Latest news with #SSSIs
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Newport MS John Griffiths speaks out against solar farms
In a speech to the Senedd on Wednesday, Mr Griffiths highlighted the area's significance as a wildlife haven, describing it as "Wales's Amazon." He said: "Almost a fifth of Wales's most important site for wildlife is on the Gwent Levels—and a big chunk of the Gwent Levels is in my constituency of Newport East. "Across the landscapes and watercourses of the Levels, there is a rich assemblage of biodiversity, which is critical to the area and its future." Mr Griffiths praised the efforts of organisations such as the Gwent Wildlife Trust for their work in reintroducing species like the water vole to the area. He said: "The grips, ditches, reens, and main rivers provide a safe and thriving habitat for a whole range of different species, including the water vole, which I am pleased to champion here in the Senedd. "And through the work of organisations such as the Gwent Wildlife Trust, they have been successfully reintroduced back into sites such as Magor Marsh nature reserve, and have then spread outwards from that particular location." However, Mr Griffiths expressed concerns about the threats posed by large-scale solar farm developments. He said: "There are very real threats to the Levels, particularly at the moment, from developers looking to take forward large-scale solar farms, taking advantage of the area's topography and closeness to the grid. "This has caused a great deal of concern to the Wildlife Trust, local communities, and environmental groups in general." Research by the Gwent Wildlife Trust found that if all the current solar development proposals were built, up to 19 per cent of the total area of the Levels' Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) could be within development boundaries. This would amount to approximately 1,038 hectares. Mr Griffiths acknowledged the need for more renewable energy projects but stressed the importance of location. He said: "We all know, of course, and we all say it, and it's very true, we do need more renewable energy projects; we need very many more; and hopefully we'll be fully dependent on renewable energy in the UK and in Wales before too long; and solar energy will have a very important part to play. "But, you know, it's often said, but it's very true to say, and it needs to be said, that obviously, developments always have to be in the right place, and I believe very strongly that the Gwent Levels is not the right place." He pointed to the existing solar farm at Llanwern on the Levels, where the Welsh Government's post-construction monitoring report found declines in lapwing numbers, key bee species, and bat activity. Mr Griffiths concluded: "I think it's quite clear that if further solar applications are allowed to go ahead, we risk detrimentally changing the nature of this incredibly important area for biodiversity, for cultural heritage, and for unique landscape; changing it for good and destroying the vital biodiversity that we are so lucky to have on our precious Gwent Levels."
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Wales' most expensive property currently for sale for £15m is definitely not what you think it's going to be
If you come across a property for sale in Wales on Rightmove listed with a guide price of £15m you are surely going to be interested to see what you get for that eye-catching level of budget - it's going to be a rare opportunity and something special, isn't it? The sale of a substantial slice of the Nannau Estate, that is deeply rooted in Welsh and British history, presents a rare chance to acquire one of the most significant rural properties located within the Eryri Snowdonia National Park. The estate is an extraordinary and diverse mixed-use estate, boasting an established farming, forestry, and property business, complemented by a burgeoning holiday accommodation venture. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: You can buy half an entire Welsh hamlet and it's the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen Around 3,784 acres of the breathtaking landscape for sale is found within the coastal hills above the Afon Mawddach, just a short distance upstream from its estuary, Nannau offers a rich blend of mature woodland, pasture, ffrid and hill grazing. Throughout the mesmerising, undulating land there's a network of fresh water streams and three notable mountain peaks, offering every landscape characteristic of the region that you would hope to find, admire and enjoy. At the heart of the estate is a substantial farming and forestry operation, currently spanning around 2,837 acres, around three quarters of the total estate, with an additional 498 acres potentially available for inclusion from March 2027. The estate also boasts a collection of lodges and cottages, three of which are run as high-quality holiday rentals. Additionally, there are three let farms, several unique and traditional buildings providing further development and diversification opportunities, and considerable potential for delivering environmental benefits. The owners of Nannau have meticulously managed its residential, agricultural, and forestry assets. The estate, already providing superb temporary accommodation for owners, also presents several possibilities for constructing a grand main residence. Nannau strikes a balance between abundant diversification opportunities and extensive existing enterprises - a large-scale farming and forestry business, three holiday cottages, eight additional residential properties, commercial income, and numerous prospects for further development and the potential to further capitalise on Nannau's growing reputation as a hub for walking and other outdoor activities. The land is so special that it includes numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) including waterways, woodland and peatland. In addition, estate's topography, characterised by expansive woodland cover, provides excellent stalking and shooting opportunities. Further sporting potential is offered by the attractive section of the Afon Mawddach in the southwest. Under a mile southwest of Nannau sits Dolgellau, affectionately termed as the town of "music and mountains", holding the title of the largest town inside the national park. It provides numerous facilities, encompassing both independent and mainstream shopping outlets, eateries, and educational institutions, as well as representing a central site for the area's agricultural trade. This unique offering is on the market with a guide price of £15m, call Savills, Telford on 01952 239500 to find out more.
