Latest news with #SpecialScientificInterest
ITV News
6 days ago
- General
- ITV News
Aqua Park to be installed at a popular beauty spot despite opposition from more than 2,000 people
An inflatable water park is set to be installed at a popular beauty spot despite opposition from more than 2,000 people. Vale of Glamorgan Council has approved the use of the eastern lake at Cosmeston Country Park, Penarth, to pilot the new Aqua Park attraction ahead of the school summer holidays. It follows the announcement that Aqua Park Cardiff won't be re-opening this summer in Cardiff Bay due to poor water quality. It is expected that the Aqua Park will open in its new location on Saturday 5th July 2025, and will remain open until mid-September. It will feature an inflatable obstacle course, including climbing walls, trampolines and giant slides. Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: 'The Aqua Park will be another great addition to the already fantastic offer at Cosmeston Country Park as the Council continues to promote sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the area. 'Consultation with residents through the Council's placemaking work has shown there is appetite locally - particularly among young people - for more varied leisure activities, and the re-introduction of water-based activities at Cosmeston will help us to ensure that our Country Parks are for everyone. 'Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious Council, and this pilot could also enable further income opportunities for our Country Parks – especially in supporting the re-wilding and conservation work already underway at Cosmeston. Locals previously raised concerns and started a petition. Rachel Morgan, who started the petition, said: 'For years, Cosmeston Lake has been officially deemed unsafe for swimming, raising serious concerns over the safety measures underpinning the Aqua Park's proposal. 'Contained within this park are some of Penarth's most diverse and fragile ecosystems, home to numerous species of wildlife. The recent proposal to introduce an Aqua Park this coming summer poses a significant and direct threat to this refuge.' Cosmeston Lake Country Park contains areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protected by law against damage from development or damaging management practices due to the rare and diverse plants and animal species found there. Home to swans, mallards and otters among other waterfowl, 25.6 hectares of the lake also hold SSSI status to protect the endangered starry stonewort plant. And in 2019, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) completed a four-year reintroduction project of water voles to the lake, which are a protected species in the UK. While the east side of the lake has been used in the past for water-based leisure activities such as boating, paddle boarding and canoeing, local residents fear that relocating the aqua park there will threaten public health, swimmer safety, as well as the wildlife and habitats in and around the lake. The Vale of Glamorgan Council says it has worked with a number of partner agencies to ensure that the lake is safe for Aqua Park visitors to enjoy – including a detailed programme of water testing work - and there will be on-site security to reduce any opportunities for anti-social behaviour – including unauthorised camping, lighting of fires, vandalism, fly-tipping. Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, said: "The Country Park is a fantastic venue for our exciting watersport experience, perfect for supervised adventure and family fun. With an exciting new course of obstacles, we can't wait to welcome visitors to our incredible new home. "We are also really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much-needed access to active outdoor experience, in a controlled and supervised environment to help boost their physical and mental well-being. "With household budgets likely to be limited again this year, we've got an amazing offer on our Aqua Park Season Passes, which means people can book up to twice a week for the whole summer giving families an easy and cost-effective way to keep the kids active throughout a staycation summer.' All visitors to Aqua Park Cardiff will be provided buoyancy aids, but must be aged six and over, 1.2m tall and able to swim 25 metres unaided to take part.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Man faced with 'appalling scenes' after visit to popular beach
Tim Healey, 64, has said he visits Red Rocks Nature Reserve in Liverpool most days - but when he arrived at the popular seaside spot he was greeted with shocking scenes A man has described the "appalling scenes" he encountered after a trip to a local popular beach - including discarded GCSE exam papers and broken glass. Tim Healey, a regular visitor to Red Rocks Nature Reserve in Hoylake, was shocked to find the area littered with debris on his visit today, Saturday, May 24. Red Rocks Marsh, a coastal reserve spanning 10 acres of sand dunes, reedbeds and marshland, is crucial for various bird species and is home to the rare natterjack toad. The reserve is part of the Red Rocks Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). But the 64-year-old resident was greeted by approximately 50 glass bottles strewn across the beach, many shattered, and even torn GCSE exam papers. He said: "I go down to Red Rocks on most days to walk the dogs and check out the wind conditions for wing foiling and today was no different. I, and others down there, were confronted with appalling scenes of litter and broken bottles of beer and vodka. "If they were going for a world record for broken glass on a beach, they've smashed it - there is glass over a huge area and it will be impossible to pick it all up, although we'll try.", reports the Liverpool Echo. Tim further discovered GCSE papers, lamentably without names, but deduced: "We also found GCSE papers, unfortunately without names on them, but it seems clear that after their exams these kids, who presumably are 16-years-old, decided to celebrate by throwing bottles at the rocks." Tim highlighted the risk that shattered glass poses to dogs, fearing it could gash and harm their paws. He questioned: "Who is selling them this alcohol, the vodka, how are they getting hold of it? This is a fantastic environment by the sea, it's beautiful and we are really lucky to be