change the way that the site is managed via the introduction of grazing on part of the reserve. The proposal has been subject to a feasibility study and a report will be considered by the advisory group next week when they will decide whether to proceed with the proposal or not.
It is essential that the voice of the local community and the users of Bryn Euryn is not ignored in this process and it is therefore vital that as many local residents as possible write in with their views.
The recently established Bryn Euryn Users Association has agreed to collate responses and would be very pleased to receive your comments. Their contact details are as follows and your views should be forwarded by noon on Monday, 23rd November:
bryn.euryn.users.assoc@hotmail.com
The Association has been invited to send a representative to attend the meeting next week and will ensure that your views are relayed to the committee.
In making your representations you may like to consider the following:-
1. Bryn Euryn currently allows unrestricted access for all members of the public.
2. Should the grazing proposals be implemented then the public would have restrictions placed on them when using the parts of the site designated for livestock grazing.
3. The local authority has acknowledged the lack of public open space in the area.
4. Bryn Euryn could still be managed sustainably without grazing and deliver the same conservation outcomes.
5. The local authority has acknowledged that financial considerations have been a factor in the decision to bring forward grazing proposals.
6. Bryn Euryn is currently a popular exercise area for dogs and their walkers. Many consider the introduction of livestock to be incompatible with this use.
7. The Bryn Euryn Users Association is keen to play an active role in helping to support the management of the site in the future.
Should you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office.
Yours sincerely,
Darren Millar AM
Darren Millar AM / AC
Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
Gweinidog yr Wrthblaid dros Gymunedau a Llywodraeth Leol
Welsh Conservative Member for Clwyd West
Aelod y Ceidwadwyr Cymreig dros Orllewin Clwyd
Dear ,
Re: Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve
I am writing to you as a person that has expressed an interest in the future of the Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve.
You will be aware that the management advisory group is currently considering proposals to change the way that the site is managed via the introduction of grazing on part of the reserve. The proposal has been subject to a feasibility study and a report will be considered by the advisory group next week when they will decide whether to proceed with the proposal or not.
It is essential that the voice of the local community and the users of Bryn Euryn is not ignored in this process and it is therefore vital that as many local residents as possible write in with their views.
The recently established Bryn Euryn Users Association has agreed to collate responses and would be very pleased to receive your comments. Their contact details are as follows and your views should be forwarded by noon on Monday, 23rd November:
bryn.euryn.users.assoc@hotmail.com
The Association has been invited to send a representative to attend the meeting next week and will ensure that your views are relayed to the committee.
In making your representations you may like to consider the following:-
1. Bryn Euryn currently allows unrestricted access for all members of the public.
2. Should the grazing proposals be implemented then the public would have restrictions placed on them when using the parts of the site designated for livestock grazing.
3. The local authority has acknowledged the lack of public open space in the area.
4. Bryn Euryn could still be managed sustainably without grazing and deliver the same conservation outcomes.
5. The local authority has acknowledged that financial considerations have been a factor in the decision to bring forward grazing proposals.
6. Bryn Euryn is currently a popular exercise area for dogs and their walkers. Many consider the introduction of livestock to be incompatible with this use.
7. The Bryn Euryn Users Association is keen to play an active role in helping to support the management of the site in the future.
Should you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office.
Yours sincerely,
Darren Millar AM
Sunday 15 November 2009
Warning - Rant coming up!
Is it just me or do you get the feeling that grass and ponies are far more important than people, their offspring and dogs? Having just waded through the Feasibility study and its pages of risk assessment, I found it incomprehensible that there was only one small entry regarding the safety of the users of the area. Do they not read the papers, or watch TV? All the recent deaths of walkers crossing fields of cattle, and the little boy on 'The One Show' left brain damaged after being kicked in the head by a horse when crossing a field with his sister. Do they not think this will put people off using the grassland, or is this the plan? To the Grass Police we are an inconvenience to be ignored or educated into their way of thinking. Never mind that our kids could be garroted by wire fencing when sledging or our dogs injured hitting the wire when distracted by a squirrel. Obviously troughs of water will pose no hazards to children, and people will happily have picnics in fields of ponies. Schools and clubs will ignore all health and safety and insurance guidelines and march their charges up there without a second thought.
We are of course going to be offered training for our dogs. The very dogs who have enjoyed freedom and not been used to sharing their play times with livestock, or who are taken there precisely because they are not safe with them. Are they going to offer this service to all the 'infrequent' visitors who come at weekends and holidays? And to top it all off we are expected to act as 'lookers', doing their job for them and clearing up the mess they are determined to create.
Perfectly adapted native species of yew, bracken and ragwort are to be eradicated. Never mind that they provide shelter and nectar to insects and small mammals. Bryn Euryn Local Nature Reserve should be renamed Bryn Euryn Local Grass Reserve for all the consideration any other forms of nature are given. Think on Countryside Services, you rely on us to be your eyes and ears with the vandals you are aware of now, so why are you deliberately doing your level best to alienate all the ratepayers who pay your wages? Sabotage gets the highest rating on your risk assessment, is this because of the widely reported vandalism or are you aware you are risking turning mild mannered, law abiding citizens into dis empowered angry saboteurs?
