The Welsh Assembly Government has been evaluating sustainable options for obtaining sand and gravel for south Wales. It commissioned a series of research reports to assist it in developing policy and also to help it in choosing whether to continue dredging sand from the Bristol Channel or to start to quarry sand and gravel from potentil land based sources. All will be aware of the concerns which have been expressed about the possible impact of dredging sand from the Bristol Channel on the beaches and cliffs of south Wales.

The Assembly is in the process of drawing up a dredging policy to ensure that marine sand which supplies 90% of market for sand in south east Wales is extracted in the most environmentally friendly way.

The Assembly is also investigating alternative sources of sand. Two projects have looked at the possibility of replacing marine sand with land won material. Potential sources of such land based sand and gravel have been identified in south Wales (see map attached). Substantial resources have been identified but not one of these potential sources has been commercially evaluated. All of the prospective sites are substantially affected by known environmental or planning constraints. There is no immediate proposal to extract from of these sites. Any proposal would have to have the agreement of the landowner and the required planning permission. All that is proposed at present is that the Local Planning Authorities have been asked to safeguard these potential sources from other development. A copy of one of the research reports is held by CPRW Head Office and a copy of the other has been ordered.

Over 200 responses were made to the consultation 'Planning- Delivering for Wales' (See Branch Bulletin Issue 70) and Ms Essex says that she will issue a statement this Autumn detailing the proposals to be taken forward in Wales and how they would be achieved.

Telecommunication companies will face tougher requirements for telecommunications masts following approval of new legislation by the National Assembly in July. The new legislation:

* Strengthens the current public consultation requirements on proposals for masts 15 metres and below so that they are the same as applications for masts above that height which already need full planning permission.

* Increases the time for local planning authorities to deal with prior approval applications (including masts up to 15 metres in height) to 56 days.

* Increases the planning fee from �35 to �190 in recognition of the additional consultation requirements imposed on the local planning authorities.

* Requires telecommunication companies to ensure emissions from their mast sites fall within the limits set by international exposure guidelines. These are five times tougher than the national guidelines set by the National Radiological Protection Boards.

In August a new Technical Advice Note 19: Telecommunications was published. Copies can be obtained from The Publications Centre Tel 029 2089 8688 Email:

Assembly-publications@wales.gsi.gov.uk

CPRW Head Office will be sending copies to those holding the Planning Advice files with each branch.

Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in Wales have received new guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that Unitary Development Plans (UDPs) are consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

The Guide, 'Sustainability Appraisal of UDPs in Wales', sets out advice on the practical application of sustainability appraisal techniques in UDP preparation. It provides examples of good practice to suit a wide range of operational circumstances, which can be tailored to suit the needs of individual authorities.

The Guide advises LPAs on the importance of:

* Carrying out the sustainability appraisal in tandem with plan preparation, starting as early as possible in the process;

* Having an approach which is systematic and independent;

* Identifying clearly the approach to be taken and the timetabling implications;

* Discussing matters such as sustainability objectives and methodology with key stakeholders;

* Comparing options as a mechanism for understanding the likely impacts of what is proposed;

* Reaching conclusions and recommendations at each stage of the appraisal which then get used to refine the content of the plan.

In a covering letter Ms Powell points out that Local Authorities need to ensure compliance with the Directive so that environmental impacts can be properly considered. Attached to the letter is a note in the form of a Q/A brief that sets out minimum requirements of the EIA Regulations that transpose the Directive. It also highlights some EIA related issues that have arisen in recent court cases and indicates actions that local authority planning staff can take to avoid similar difficulties. Copies of the note are available from CPRW Head Office, on request.

New measures have been announced to further safeguard the Welsh landscape. The measures relate to projects for intensive agriculture affecting semi-natural areas and uncultivated land that have significant effects on the environment. As from 19th August 2002 these projects will require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Explaining the measures, Minister for Rural Development, Michael German said: "There is a need to ensure that, when any proposed change in the use of land could have a significant effect on the environment, measures are in place to assess these effects including those for countryside, biodiversity and archaeology.

