Agenda item

To provide an update on the Llŷn AONB capital projects.

The report was presented by the Llŷn AONB Officer.

It was reported that these capital projects were being funded through a Welsh Government Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places grant scheme (SLSP), noting that SLSP was only available for designated landscapes in Wales (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks). It was explained that the projects mentioned in the report had now ended as the SLSP only ran between 2022-2025. However, assurance was given that the scheme would continue for 2025-2027.

Details were given of the capital projects for 2022-2025 noting that the Welsh Government's themes for projects within this timeframe were: 'Biodiversity and nature recovery', ‘Decarbonisation’, 'Resilient and green communities' and 'Sustainable Tourism'. A reminder was given that the Llŷn AONB had projects that were eligible for all of these themes, as mentioned in previous meetings and more recently in the Llygad Llŷn newsletter. It was elaborated that these projects included:

·       Common Land - improvements to common land such as Foel Gron, Horeb and Rhos Botwnnog.

·       Native Trees - planting 5,000 trees on well-known sites.

·       Invasive alien species - tackling alien species such as Himalayan balsam, rhododendron, and Japanese knotweed in several areas within the AONB, focusing specifically on the area of Trefor.

·       Y Ganolfan, Llithfaen - renovating the centre in partnership with a significant budget from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity fund. Pride was expressed that the Centre had now been reopened to the public.

·       Car Park at Llanbedrog Quarry - tidying the area including resurfacing the car park, installing picnic benches and cutting growth and planting trees.

It was explained that cooperative work had been completed with other designated landscapes such as the 'Traditional Boundaries' in the area of Cilan and Edern, 'Dark Sky' and 'Landscape Education Pack' projects in cooperation with Pembrokeshire Council.

It was confirmed that the SLSP scheme had been funded by the Welsh Government for an additional two years. It was noted that no amendments had been made to the themes of the projects being supported however that a specific focus was being placed on 'nature recovery' and 'decarbonisation' during this period.

An update was given that the Llŷn AONB capital projects for the next two years would include: Planting native trees in the AONB, Eradicating invasive alien species, Site of Special Scientific Interest at Abergeirch and Decarbonisation of village halls/centres.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:

There was agreement with the viewpoint that invasive alien species affected plants in the AONB and pride was expressed in the fact that there were plans in place to continue to address these challenges.

In response to an enquiry about preventing invasive alien species, the Llŷn AONB Officer confirmed that the aim of the AONB was to deal with growth on public land or land bordering with public land. The need to contact Cyngor Gwynedd with any issues arising on public land was noted.

In response to an enquiry about the budget available for these capital projects, the Llŷn AONB Officer confirmed that approximately £200,000 was available and assured that more detailed information would be circulated to the Joint Committee members.  

            DECISION

            To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.