We are of course going to be offered training for our dogs. The very dogs who have enjoyed freedom and not been used to sharing their play times with livestock, or who are taken there precisely because they are not safe with them. Are they going to offer this service to all the 'infrequent' visitors who come at weekends and holidays? And to top it all off we are expected to act as 'lookers', doing their job for them and clearing up the mess they are determined to create.
Perfectly adapted native species of yew, bracken and ragwort are to be eradicated. Never mind that they provide shelter and nectar to insects and small mammals. Bryn Euryn Local Nature Reserve should be renamed Bryn Euryn Local Grass Reserve for all the consideration any other forms of nature are given. Think on Countryside Services, you rely on us to be your eyes and ears with the vandals you are aware of now, so why are you deliberately doing your level best to alienate all the ratepayers who pay your wages? Sabotage gets the highest rating on your risk assessment, is this because of the widely reported vandalism or are you aware you are risking turning mild mannered, law abiding citizens into dis empowered angry saboteurs?
Saturday 14 November 2009
Puppy Watch Update
As something different take a look at the updates on PuppyCam: -
http://www.northumbria.police.uk/about_us/dogs/puppycam/index.asp
http://www.northumbria.police.uk/about_us/dogs/puppycam/index.asp
Friday 13 November 2009
Risk assessment error
Six pages of risk assessments to the animals, just half a page of risk assessment for humans!
Risk assessment for humans is totally inadequate –
Probability should be 'possible' – the score should be 2, several recent reports in the press of walkers attacked by grazing animals
Severity should be 'death' – score should 5, as fatalities from attacks by grazing animals have been reported not to mention a child kill when a sledge crashed into a post and wire fence of the type the council are proposing
Risk = Probability x Severity 2 x 5 = 10 this is too high a risk and measures should be taken to reduce
Risk assessment for humans is totally inadequate –
Probability should be 'possible' – the score should be 2, several recent reports in the press of walkers attacked by grazing animals
Severity should be 'death' – score should 5, as fatalities from attacks by grazing animals have been reported not to mention a child kill when a sledge crashed into a post and wire fence of the type the council are proposing
Risk = Probability x Severity 2 x 5 = 10 this is too high a risk and measures should be taken to reduce
Sheep grazing in the 1940s?
The council report says: -
Some people local to Bryn Euryn have indicated that they have clear memories of sheep grazing the Bryn in the 1940s, however others have said they have no recollection of ever seeing any grazing on the hill
How come no one at the public meeting did? If the council are going to carryon making these claims could they provide details of who is actually claiming this?
Some people local to Bryn Euryn have indicated that they have clear memories of sheep grazing the Bryn in the 1940s, however others have said they have no recollection of ever seeing any grazing on the hill
How come no one at the public meeting did? If the council are going to carryon making these claims could they provide details of who is actually claiming this?
How convenient…
Our Development Control section has advised that grazing is unlikely to require planning permission as agricultural use of land is exempt.
This goes against the advice we have received from a land surveyor, see link http://save-our-bryn.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-land-profesional-thinks-of-plans.html
This goes against the advice we have received from a land surveyor, see link http://save-our-bryn.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-land-profesional-thinks-of-plans.html
Feasibility Exercise in respect of the potential for grazing on Bryn Euryn
Sorry some of the formatting has been lost but please see below the long awaited feasibility study, let us know what you think!
Conwy County Borough Council
Highways and Infrastructure Services
Feasibility Exercise in respect of the potential for grazing on Bryn Euryn
Local Nature Reserve
November 2009
CONTENTS
Page number
1 Introduction
3
1.1 Background to Bryn Euryn – designations and management
3
1.2 Background to SSSI management
3
1.3 Background to the feasibility exercise
4
2 Feasibility Assessments
5
2.1 Legal restrictions
5
2.2 Livestock and grazing considerations
6
2.3 Interest from potential graziers
7
2.4 Fencing
7
2.5 Public access
7
2.6 Water source
8
2.7 Access to land by grazier
8
2.8 Division of responsibilities between grazier and Conwy CBC
8
2.9 Grazing animals as an attraction
9
2.10 Carbon Footprint
9
3 Cost / Benefit Analysis
9
4 Risk Assessment
10
5 Summary of outstanding issues
10
Appendix 1 – Risk Assessment
Appendix 2 – Lookers Action Plan
Appendix 3 – Grazing options map
1 Introduction
1.1 Background to Bryn Euryn – designations and management
Bryn Euryn is one of 22 Countryside Sites managed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Service for informal countryside recreation and nature conservation. The nature conservation interest of the site has long been recognised, as has the high level of recreational use. The site also has archaeological interest, with the summit hillfort and Llys Euryn mansion both being Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The Council owns 25.5 hectares of the hill.
