Select Committee on Environmental Audit Minutes of Evidence


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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