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Concern for wildlife as 100-fold increase in chemicals found in harbours
Chemical pollution has increased by 100-fold in the waters of two south coast harbours which are home to sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), according to a new study. Researchers from three universities have analysed the waters of Chichester and Langstone harbours and discovered 105 different pharmaceuticals, pesticides and illegal drugs including an insecticide used as a common pet flea treatment. And the environmental scientists found that some of the chemicals increased by over 100-fold following rainy days which led to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the harbours which are on the border of Hampshire and West Sussex. The team, made up of researchers from Brunel University, London, University of Portsmouth and Imperial College London, says that they are worried about the impact on the local wildlife in the 21 SSSIs in the area. Dr Thomas Miller, from Brunel University, said: 'CSO discharges were an obvious source of chemical pollution in these waters. 'Our study found that some chemicals increased by over 100-fold in water after these discharges, making them a high risk to aquatic wildlife.' The study, carried out with the help of the Clean Harbours Partnership and published in the journal Environment International, examined 339 water samples which revealed 67 pharmaceuticals, 29 pesticides and nine recreational drugs. It comes after the Environment Agency revealed that storm overflows spilled sewage into England's rivers, lakes and coasts for new highs of more than 3.61 million hours in 2024. The researchers found that seaweed soaked up more chemicals than shellfish and the insecticide imidacloprid, used a pet flea treatment, created the highest risk based on levels found in surface water. Dr Leon Barron, from Imperial College London, said: 'Out of so many chemicals detected, the presence of pet tick and flea treatments in the harbours was especially concerning. 'We urgently need to reassess the practice of blanket preventative treatment of our dogs and cats to help bring the risk down.' The team also found the presence of 1,3-diphenylguanidine, which is used in rubber production and which they say could indicate pollution from tyre-wear particles and road run-off after rainfall events. Lead author Jasmin Uhlhorn, a PhD student from Brunel University, said: 'The research underscores the complexity of chemical mixtures present in transitional and coastal water systems, highlighting the need for more comprehensive monitoring to investigate their sources, including the impacts of CSO discharges. 'While studies on chemical pollution in these environments are limited, the findings suggest that the true risks of chemical mixtures may be underestimated, particularly for marine species.' Professor Alex Ford, from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences, said: 'The impact of these contaminants we are yet to fully understand, but it's clear from our data that they increase substantially under storm events which discharge untreated sewage.' CHP co-founder Rob Bailey said: 'It is concerning to see such a large cocktail of chemicals being detected and hear their effects are largely unknown. 'As a community-based organisation we will continue to push for better monitoring of these protected marine habitats used by our members.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Concern for wildlife as 100-fold increase in chemicals found in harbours
Chemical pollution has increased by 100-fold in the waters of two south coast harbours which are home to sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), according to a new study. Researchers from three universities have analysed the waters of Chichester and Langstone harbours and discovered 105 different pharmaceuticals, pesticides and illegal drugs including an insecticide used as a common pet flea treatment. And the environmental scientists found that some of the chemicals increased by over 100-fold following rainy days which led to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the harbours which are on the border of Hampshire and West Sussex. The team, made up of researchers from Brunel University, London, University of Portsmouth and Imperial College London, says that they are worried about the impact on the local wildlife in the 21 SSSIs in the area. Dr Thomas Miller, from Brunel University, said: 'CSO discharges were an obvious source of chemical pollution in these waters. 