Much of the site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as it is of national importance for its biological interest i.e. the semi-natural calcicolous grassland communities, including four Nationally Scarce plant species. Bryn Euryn is one of eight SSSIs in Conwy which are notified for their calcicolous grassland/woodland interest. Lowland calcareous grasslands are a key habitat in the Biodiversity UK Action Plan, requiring priority protection and having an internationally important status.
In March 1997, the Planning Committee resolved to progress the declaration of the area as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), to reflect its importance for wildlife together with its community/educational value, a process which would be facilitated by a Management Advisory Group (MAG). In October 1999 Bryn Euryn was officially declared a LNR. The MAG, which consists of local councillors and representatives of local/national bodies, continues to meet biannually to oversee the management of the LNR.
There is a network of paths criss-crossing the Bryn. There are several public footpaths leading onto the Bryn but once on the hill they lose their practical importance, as the hill has open access and the public footpaths on the map often bear little resemblance to those on the ground. The Summit Trail is a circular promoted route which starts at the car park and links Llys Euryn mansion and the summit hillfort. The Bryn Euryn leaflet includes this trail and it is waymarked on the ground.
The Bryn is mainly used by local people and many of these are regular dog walkers. Some people local to Bryn Euryn have indicated that they have clear memories of sheep grazing the Bryn in the 1940s, however others have said they have no recollection of ever seeing any grazing on the hill. When Colwyn Borough Council leased the Bryn for a period of ten years from the 30th November 1924, the user covenant was to use it for grazing purposes and as a public pleasure ground. Although the Lease terms ceased to have any effect when the freehold was acquired in 1932, for whatever reason the user restrictions were not repeated in the freehold covenants. Certainly in more recent times it is only rabbits that have grazed the Bryn.
1.2 Background to SSSI management
In 1957, 56 acres were identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by the Nature Conservancy Council (forerunner of CCW) under Section 23 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This included most of the Council’s land holding, and both the woodland and grassland were included within the SSSI boundary.
In 1983 the site was re-notified as an SSSI under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, at which time a list of operations likely to cause damage to the special interest of the site was also issued to the Council as owners of the land. At this time the size of the SSSI was considerably reduced by excluding the woodland areas. The new SSSI is only 11.5 ha and is confined to the grasslands.
The purpose of scrub control and mowing is to maintain and restore the limestone grassland habitat. If natural succession was allowed to take place the site would turn into scrub/woodland with loss of open space. As the site is designated as a SSSI for its limestone grasslands then the Council has a duty to maintain that interest.
There was some limited scrub control near the summit by Clwyd Countryside Service in the early 1990s. In 1996 the site started to be actively managed by Conwy County Borough Council’s Countryside Service, following the scrub control areas indicated in the Countryside Council for Wales’ (CCW) management plan. In 1996 the upper meadow was covered in scattered trees and these were initially cut and treated by volunteers. The lower meadow had two large bramble patches and trees/scrub had encroached along the edges.
From 1997 to 2004, both meadows were mown and raked off. From 2005 onwards, when the Council entered a Section 15 agreement with CCW, the lower meadow has been mown and raked off in August/September. The upper meadow has been mown less frequently and in sections. Weedwiping of re-grown saplings has augmented the mowing. The scrub edge on both meadows has been pushed back in strips and mown the following summer.
Consideration is being given to mowing the lower meadow twice each summer to try and reduce the density of perennial rye grass.
1.3 Background to the feasibility exercise
The purpose of the feasibility exercise is to look at the viability of grazing as a potentially more sustainable option over the long-term than the current mowing and raking regime.
The concept of a feasibility study into grazing has been in the management plan since 2001 but was only specifically discussed by the MAG in April 2009. The MAG agreed that a feasibility study should be undertaken and re-confirmed this in July, after local opposition to the idea of grazing was expressed.
Mowing is an artificial replacement for grazing. The table below (from the Lowland Grassland Management Handbook) shows a comparison of grazing and mowing from a conservation perspective.
2 Feasibility Assessments
2.1 Legal Restrictions
There are two uncertainties in respect of the existing covenant: whether grazing would be deemed a business and whether the proposals would be deemed to significantly restrict the public’s recreational use of the area. If either of these applies then grazing is potentially precluded.
The benefit of the covenants on the Bryn are vested in the Cayley Estate. It is the Estate which could therefore enforce the covenants by holding the Council in breach of covenant.
The Cayley estate has been approached, as part of this exercise, to establish its initial view on these matters. Their response was:-
“if the proposed grazing is done for the stated purpose and no payment is received as a consideration for the same then this would not be a trade, business or profession. It would perhaps be an occupation but as the rights of public would have to be reserved in any licence to occupy then this would not be an exclusive occupation.
The wording of the Conveyance would also appear to be interesting in that it does not expressly state that the future use of the land is to be that of a public open space, since it is provided that the trade or business of a caterer, confectioner, provider of refreshments or tobacconist in any club room, pavilion, cafe or refreshment room as duly authorised by the Council would not be a breach of the relevant covenant affecting the land.
In essence, we do not believe that what is proposed by the Council as set out in your said e.mail would amount to a breach of the relevant terms of the said Conveyance, but if there is any divergence from such proposals then we would expect to be notified.”
