Following the elections on May 6th, CPRW wrote to all the successful candidates congratulating them and introducing ourselves. We enclosed copies of our 'Campaign' document and assured them that we very much look forward to working together for the benefit of Wales. We will write again when the Summer edition of Rural Wales Magazine is published enclosing copies of the 1998 Annual Report (both due out at the beginning of June) and extending an invitation to all AMs to attend our AGM on June 26th.

Branch Secretaries will receive an example of the letter which was sent and branches may like to consider writing to their individual members introducing themselves and perhaps inviting their AMs to a future meeting or event if something suitable is planned in the foreseeable future.

Two years since we saw it in draft form, the first revision of Planning Guidance (Wales): Planning Policy (which we will refer to as PG(W)FR) was published last month. The Guidance has undergone many changes in its formation and it is difficult to assess the final product in comparison with its predecessor PG(W)1996. There have been many organisational changes within the document as well as a great deal of editorial improvements. References to many papers and reports which have appeared since 1996 are also included.

PG(W)FR is, of course, accompanied by the series of Technical Advice Notes (TANS) which have appeared over the last three years. The advice on one area - the countryside- still gives CPRW the greatest concern. The relevant advice is now in a few scattered paragraphs in PG(W)FR and in the slimmest of TANs - TAN6 Agriculture and Rural Development.

It is CPRW's view that in total PG(W)FR + the TANs is an inferior suite of advice. The spacial context that is so hugely important to Wales is missing. CPRW has consistently made the point that policies of any sort - economic, social, on energy - do not possess real meaning until their locational framework is defined. It does not provide a proper basis for the National Assembly to put together its scheme to promote sustainable development as it is duty bound to do.

CPRW will continue to press for a complete and radical overhaul of planning guidance in Wales that will reflect its wonderful physical geography, appreciate its high environmental quality, acknowledge its rich cultural diversity whilst providing the framework for economic prosperity.

In the meantime, the Director has prepared a Briefing Note on the new PG(W)FR which includes the differences between it and PG(W)1996. This paper will be sent to Branch Secretaries and to those holding CPRW Planning Guidance files and will be sent to others, on request.

Just to complicate matters we quote here from a letter received from Welsh Office Planning Division: ".. in dealing with planning applications in Wales, Departmental planning policy is contained only within those documents that have been issued in Wales. Nevertheless, if a party wishes to submit that a policy document relating to England (eg a Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG)) is relevant to a particular case in Wales then it will be for the decision maker to determine whether it is a material consideration and, if so, the weight that should be attached to it."

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 193) came into force on March 14th. The Regulations revoke the T&CP (Assessment of Environmental Effects ) Regulation 1998 (and subsequent amending Regulations), the T&CP (Environmental Assessment and Unauthorised Development) Regulations 1995, T&CP (Environmental Assessment and Permitted Development) Regulations 1995 and various other regulations and sub-paragraphs of regulations regarding Simplified Planning Zones and General Permitted Development. The new Regulations implement the Council Directive which increases the number of categories of projects which a subject to EIA.

Guidance on the new Regulations is contained in a new Welsh Office Circular which will be circulated to Branch Secretaries and others holding the CPRW Index of Planning Guidance.

A Circular has been published which provides advice on the exercise of planning controls on non-mains sewerage and associated sewage disposal aspects of future development so as to avoid environmental, amenity or public health problems which could arise from the inappropriate use of non-mains sewerage systems, particularly those incorporating septic tanks. The Circular will be sent to all those holding a CPRW Planning Index files and to others, on request.

The long awaited Circular on National Parks in Wales has also been issued and will be circulated tp National and Branch Executive Committee members.

On March 17th the news came through that the Secretary of State had overridden his Inspector's recommendation following the Public Inquiry last July into the extension of the Cemaes Wind Power Station (Cemaes 'A'). The Inspector had recommended that four of the six turbines proposed for Cemaes 'B' should go ahead but that the two most prominent ones which were causing the greatest concern should be refused. The Secretary of State disagreed and has granted permission for all six turbines. Having regard to the visualisation and photomontage evidence presented at the Inquiry, and having given due weight to the views of the Countryside Council for Wales, the government's statutory advisors on countryside matters, he concluded that the turbines would not have an unacceptable impact.