'Our study found that some chemicals increased by over 100-fold in water after these discharges, making them a high risk to aquatic wildlife.' The study, carried out with the help of the Clean Harbours Partnership and published in the journal Environment International, examined 339 water samples which revealed 67 pharmaceuticals, 29 pesticides and nine recreational drugs. It comes after the Environment Agency revealed that storm overflows spilled sewage into England's rivers, lakes and coasts for new highs of more than 3.61 million hours in 2024. The researchers found that seaweed soaked up more chemicals than shellfish and the insecticide imidacloprid, used a pet flea treatment, created the highest risk based on levels found in surface water. Dr Leon Barron, from Imperial College London, said: 'Out of so many chemicals detected, the presence of pet tick and flea treatments in the harbours was especially concerning. 'We urgently need to reassess the practice of blanket preventative treatment of our dogs and cats to help bring the risk down.' The team also found the presence of 1,3-diphenylguanidine, which is used in rubber production and which they say could indicate pollution from tyre-wear particles and road run-off after rainfall events. Lead author Jasmin Uhlhorn, a PhD student from Brunel University, said: 'The research underscores the complexity of chemical mixtures present in transitional and coastal water systems, highlighting the need for more comprehensive monitoring to investigate their sources, including the impacts of CSO discharges. 'While studies on chemical pollution in these environments are limited, the findings suggest that the true risks of chemical mixtures may be underestimated, particularly for marine species.' Professor Alex Ford, from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences, said: 'The impact of these contaminants we are yet to fully understand, but it's clear from our data that they increase substantially under storm events which discharge untreated sewage.' CHP co-founder Rob Bailey said: 'It is concerning to see such a large cocktail of chemicals being detected and hear their effects are largely unknown. 'As a community-based organisation we will continue to push for better monitoring of these protected marine habitats used by our members.'
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rare species being reintroduced to ancient Pembrokeshire woodland
A LICHEN success story is being celebrated in an ancient rainforest. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has been working to restore lost lichens in Cwm Gwaun, an area known for its ancient Celtic rainforest. The landscape is home to five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), each nationally significant for its lichen-rich woodlands. Lichens thrive in well-lit, humid environments with exceptionally clean air. However, in recent decades, the delicate ecosystems have declined due to changes in traditional woodland grazing practices and the impact of agriculture and industry on air quality. One of the most striking lichens, Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), was recorded on only five trees in the valley in 2007. Recent signs suggest that conditions are once again becoming favourable for its recovery. A breakthrough moment came in 2017 when a conservation officer discovered a small fragment of Tree Lungwort on the ground following a storm at the Sychpant picnic site. Using netting from a fruit bag, they secured the fragment to a nearby ash tree, where it has since thrived. This unexpected success inspired a larger-scale effort to restore the species. As part of the Cysylltu Natur 25x25 project, a lichen expert has now transplanted 46 small, windblown fragments onto 20 trees across three selected sites in Cwm Gwaun. The locations were chosen following thorough surveys, which confirmed the presence of other old-growth forest lichens with similar habitat needs. Each tree has been mapped and labelled, allowing volunteers to monitor the progress of the transplants in the months and years ahead. The storm that once dislodged a fragment may ultimately help breathe new life into the area's lichen communities. Mary Chadwick, conservation officer for the national park, said: "Tree lungwort is a stunning lichen that embodies the essence of Atlantic rainforests. "It's exciting to contribute to its gradual recovery across Cwm Gwaun." The project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme and delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.