Our Development Control section has advised that grazing is unlikely to require planning permission as agricultural use of land is exempt.
2.2 Livestock and Grazing Considerations
Due to the number of dogs on the site sheep are not thought suitable due to the potential for dogs worrying sheep. Cattle would graze similarly to ponies but are perceived by the public to be more dangerous. Tame ponies could be a problem if people are feeding them.
Semi-feral ponies, from the nearby Carneddau herds, would be suitable as they will move away from people and not beg for food or be near enough to be injured by anyone. They would be hardy and able to withstand the weather. They are small and attractive so are generally liked by the public.
These ponies are being used to good effect at Breakwater Country Park near Holyhead and on other sites on Anglesey, and nearer, at Maes y Fachell on the Orme.
Both the lower and upper meadows have an area of about 2.25 - 2.3 haeach (perimeter of each circa 700-710m). There is sufficient grazing for five ponies per enclosure. The ideal grazing regime, in terms of conservation management would require grazing of the paddocks for two months in spring and four months late summer early /autumn (to allow most of the flowers to set seed).
CCW’s priority is, initially, for the Upper Meadow to be grazed. CCW considers that the Lower Meadow needs mowing twice each summer for several years to reduce the density of the perennial rye grass, to bring it into condition for grazing. The crags are seen as a lower priority, mainly because the grassland there is less threatened by scrub invasion and manual control of re-invasion by non-native cotoneasters and evergreen oak is the priority. Three options are presented:-
Option 1: Fence out and graze the upper meadow only and continue to mow
the lower meadow.
Option 2: Fence out and graze the upper and lower meadows. No mowing.
Option 3: Fence both meadows and graze as one unit. No mowing.
See Appendix 3 for grazing options map.
2.3 Interest from potential graziers
Two graziers have been contacted who are potentially interested. One is involved with the Carneddau ponies. However, he has indicated that this may be conditional upon some financial input from the Council in respect of transportation of ponies.
The other has Welsh mountain ponies, which are used to people going through the field on a public footpath.
There are other people involved with the Carneddau ponies but the person we have contacted would be the main contact.
If cattle were to be considered we would need to search for local smallholders with such breeds as Dexters or Highland Cattle.
2.4 Fencing
High tensile line wire fencing is considered suitable for ponies. Three line wires would be supported by split chestnut posts or angle iron on rockier ground. Barbed wire at the top or bottom of the fence is not recommended in case of injury to the livestock and people.
Any fence line should avoid corners and ‘pinch points’ to minimise contact between the ponies and the public. Making one area rather than two enclosures would reduce the pinch points. Moving the fence back into the woodland and cutting escape lines in the scrub would allow more space for the animals to move away and find shelter when necessary, and would also reduce the visual impact of the fencing.
Fencing costs for each option are estimated as follows, and include for the provision of a handling / loading pen, field gates and kissing gates:
Option 1: £14, 200
Option 2: £27,045
Option 3: £22, 680
2.5 Public access
Bryn Euryn is well used and enjoyed by many local people and visitors. Many of the sites users are dog walkers. The heaviest use is on the bottom fields by the car park. The lower meadow is also quite heavily used, whilst others follow the access track or Summit Trail.
One of the bottom fields is to be turned into allotments so this will be lost to dog walkers, which then may put more pressure on the other areas of the Bryn from dog walkers.
There has been concern from a significant number of local people that the possible fencing of the upper/lower meadows would restrict their access even further in the locality.
In practice however access through the paddocks would be available at all times through the installation of kissing gates on all the main paths. Any grazing would be restricted to certain months of the year and there would be an associated need for people to keep their dogs under control at these times. Outside the paddocks, people would still be able to let their dogs run more freely but in a controlled manner, as fencing would not be dog-proof.
If Carneddau ponies were used they would tend to move away from people. In similar projects dog walkers have been trained as Lookers (to report problems) and training has been available to train dog owners how to control their dogs in the vicinity of livestock.
2.6 Water source
In order to encourage movement of the ponies through the area and to ensure adequate water, troughs will need to be situated in each paddock. If the area is managed as a whole two troughs would still be advisable. One of these could potentially be located on the house boundary and fed from the mains supply, the other could be supplied from a bowser. However, initial enquiries regarding the potential to bring mains water to the site have revealed that this is likely to be impractical. This reduces options to the use of bowsers, which would feed the troughs. The grazier would be required to ensure daily checking of the troughs (this could potentially be aided by Lookers – volunteers who check/report problems – see Appendix 2 for Lookers Action Plan).
Bowsers come as road or site models. The advantage of a road model is it can be towed to site, but the grazier may be able to trailer in a site model and a quad bike to top up the troughs on a weekly basis. Alternatively a container could be left on site with a (locked) tap and refilled as needed.
In practice, graziers use a variety of containers/tanks to carry water and a variety of troughs.
2.7 Access to land by grazier
Access would be via the track past Llys Euryn cottage. They would have a key to the gate.
