Agenda item

To consider the report of the Llŷn AONB Projects Officer.

The Llŷn AONB Projects Officer submitted his report on the work of the AONB Service. An update was given on the following projects:

·        Rural Skills Training

·        Marine Litter

·        Invasive species

·        Under-grounding electricity lines

·        Sustaining Assets - Volunteering Opportunities

·        AONB Photography Competition

·        Capital Projects – Welsh Government Funding, namely:-

-       Carnguwch Church - repairing and replacing gates and installing directional signs from the direction of the Church at Llwyndyrys

-       Repair work to Cae’r Nant boundary wall and creation of a vehicle passing place

-       Pathway improvements at Cilan

-       Improve Access to Access Land at Bwlch Mawr, Gyrn Ddu, Gyrn Goch

Copies of a leaflet by the National Trust was distributed, relating to the 'Payment for Outcomes' agricultural project at Porth Gwylan. The Llŷn AONB Projects Officer said that she had more copies in the offices if anyone required some.

During the discussion the following matters were raised:-

·         Referring to the intention to install a public water tap near the toilets in Abersoch, Natural Resources Wales' representative noted that panels could be provided near to the refill points explaining why it was necessary to reduce the use of plastic.  It was suggested that the Llŷn AONB Officer should discuss this further with the representative.

·         A member noted that Himalayan Balsam was more problematic than Japanese Knotweed as it spread far quicker.  In response, the Llŷn AONB Service Officer said that the Unit would continue to pursue the issue, but Himalayan Balsam was a significant problem by now in the area.   He noted that the plant had spread from the mountain in Nefyn down to the beach, and that this might be a suitable project to bid for Welsh Government funding.  He added that Anglesey had undertaken considerable work on this, and that the ‘Himalayan Balsam’ parntership had mapped out the areas where the plant grew.  A suggestion was made to contact the Anglesey Partnership to see whether the mapping work could be extended to include Llŷn.

·         A local member noted that there was nothing on the AONB website about the Dark Skies Project, although it was referred to regularly on the social media sites.  It was hoped that several events would take place once the Project Officer returned to work.

·         A member asked whether it would be possible to establish a project to remove the willow trees at Garn Boduan, as there was a risk that they could spread and affect the remains there.   The Llŷn AONB Officer suggested that this could be incorporated in the management plan.  The member noted that he would provide the officer with the owner's contact details.

·         A member noted that Scottish Power had upgraded one of its lines at Sarn Bach, and it was enquired whether discussions could be held beforehand to see whether it could be placed underground.  In response, the Llŷn AONB Officer explained that Scottish Power were more eager to place lines underground in some locations than others, and he referred to three lines that were intended to be placed underground next year.  It was suggested to ask Scottish Power to provide OS maps showing the locations.

·         A member noted that the rhododendron near the waterfall on the approach to Gyrn Goch needed to be cut.

·         A member noted that the steps leading up to Tyddyn Hywel Quarry had been built by former workers and that it was worth ascending to the top to see the work.

·         A member noted that he was very pleased with the repair work to Cae'r Nant boundary wall and that widening the road had made a great difference.  However, another member expressed concern about speeding on the road.

RESOLVED to accept the information.