able to enjoy it. "Young people are supposed to be caring for their environment, but this lot weren't. I may be of a different generation but when I was a kid, I wouldn't even dream of dropping any litter never mind this orgy of smashed bottles." Radio 1 DJ Greg James, who was in town for Radio 1 Big Weekend at Sefton Park, paid a visit to Red Rocks on Friday and praised the beauty of the area. Tim's friend Jon Caswell, a Hoylake local, believbes that such loutish behaviour from teenagers might ruin the spot for families planning a bank holiday outing there. He remarked: "Yesterday Greg James from Radio 1, up here for the Big Weekend in Liverpool, was posting pictures on social media saying how beautiful this area is, because it is. And now this degenerate behaviour is likely to have spoiled any chance of enjoying Red Rocks over this bank holiday weekend. "We regularly come here for walks and to soak in the vistas, and we take our grandson to have fun on the beach but now we'll need to give it a miss as will many others. Cleaning up glass from sand isn't exactly straightforward. "I have no doubt many people and dogs will suffer cuts. It's hooliganism, it's shocking and those who did this obviously just don't care. I am appalled." Tim, along with other locals, subsequently took action to clean up the litter-strewn area.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Watchdog reveals concerns over damage from Callander pooch exercise park
The park is now subject to a retrospective planning permission application - but has been criticised by NatureScot after a visit late last year. Nature watchdogs say a dog exercise park operating without planning permission in Callander has caused damage to the land. Retrospective planning permission is now being sought for a change of use of agricultural land at field 3 in Mollands Road. Leah Rendall has lodged an application with Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for the dog agility and exercise park including enclosures and car parking. The application states: 'This retrospective planning application seeks permission for a multifunctional dog park on 250sqft of agricultural land. 'The park, featuring agility equipment, jumps, tyre pyramids and a shelter, promotes dog safety and community engagement while attracting tourists. 'It's designed to minimise impact on the SSSI designation, with measures for responsible waste management and habitat preservation. 'We support local well-being, enhance community connections, and encourage responsible dog ownership. 'Work commenced prior to obtaining planning permission due to a misunderstanding of site requirements. As a small business owner, I was unaware that planning permission was necessary for this development. I prioritised creating a safe space for dogs and the community. 'I've paid for business waste services and applied for rates reduction from the opening date. 'I am committed to resolving this through this retrospective application and ensuring compliance with all regulations moving forward. 'The plans incorporate designated areas for waste storage and collection. A council waste bin is located in the corner of the car park to facilitate proper disposal of dog waste. Additionally, I have implemented measures for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure cleanliness.' Environmental watchdogs NatureScot said the development, which is located wholly within Mollands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), was visited by their staff in November last year as part of a wider Site Condition Monitoring programme. In a submission to planners on the application, NatureScot said: 'This development has resulted in permanent, irreparable damage to localised areas of the SSSI but has not resulted in the site being re-classed as in unfavourable condition. 'Recommendations have been made in order to secure positive management of the wider site into the long-term.' NatureScot said an appraisal has shown contraventions of operations which require consent, including under categories of: dumping of any materials; drainage; extraction of minerals including peat, topsoil and sub-soil; construction, removal or destruction of tracks, walls, hardstands, banks or other earthworks; storage of materials; and erection of permanent or temporary structures. However, they added: 'Whilst damaging, the above operations are localised in their extent. 'The car parking area has, in effect, permanently sealed off the underlying sediments, meaning this area cannot now be studied in the future. The compaction of upper layers of sediments below due to the laying of hardstanding, and weight of vehicles, also constitutes damage. This area, in its current extent, is deemed to have had a relatively small impact on the integrity of the feature. 'It is likely that the timber posts of the dog agility area have been sunk into the upper sediment layers, irreparably damaging them. The damage however is limited to where the posts have been erected and, as such, due to the limited spatial extent, does not undermine the overall integrity of the feature. 'The shed and annexe structure is damaging to the sediments below and also effectively seals off the sedimentary record from study. 'The structure is close to the edge of the SSSI and away from the main basin of the site. It is unlikely that it would have been consented, particularly within this area of the SSSI. The impact is however likely to be localised and not so damaging as to require removal.' NatureScot said they understood that, due to the increasing wetness of the site over time, sheep grazing had become largely absent on the SSSI, and that this had contributed towards the decision to develop the site in this area. 'The development, as currently understood, has not resulted in the site being re-classified as in unfavourable condition. 'In order to maintain the wider site in favourable condition, crucial sediment areas must be kept wet and prevented from becoming dense scrub. Accessibility should also be maintained.' They concluded; 'This is an unusual development in that, despite elements of the development damaging the features of the SSSI, removal of some of the surfaces and/or structures will result in further damage and disturbance to the special features of the SSSI. Positive long-term management across the wider SSSI will mitigate some of this damage.'