"The ploughing of semi-natural and uncultivated land risks destroying valuable habitat areas such as unimproved grassland, heath and moorland, scrubland and wetlands. I would urge all farmers and landowners to contact their nearest Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department divisional office for advice before ploughing any such land." Areas covered by the EIA regulations (which implement provisions in EC Directives) will comprise land considered uncultivated or semi-natural if it contains less than 25-30% of improved agricultural grass species (which are indicative of cultivation) and/or white clover. Examples include:

* Mountain, heath, moorland and cliff-top rough grazing;

* Traditional herb-rich "wild flower" hay meadows and enclosed semi-natural rough grazing and wet, rush infested, rough pastures that have not been ploughed for years;

* Scrubland; and * Wetlands, including bogs, marsh, fens and saltmarsh, and watercourses, ditches, open water and ponds (especially where there are adjoining semi-natural areas).

The regulations will not apply to arable land, grass leys and any improved land that has been regularly cultivated and fertilised. They will also not apply to activities covered by planning permission or forestry or woodland projects already covered by separate regulations.

For further information and/or a copy of the General Guidance contact the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department divisional offices in:

Caernarfon (covering north Wales) - 01286 674144

Carmarthen (covering south west Wales) - 01267 225300 or

Llandrindod Wells (covering southWales, south east Wales and Powys) - 01597 823777.

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group has set up a team in Wales to deliver independent environmental and conservation advice to farmers and landowners.

Glenda Thomas FWAG Cymru's manager said she was confident that they would develop and play a vital role in promoting farming practices beneficial to biodiversity in Wales. "Environmental considerations are now an integral part of farm management with traditional Welsh farming families adapting to these changing times. The opportunities abound." FWAG's work is carried out by advisers who help identify, safeguard and link wildlife habitats across the whole farm. Often this can be done at little or no capital cost but sources of grant aid are sought where possible. Dr Glenda Thomas can be contacted on tel. 01341 421456 email: Glenda.Thomas@fwag.org.uk

In September, Aberbran Fawr, near Sennybridge became the 1,000th farm to enter into a Tir Gofal agreement and to mark this historic milestone Mike German AM, Minister for Rural Development, visited the farm to see for himself how Tir Gofal fits into their farming system on this 450 acre mixed beef, sheep and arable farm.

At Aberbran Fawr, the Matthews family have already diversified into pheasant rearing and 'pick your own' fruits and joining the agri-environment scheme was seen as a logical next step.

Under the Tir Gofal agreement the aim is to grow spring barley and other crops but these arable crops will not be treated with any herbicides or pesticides, allowing native plants like cornflower and shepherd's needle to thrive. Cover crops will be grown and stubbles will be kept on arable fields over the winter months. Both these options will provide birds like the skylark with nesting and feeding areas.

CCW say that the environmental gains delivered by Tir Gofal are considerable and the scheme is making a significant contribution to sustaining Wales' biodiversity. Amongst features that are now under Tir Gofal care are at least:

* 4,725ha Semi Natural Broadleaved Woodland

* 1,400ha Parkland

* 9,400ha Semi Improved Grassland

* 11,113ha Upland Heath

* 2,879ha Arable Options

* 994km Public Rights of Way Maintained

* 2,259 Historic Points under agreement.

Roger Thomas, CCW's Chief Executive also pointed out that under Tir Gofal farms will undertake around �2 million of capital works over the next five years including hedge laying, dry stone walling and fencing. The financial support will not only help the viability of the farming industry, he said, but will also spin off into rural communities with additional business for contractors, local shops and garages, for example.

In July the Government published 'Common Land Policy Statement 2002' which outlines its intentions for future legislation, covering England and Wales, following the public consultation exercise undertaken in 2000. The Statement makes the point that the challenge for the Government is to ensure that legislation adequately protects the land, continues to encourage public access and that it promotes modern, sustainable, agricultural management practices. It acknowledges that getting the right balance between these potentially conflicting demands will not be easy. The Government has decided to set up a Stakeholder Working Group to look at the agricultural management issues in more details and invited CPRW to appoint a representative. The Director, Merfyn Williams, will be attending the first meeting of this Group in November.

A copy of the Statement can be obtained from DEFRA Publications Tel. 08459 556000 and is available on the DEFRA website www.defra.gov.uk

Following the publication of the Statement, the Open Spaces Society regret that there is no proposal to compel local authorities to defend commons against privatisation by fencing, new tracks, 'garden-creep' and other encroachments. In a press release the Society say that although such encroachments are unlawful, nobody is required to act against them and as a result hundreds of acres of public open land are despoiled each year.