See Appendix 3 for map showing details of access, holding pen and fencing.
2.8 Division of responsibilities between the grazier and Conwy CBC
Any grazier would be required to sign up to a formal tenancy agreement prior to any livestock being introduced to the site. In view of the infrastructure required at this site to make grazing possible and the associated costs of this, it would be necessary to secure an agreement with a suitable grazier prior to investing in the required infrastructure.
The tenancy agreement as a legal document would detail where the responsibilities lie in terms of the grazier and the local authority.
The local authority would have the responsibility for:
o drawing up the agreement (including cost), overseeing adherence to its terms and also in having the responsibility to terminate the agreement should the need arise.
o the maintenance of the kissing gates and provision of advisory signage.
Through the tenancy agreement the grazier would take responsibility for:
o All welfare issues relating to the livestock e.g. water supply, ragwort control, straying of livestock, veterinary care
o Maintenance of fencing and field gates, and general good condition of the holding
o Holding adequate public liability insurance
o Bringing livestock to and from the site for the required periods of grazing in the year
o Horse passports
2.9 Grazing animals as an attraction
The ponies may enhance people’s enjoyment of the Bryn and could be used as an example of conservation grazing to students. At Breakwater Country Park local people frequently stop to speak to the grazier and tell him that they like to see the ponies on the site. There have been very few adverse comments.
2.10 Carbon footprint
Grazing potentially has a lower carbon footprint than mowing but this is significantly affected by how much travelling the grazier has to do. The amount of petrol consumed by mowing this summer (mowing/raking of lower meadow and same for five metre wide strip along much of upper meadow) is 133 litres (this includes travel to site but not chemical used for weedwiping saplings). The petrol consumption for grazing depends on the number of site visits required by the grazier. In an ideal world the regular visitors to the Bryn would act as Lookers - people who check on the stock and report problems. This has worked with similar projects elsewhere and would reduce the frequency of the grazier’s visits.
Assuming the grazier travels 30 miles return, visits five days per month, for six months at 30 miles per gallon = 150 litres/year.
Assuming grazier visits daily, assuming 30 days per month = 900 litres/year.
3 Cost / Benefit analysis
The following table shows the approximate costs and break-even point for each option:
Option
Capital cost
Annual revenue cost
Break-even point (in relation to continuation of present regime)
Mechanical mowing, as at present
Nil
£3,000
-
Option 1 – grazing of upper meadow
£14,200
£2,500
28 years
Option 2 – separate grazing of upper and lower meadows
£27,045
£1,000
14 years
Option 3 – combined grazing of upper and lower meadows
£22,680
£1,000
11 years
4 Risk Assessment (See Appendix 1 for detail)
The main concerns arising from the risk assessment are:-
1. Access to secure water supply and the need to check regularly that water
is okay.
2. Removal/monitoring of poisonous plants – yew, bracken, ragwort.
3. Vandalism/sabotage: the likelihood of this is difficult to predict but is of
concern because of the distress it could potentially cause to the animals
and the potential cost/time of repairs.
4. Chasing stock by dogs.
5. Injury to the public from stock.
5 Summary of outstanding issues
Although there is some provisional interest from potential graziers (who are fully aware of all site issues and potential conditions), a grazier would still need to commit to signing a tenancy agreement.
There is uncertainty over levels of support from Lookers. In an ideal world this would help the grazier and reduce the number of his visits. In the first instance a grazier would have to assume that reliable local help with monitoring the livestock and associated infrastructure would not be forthcoming.
The level of vandalism e.g. tampering with fencing or water troughs or people/dogs chasing stock is an unknown quantity and would be of direct concern to the grazier.
Should the MAG wish to proceed with the grazing , capital funding has not been secured, although CCW have agreed a contribution of 50% to the cost of fencing.
Should the MAG wish to proceed with grazing then further consultation with the community will be required.
Conwy County Borough Council
Highways and Infrastructure Services
Feasibility Exercise in respect of the potential for grazing on Bryn Euryn
Local Nature Reserve
November 2009
CONTENTS
Page number
1 Introduction
3
1.1 Background to Bryn Euryn – designations and management
3
1.2 Background to SSSI management
3
1.3 Background to the feasibility exercise
4
2 Feasibility Assessments
5
2.1 Legal restrictions
5
2.2 Livestock and grazing considerations
6
2.3 Interest from potential graziers
7
2.4 Fencing
7
2.5 Public access
7
2.6 Water source
8
2.7 Access to land by grazier
8
2.8 Division of responsibilities between grazier and Conwy CBC
8
2.9 Grazing animals as an attraction
9
2.10 Carbon Footprint
9
3 Cost / Benefit Analysis
9
4 Risk Assessment
10
5 Summary of outstanding issues
10
Appendix 1 – Risk Assessment
Appendix 2 – Lookers Action Plan
Appendix 3 – Grazing options map
1 Introduction
1.1 Background to Bryn Euryn – designations and management
Bryn Euryn is one of 22 Countryside Sites managed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Service for informal countryside recreation and nature conservation. The nature conservation interest of the site has long been recognised, as has the high level of recreational use. The site also has archaeological interest, with the summit hillfort and Llys Euryn mansion both being Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The Council owns 25.5 hectares of the hill.