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police warning over behaviour of children in woodland divides opinion
Police warning over behaviour of children in woodland divides opinion Police said 'vandalism' had taken place - but members of the public argued the behaviour was 'imaginative' Police posted photos of a 'den' that had been made at Lower Common in Buckley, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Image: North Wales Police ) A Welsh police force has ignited a debate after posting about what they found in a protected woodland. Officers from North Wales Police reported that they had been alerted to a makeshift den in a Flintshire forest. Police shared a number of images from the site which showed a fire pit, a makeshift tent shelter, chairs, damaged trees, and even a basketball net. They were called to the scene because it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which carries a formal conservation status. Describing the situation as "vandalism", police took to Facebook to ask: "Do you know where your children are when they go out to play?" For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here However, the majority of public comments showed sympathy towards the "budding Bear Grylls". Others said they couldn't see the "vandalism" there and said young people needed outdoor spaces to play in. The police's initial post read: "On Monday 19th May, we were made aware of vandalism having taken place at the Lower Common in Buckley where a children's den has been set up in the woodland of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)," reports North Wales Live. "An SSSI is a site of special scientific interest and is a formal conservation designation. Usually describing an area that's of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna, flora or any wildlife natural habitat. It's important to protect the geological and physiological features within the area. Article continues below "We have liaised with Flintshire County Council and ranger David Bryan who will arrange to have the area cleaned up. Patrols will be conducted to ensure no further damage is caused." A make-shift tent (Image: North Wales Police ) However, many have leapt to the defence of the youngsters, arguing that their creation is a testament to their creativity and imagination. One respondent stated: "Can't see vandalism here. I trained in Forest School and this is how incredibly imaginative children can be. "Why aren't we embracing this and getting our kids enthusiastic about something before they get to a stage where they are actually being a nuisance and vandalising things 'because they're bored and have nothing to do'?" Another commenter echoed this sentiment, saying: " just a kid or some kids being creative. We've got a budding Bear Grylls in Buckley!" It was a view that was widely shared, with one woman adding: "It's all feeling a bit confusing for the kids at the moment. Common land has traditionally been seen as open and accessible, but now it seems like almost every patch of green space is being designated as protected by Natural Resources Wales. Kids can't even ride mountain bikes through the Knowies anymore. "What's tricky is that while restrictions are tight for local children, the same rules seem far more flexible when it comes to property development, which does raise some eyebrows. It sends mixed messages, especially to young people who just want to be outdoors, active, and creative. "I absolutely recognise the importance of protecting sensitive habitats, and I'm not questioning that. "But we can't ignore the growing gap it's creating for teenagers. When they're told they can't go to places like Lower Common, what's left? "There are so few, accessible outdoor spaces where they can explore, build dens, and tracks to ride bikes, or simply hang out without being moved on or made to feel like they're doing something wrong. "It would really help if Buckley Town Council could identify and actively promote specific spaces where children are welcome, areas to explore, and enjoy nature without fear of being told off. "I grew up doing just that, and we now know how valuable that kind of play is for development and mental wellbeing. It would be a real shame if the next generation missed out on that freedom, simply because no one made space for them." People defended the youngsters who made the camp on social media (Image: North Wales Police ) Another added: "Whilst I understand SSSI sites are important, children being able to play and explore is more important, anywhere kids go in Buckley they are an inconvenience." Article continues below Officers have addressed some of the comments online. The South Flintshire Community Policing Team said: "We are all for children being out in the fresh air, playing and having fun, however unfortunately as this area has been designated as an SSSI, we have had complaints from members of the public about the damage caused during their den building and therefore have to respond to these. "Whilst we do understand the comments being made we are simply offering words of advice to parents who may not be aware that this area is an SSSI."
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."