Proposals to compel local authorities to act were made as long ago as 1986 by the Common Land Forum to which local authorities themselves were signatories. CPRW too took a full part in that exercise in the 1980s.

In the last Bulletin (Issue 71 - August 2002) we reported Government plans to allow vehicular access over common land for property owners to reach their premises. It has been pointed out to us (thank you, Sue) that this only applies to England. The Welsh Assembly Government are still considering the matter. Apologies.

he Forestry Commission has launched its unique Autumn Colours campaign to help people find the best places to go and witness the season at its best. The www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn website acts as a guide on when and where autumn is hitting its peak. The website gives a colour rating for each forest from 1(green) to 5(gold) and is crammed with directions, advice on autumn walks and bikje rides, events and activities and even the local weather forecast. For more information or a free information pack, call 0845 367 3787.

One of Britain's rarest and most endangered tree - the black poplar - has received a boost thanks to the Forestry Commission in north Wales.

Although previously identified as a rare breed, it wasn't until researchers discovered that the only trees remaining were nearly all male, that the plight of the black poplar became much more serious than first thought.

A nationwide search has identified the 'men only' sites as well as locating the remaining females of the species. Forestry Commission officers in Wales have now embarked on their delicate mission - Operation Black Poplar.

With the aid of tree cuttings planted out, it is hoped that newly revealed female trees will not be able to inter-breed with the black poplar 'gentlemen in waiting', which will be vital in maintaining a robust and broad genetic diversity.

At the beginning of the last decade, just over 1,000 trees were thought to exist in the UK, making the Black Poplar the rarest native tree. As a result of recent surveys, just over 200 have been found in north east Wales.

Forestry Commission spokesman, Greg Vickers, said:

"As with a number of endangered species, the exact location of the female black poplar trees in Wales must remain a secret to everyone - with the exception of the male black poplars of course".

If members of the public have any information on black poplars, Forestry Commission staff can be contacted on 01824 750492.

The DTI has issued a booklet which looks at the social and environmental impact of the production and use of energy.

The booklet covers the evolution of the social and environmental aspects of energy use through the provision of a wider range of analysis of the statistics that the DTI and others issue on a regular basis.

It includes analytical material on fuel poverty, particularly focusing on trends over time. From 1996 to 2000, it is estimated that the number of households in fuel poverty in the UK decreased by 1.5million.

We have been sent a supply of these booklets. A copy will be sent to all Branch Secretaries - and to others, on request.

CPRW's response to the DTI's 'Energy Policy: Key Issues for Consultation' was made in September. It can be viewed on CPRW's website - www.cprw.org.uk or a hard copy will be sent on request.

Two 'WindWorks' applications have been turned down in recent months. At Cefn Coed in Wrexham, the councillors heeded the recommendation of their planning officer and voted unanimously to reject the application for 3 x 91 metre turbines in the Glyn Ceirion Valley. Similarly, Bridgend councillors rejected the proposal at Lluest Wen, Llangynwyd for 2 x 91 metre turbines on a site adjacent to Mynydd Margam where Neath Port Talbot councillors turned down an application (this was not a WindWorks scheme) for 11 x 75 metre ones.

The latest 'Position Statement' prepared by our consultant, Geoffrey Sinclair, is attached to this bulletin and we urge members and readers to keep their eyes and eyes open and let us know of any planning applications, monitoring masts or even any rumours of forthcoming applications.

The tax on plastic shopping bags in Ireland (see Branch Bulletin Issue 70) raised �3.5 million in the first three months after it was introduced in March this year and has slashed the use of carriers. In fact the use of plastic bags has fallen by more than 90%. Reuters recently reported that Ireland's move to introduce a 15-cent surcharge on every plastic bag dispensed by shops is being closely watched by other countries, with authorities in Britain and the United States expressing interest in copying the scheme.

CPRW, National Trust Wales, Council for British Archaeology and the Institute of Field Archaeologists Cymru Wales joined forces to produce an attractive leaflet 'Wales: History Archaeology and Culture'. A copy is included with the postal mailing of this bulletin and will be sent to others, on request.

The leaflet concludes:

"We must all work together so that the historic environment, in its diversity and value to the nation, is protected and enhanced to play its part in the development of the new Wales."