Much of the site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as it is of national importance for its biological interest i.e. the semi-natural calcicolous grassland communities, including four Nationally Scarce plant species. Bryn Euryn is one of eight SSSIs in Conwy which are notified for their calcicolous grassland/woodland interest. Lowland calcareous grasslands are a key habitat in the Biodiversity UK Action Plan, requiring priority protection and having an internationally important status.
In March 1997, the Planning Committee resolved to progress the declaration of the area as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), to reflect its importance for wildlife together with its community/educational value, a process which would be facilitated by a Management Advisory Group (MAG). In October 1999 Bryn Euryn was officially declared a LNR. The MAG, which consists of local councillors and representatives of local/national bodies, continues to meet biannually to oversee the management of the LNR.
There is a network of paths criss-crossing the Bryn. There are several public footpaths leading onto the Bryn but once on the hill they lose their practical importance, as the hill has open access and the public footpaths on the map often bear little resemblance to those on the ground. The Summit Trail is a circular promoted route which starts at the car park and links Llys Euryn mansion and the summit hillfort. The Bryn Euryn leaflet includes this trail and it is waymarked on the ground.
The Bryn is mainly used by local people and many of these are regular dog walkers. Some people local to Bryn Euryn have indicated that they have clear memories of sheep grazing the Bryn in the 1940s, however others have said they have no recollection of ever seeing any grazing on the hill. When Colwyn Borough Council leased the Bryn for a period of ten years from the 30th November 1924, the user covenant was to use it for grazing purposes and as a public pleasure ground. Although the Lease terms ceased to have any effect when the freehold was acquired in 1932, for whatever reason the user restrictions were not repeated in the freehold covenants. Certainly in more recent times it is only rabbits that have grazed the Bryn.
1.2 Background to SSSI management
In 1957, 56 acres were identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by the Nature Conservancy Council (forerunner of CCW) under Section 23 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This included most of the Council’s land holding, and both the woodland and grassland were included within the SSSI boundary.
In 1983 the site was re-notified as an SSSI under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, at which time a list of operations likely to cause damage to the special interest of the site was also issued to the Council as owners of the land. At this time the size of the SSSI was considerably reduced by excluding the woodland areas. The new SSSI is only 11.5 ha and is confined to the grasslands.
The purpose of scrub control and mowing is to maintain and restore the limestone grassland habitat. If natural succession was allowed to take place the site would turn into scrub/woodland with loss of open space. As the site is designated as a SSSI for its limestone grasslands then the Council has a duty to maintain that interest.
There was some limited scrub control near the summit by Clwyd Countryside Service in the early 1990s. In 1996 the site started to be actively managed by Conwy County Borough Council’s Countryside Service, following the scrub control areas indicated in the Countryside Council for Wales’ (CCW) management plan. In 1996 the upper meadow was covered in scattered trees and these were initially cut and treated by volunteers. The lower meadow had two large bramble patches and trees/scrub had encroached along the edges.
From 1997 to 2004, both meadows were mown and raked off. From 2005 onwards, when the Council entered a Section 15 agreement with CCW, the lower meadow has been mown and raked off in August/September. The upper meadow has been mown less frequently and in sections. Weedwiping of re-grown saplings has augmented the mowing. The scrub edge on both meadows has been pushed back in strips and mown the following summer.
Consideration is being given to mowing the lower meadow twice each summer to try and reduce the density of perennial rye grass.
1.3 Background to the feasibility exercise
The purpose of the feasibility exercise is to look at the viability of grazing as a potentially more sustainable option over the long-term than the current mowing and raking regime.
The concept of a feasibility study into grazing has been in the management plan since 2001 but was only specifically discussed by the MAG in April 2009. The MAG agreed that a feasibility study should be undertaken and re-confirmed this in July, after local opposition to the idea of grazing was expressed.
Mowing is an artificial replacement for grazing. The table below (from the Lowland Grassland Management Handbook) shows a comparison of grazing and mowing from a conservation perspective.
2 Feasibility Assessments
2.1 Legal Restrictions
There are two uncertainties in respect of the existing covenant: whether grazing would be deemed a business and whether the proposals would be deemed to significantly restrict the public’s recreational use of the area. If either of these applies then grazing is potentially precluded.
The benefit of the covenants on the Bryn are vested in the Cayley Estate. It is the Estate which could therefore enforce the covenants by holding the Council in breach of covenant.
The Cayley estate has been approached, as part of this exercise, to establish its initial view on these matters. Their response was:-
“if the proposed grazing is done for the stated purpose and no payment is received as a consideration for the same then this would not be a trade, business or profession. It would perhaps be an occupation but as the rights of public would have to be reserved in any licence to occupy then this would not be an exclusive occupation.
