Annex 2
PUMLUMON SSSI
Pumlumon is a well-known location in north Ceredigion.
It attracts walkers from all over the UK and is a very popular
rambling destination. It is a significant landscape feature and
this case was of considerable interest for a number of reasons.
In early 2002 a farmer constructed a 6m wide
road across an area of the mountain, damaging fragile blanket
bog and mountain heath vegetation. Reluctantly CCW decided to
prosecute. In this case we felt it was necessary to take this
action in order to restore the site to its former condition. This
case illustrates the need for CCW to be consulted before any work
is carried out, so that damage to our mountain habitats can be
avoided
The landowner pleaded guilty in January 2004
to damaging a nationally important wildlife site and the Aberystwyth
court set a new precedent by ordering that the land should be
restored to its former condition, the first time that this has
been done in Wales. This was also the first prosecution in Wales
under the new provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act for
damage caused by an occupier to a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
As indicated above this case set a legal precedent
in Wales. It also provoked an outcry from the rambling fraternity
and the local community who were appalled by the visual and environmental
impact. This case clearly had the potential to effect the local
green economy by spoiling a popular walking destination. It also
had a wider visual impact on the area, being clearly visible form
some distance. Finally the outcome prompted members of the public
to congratulate CCW for its decision to take action, a clear statement
that the protection of our SSSIs is seen as important in the eyes
of the public.
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