This survey is a joint initiative of Plantlife, the British Mycological Society, the Association of British Fungus Groups and the RSPB. This is your chance to look out for the unmistakable and attractive pink waxcap Hygrocybe calyptriformis which is listed under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The survey form, with full instructions, can be obtained from Pink Waxcap Survey, Plantlife, 21 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RP or can be downloaded from the website - www.plantlife.org.uk Forms should be returned by 15th December 2002.

The Centre for Alternative Technology hope their 'Little Book of Slugs' will help gardeners give pellets a miss in favour of a more environmentally and pet friendly approach to slug control. At present 85% of gardeners use slug pellets to control slugs, but 53% do so reluctantly.

This new book contains the best of contributions to CAT's Bug-the Slug project whereby those with ideas for alternative controls were invited to send them in to CAT Contributions can be seen at www.ihateslugs.com

The Little Book of Slugs can be ordered direct from www.ecobooks.co.uk or from CAT Mail Order on 01654 705959 �4.99 + �1.95 p&p

The remaining dates for 2002 are:

12th November - Brecon

17th December - Bangor

Members of the public are welcome to attend and the meetings are expected to last just over 2 hours. After the close of each meeting and following a short break, the Chairman, Chief Executive and Senior Officers will be available to answer questions on agenda items discussed.

Copies of the agenda are available a week before each scheduled meeting and can be obtained from CCW Head Office on 01248 385629, Fax 01248 385506 e-mail b.roberts@ccw.gov.uk . You can request papers from selected agenda items in advance on the condition that they are kept confidential until the meeting. Please let CCW know if you will be attending in order that they may make the necessary seating arrangements and have an adequate supply of the papers.

CPRW's Development Officer for north Wales, Alun Williams, took up his duties in September. Here he introduces himself:

"I have lived in North Wales for most of my life and am currently based in Y Felinheli, near Bangor. Having moved from Shropshire to Betws y Coed in the Conwy Valley at a young age, I soon became influenced by my surroundings. My enjoyment of outdoor pursuits enabled me to explore the countryside and with age became increasingly aware of the many issues that are involved with the management and protection of such areas. I spent two years in Llandrillo College studying Outdoor Leisure before moving to Southampton to graduate with an HND in Leisure Management and a BSc in Maritime Studies. I will be combining my part time post with work that I am doing towards a Masters Degree in Countryside Management.

Fortunately, I have been able to work all over the world and this has given me a great insight into varying ecosystems and the pressures that they are faced with. I have been employed as a white water raft guide in the tropical rainforests of Australia and on the colder waters of rivers in Austria. Working as an expedition leader for school groups in Peru, Uganda and Morocco has furthered my knowledge of young people and made me realise how their education is an important part of conserving our future. My work in Wales has included instructing outdoor pursuits and assisting with community initiatives for Cynefin Environmental Consultants.

I am a Welsh speaker and believe that the language has great importance in adding to the cultural diversity of the Welsh countryside.

As North Wales Development Officer, I will be working with the CPRW branches in Anglesey, Caernarfonshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, Meirionnydd, Wrexham and, in particular, Flintshire. Working closely with Deb Wozencraft, CPRW's Liaison Officer, I will be providing support to those branches and liaising with other environmental group and local authorities. I greatly appreciate the opportunity that CPRW has given me to work and live in my local area and look forward to being able to contribute to the protection of the landscapes I have grown up in. I am eager to meet as many of you as possible, to hear your views and exchange ideas, so please feel free to get in touch!"

Telephone/Fax: 01248 670581 E.Mail: alun@cprw31.plus.com

The new Christmas Card for 2002 is 'Pen Caer II' by Pembrokeshire-based artist, Stan Rosenthal. An order form is enclosed with the postal mailing of this bulletin or it can be accessed at www.cprw.org.uk

The remaining meeting dates in 2002 are:

Executive Committee: 2nd November

Council: 16th November

The formula for calculating the dates to Executive Committee meetings is changing next year and will be as follows:

Meetings of Executive Committee take place on the 2nd Thursdays in February, May and September and the 1st Thursday in November.

The formula for calculating the dates of Council meetings remains unchanged: Meetings of Council take place on the 2nd Saturday in March, the 4th Saturday in June

(same day as the AGM) and the 3rd Saturday in November.

Therefore the meeting dates for 2003 will be:

Executive Committee: Council:

Thursday 13th February Saturday 8th March

Thursday 8th May Saturday 28th June and AGM Thursday 11th September

Thursday 6th November Saturday 15th November

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