The wording of the Conveyance would also appear to be interesting in that it does not expressly state that the future use of the land is to be that of a public open space, since it is provided that the trade or business of a caterer, confectioner, provider of refreshments or tobacconist in any club room, pavilion, cafe or refreshment room as duly authorised by the Council would not be a breach of the relevant covenant affecting the land.
In essence, we do not believe that what is proposed by the Council as set out in your said e.mail would amount to a breach of the relevant terms of the said Conveyance, but if there is any divergence from such proposals then we would expect to be notified.”
Our Development Control section has advised that grazing is unlikely to require planning permission as agricultural use of land is exempt.
2.2 Livestock and Grazing Considerations
Due to the number of dogs on the site sheep are not thought suitable due to the potential for dogs worrying sheep. Cattle would graze similarly to ponies but are perceived by the public to be more dangerous. Tame ponies could be a problem if people are feeding them.
Semi-feral ponies, from the nearby Carneddau herds, would be suitable as they will move away from people and not beg for food or be near enough to be injured by anyone. They would be hardy and able to withstand the weather. They are small and attractive so are generally liked by the public.
These ponies are being used to good effect at Breakwater Country Park near Holyhead and on other sites on Anglesey, and nearer, at Maes y Fachell on the Orme.
Both the lower and upper meadows have an area of about 2.25 - 2.3 haeach (perimeter of each circa 700-710m). There is sufficient grazing for five ponies per enclosure. The ideal grazing regime, in terms of conservation management would require grazing of the paddocks for two months in spring and four months late summer early /autumn (to allow most of the flowers to set seed).
CCW’s priority is, initially, for the Upper Meadow to be grazed. CCW considers that the Lower Meadow needs mowing twice each summer for several years to reduce the density of the perennial rye grass, to bring it into condition for grazing. The crags are seen as a lower priority, mainly because the grassland there is less threatened by scrub invasion and manual control of re-invasion by non-native cotoneasters and evergreen oak is the priority. Three options are presented:-
Option 1: Fence out and graze the upper meadow only and continue to mow
the lower meadow.
Option 2: Fence out and graze the upper and lower meadows. No mowing.
Option 3: Fence both meadows and graze as one unit. No mowing.
See Appendix 3 for grazing options map.
2.3 Interest from potential graziers
Two graziers have been contacted who are potentially interested. One is involved with the Carneddau ponies. However, he has indicated that this may be conditional upon some financial input from the Council in respect of transportation of ponies.
The other has Welsh mountain ponies, which are used to people going through the field on a public footpath.
There are other people involved with the Carneddau ponies but the person we have contacted would be the main contact.
If cattle were to be considered we would need to search for local smallholders with such breeds as Dexters or Highland Cattle.
2.4 Fencing
High tensile line wire fencing is considered suitable for ponies. Three line wires would be supported by split chestnut posts or angle iron on rockier ground. Barbed wire at the top or bottom of the fence is not recommended in case of injury to the livestock and people.
Any fence line should avoid corners and ‘pinch points’ to minimise contact between the ponies and the public. Making one area rather than two enclosures would reduce the pinch points. Moving the fence back into the woodland and cutting escape lines in the scrub would allow more space for the animals to move away and find shelter when necessary, and would also reduce the visual impact of the fencing.
Fencing costs for each option are estimated as follows, and include for the provision of a handling / loading pen, field gates and kissing gates:
Option 1: £14, 200
Option 2: £27,045
Option 3: £22, 680
2.5 Public access
Bryn Euryn is well used and enjoyed by many local people and visitors. Many of the sites users are dog walkers. The heaviest use is on the bottom fields by the car park. The lower meadow is also quite heavily used, whilst others follow the access track or Summit Trail.
One of the bottom fields is to be turned into allotments so this will be lost to dog walkers, which then may put more pressure on the other areas of the Bryn from dog walkers.
There has been concern from a significant number of local people that the possible fencing of the upper/lower meadows would restrict their access even further in the locality.
In practice however access through the paddocks would be available at all times through the installation of kissing gates on all the main paths. Any grazing would be restricted to certain months of the year and there would be an associated need for people to keep their dogs under control at these times. Outside the paddocks, people would still be able to let their dogs run more freely but in a controlled manner, as fencing would not be dog-proof.
If Carneddau ponies were used they would tend to move away from people. In similar projects dog walkers have been trained as Lookers (to report problems) and training has been available to train dog owners how to control their dogs in the vicinity of livestock.
2.6 Water source
In order to encourage movement of the ponies through the area and to ensure adequate water, troughs will need to be situated in each paddock. If the area is managed as a whole two troughs would still be advisable. One of these could potentially be located on the house boundary and fed from the mains supply, the other could be supplied from a bowser. However, initial enquiries regarding the potential to bring mains water to the site have revealed that this is likely to be impractical. This reduces options to the use of bowsers, which would feed the troughs. The grazier would be required to ensure daily checking of the troughs (this could potentially be aided by Lookers – volunteers who check/report problems – see Appendix 2 for Lookers Action Plan).
Bowsers come as road or site models. The advantage of a road model is it can be towed to site, but the grazier may be able to trailer in a site model and a quad bike to top up the troughs on a weekly basis. Alternatively a container could be left on site with a (locked) tap and refilled as needed.
In practice, graziers use a variety of containers/tanks to carry water and a variety of troughs.
2.7 Access to land by grazier
Access would be via the track past Llys Euryn cottage. They would have a key to the gate.
See Appendix 3 for map showing details of access, holding pen and fencing.
2.8 Division of responsibilities between the grazier and Conwy CBC
Any grazier would be required to sign up to a formal tenancy agreement prior to any livestock being introduced to the site. In view of the infrastructure required at this site to make grazing possible and the associated costs of this, it would be necessary to secure an agreement with a suitable grazier prior to investing in the required infrastructure.
The tenancy agreement as a legal document would detail where the responsibilities lie in terms of the grazier and the local authority.
The local authority would have the responsibility for:
o drawing up the agreement (including cost), overseeing adherence to its terms and also in having the responsibility to terminate the agreement should the need arise.
o the maintenance of the kissing gates and provision of advisory signage.
Through the tenancy agreement the grazier would take responsibility for:
o All welfare issues relating to the livestock e.g. water supply, ragwort control, straying of livestock, veterinary care
o Maintenance of fencing and field gates, and general good condition of the holding
o Holding adequate public liability insurance
o Bringing livestock to and from the site for the required periods of grazing in the year
o Horse passports
2.9 Grazing animals as an attraction
The ponies may enhance people’s enjoyment of the Bryn and could be used as an example of conservation grazing to students. At Breakwater Country Park local people frequently stop to speak to the grazier and tell him that they like to see the ponies on the site. There have been very few adverse comments.
2.10 Carbon footprint
Grazing potentially has a lower carbon footprint than mowing but this is significantly affected by how much travelling the grazier has to do. The amount of petrol consumed by mowing this summer (mowing/raking of lower meadow and same for five metre wide strip along much of upper meadow) is 133 litres (this includes travel to site but not chemical used for weedwiping saplings). The petrol consumption for grazing depends on the number of site visits required by the grazier. In an ideal world the regular visitors to the Bryn would act as Lookers - people who check on the stock and report problems. This has worked with similar projects elsewhere and would reduce the frequency of the grazier’s visits.
Assuming the grazier travels 30 miles return, visits five days per month, for six months at 30 miles per gallon = 150 litres/year.
Assuming grazier visits daily, assuming 30 days per month = 900 litres/year.
3 Cost / Benefit analysis
The following table shows the approximate costs and break-even point for each option:
Option
Capital cost
Annual revenue cost
Break-even point (in relation to continuation of present regime)
Mechanical mowing, as at present
Nil
£3,000
-
Option 1 – grazing of upper meadow
£14,200
£2,500
28 years
Option 2 – separate grazing of upper and lower meadows
£27,045
£1,000
14 years
Option 3 – combined grazing of upper and lower meadows
£22,680
£1,000
11 years
4 Risk Assessment (See Appendix 1 for detail)
The main concerns arising from the risk assessment are:-
1. Access to secure water supply and the need to check regularly that water
is okay.
2. Removal/monitoring of poisonous plants – yew, bracken, ragwort.
3. Vandalism/sabotage: the likelihood of this is difficult to predict but is of
concern because of the distress it could potentially cause to the animals
and the potential cost/time of repairs.
4. Chasing stock by dogs.
5. Injury to the public from stock.
5 Summary of outstanding issues
Although there is some provisional interest from potential graziers (who are fully aware of all site issues and potential conditions), a grazier would still need to commit to signing a tenancy agreement.
There is uncertainty over levels of support from Lookers. In an ideal world this would help the grazier and reduce the number of his visits. In the first instance a grazier would have to assume that reliable local help with monitoring the livestock and associated infrastructure would not be forthcoming.
The level of vandalism e.g. tampering with fencing or water troughs or people/dogs chasing stock is an unknown quantity and would be of direct concern to the grazier.
Should the MAG wish to proceed with the grazing , capital funding has not been secured, although CCW have agreed a contribution of 50% to the cost of fencing.
Should the MAG wish to proceed with grazing then further consultation with the community will be required.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Allotments
We understand works by the council to build the allotments is underway and they hope to have them ready by January?
We understand the council have planning permission for the conversion so for anyone opposing there seem little that can be done. There wasn't much in the way of objections when the planning went through, it would be a totally different if the council ever applies for planning to fence off the Bryn itself for grazing!
Local opinion on the loss of this field seems mixed, some feel allotments are a good use of the field, certainly better than the council building houses! Others want to keep the field as it is with no change.
Feel free to tells us what you think and we will post any comments.
We understand the council have planning permission for the conversion so for anyone opposing there seem little that can be done. There wasn't much in the way of objections when the planning went through, it would be a totally different if the council ever applies for planning to fence off the Bryn itself for grazing!
Local opinion on the loss of this field seems mixed, some feel allotments are a good use of the field, certainly better than the council building houses! Others want to keep the field as it is with no change.
Feel free to tells us what you think and we will post any comments.
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