CPRW immediately expressed its disappointment and concerns about the Secretary of State's decision. It is unusual for a Secretary of State to overturn a decision of the Inspectorate. Here the Inspector, after much deliberation, had given out a message of compromise and said, in effect, that extensions may be permissable but only with great care and sensitivity. The Secretary of State has indicated that additional turbines can be assessed individually without giving much weight to the cumulative impact of the development. What messages were being given to the developers?, we asked, bearing in mind that a subsidy contract exists for a further extension at the same site - Cemaes 'C'.

The decision caused an uproar in the press. Local people who had put their deep-felt concerns to the Inspector at the Inquiry felt that they had been let down. It just so happened that Alun Michael was in the area campaigning before the Assembly elections. Tackled on the issue he made it quite clear that he had not made the decision and that he was disappointed by it. At first he claimed that the decision had been made by a 'civil servant' but Welsh Office later confirmed that it had been made by junior Welsh Office Minister, Jon Owen Jones using delegated powers. Welsh Office also said that Alun Michael had announced a review of these powers. In answer to a Parliamentary Question, Jon Owen Jones confirmed that he had not consulted his fellow ministers before making the decision.

Meanwhile CPRW sought legal advice. It appeared that there had been a procedural error and that a 'minded' decision should have been made as the Secretary of State was going against the recommendation of his Inspector. This would have given the other parties the chance to make further representation. It was also realised that the reasons for the decision were not, in our Counsel's opinion, based sufficiently on planning law. Following receipt of this legal advice, CPRW took the unprecedented step and started proceedings in the High Court to have the decision quashed.

At the end of April, it was announced that a planning application had been submitted By Powergen of Coventry for 16 turbines (and associated works) at Nant Carfan which is the ridge of hills to the east of Mynydd Cemaes. If granted this would extend the cumulative impact of Cemaes further east and closer to the Snowdonia National Park.

In South Wales, an application for 16 turbines was submitted by National Wind Power at Mynydd Cilciffeth, a high hill on the boundary of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - 5 miles SE of Fishguard. This is the third time an application has been made at this site, the previous two having been refused permission by the County Council - with not a single vote in favour.

CPRW Vice-President, Lord Williams of Elvel, led a delegation which included high ranking members of CPRW, CPRE and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, the National Trust, Ramblers Association, Council for National Parks and David Bellamy, representing wildlife interests to meet three ministers at Westminster in March to discuss the landscape/planning implications of the Government's target of 10% of energy from renewable sources by 2010.

Ministers Richard Caborn (Planning), Michael Meacher (Environment) and John Battle (Energy) heard that the main concern of the delegation was the pressure being mounted by the Wind Energy interests to make a 'fast-track' through the planning system for wind turbine development. The delegation was assured that this was not and would not be the case. It was agreed that a more strategic approach to renewable energy provision should be sought to include all the stakeholders.

The Commission is visiting Wales in June mainly to take forward some aspects of its current study of Energy and the Environment. To this end a Public Meeting has been arranged to take place at Theatr Hafren, Newtown at 6.30pm on Wednesday 2nd June. The public meeting will focus on the development of renewable energy sources to meet local needs. Further details from Head Office.

We have received details of the Campaign for the Warm Homes Bill which aims to end fuel poverty by 2015. To ensure this the Campaign is promoting the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation (15 Year Programme) Bill. This Bill would require the Government to organise a rolling programme of comprehensive energy efficiency works on 5000,000 homes per year for 15 years - ending fuel poverty.

An Early Day Motion (No 108) calling for support of the 15 Year Programme Bill has been signed by more MPs than any other EDM. To find out if your MP has yet signed up, or for further details of this campaign, contact the Campaign for the Warm Homes Bill, Westgate House, 2a Prebend Street, London N1 8PT Tel. 0171 359 8000 Fax. 0171 359 0863.

A group of interested bodies active in the Dyfi valley came together informally a couple of years ago with the aim of establishing the area as an exemplary model of a green energy economy. This Group now includes representation from local authorities, government agencies, local enterprises and renewable energy generation companies and CPRW. It made a successful bid for European Regional Development Fund finance for a three year project with the following aims:

• For the Dyfi Eco Valley to be an exemplary model of a sustainable energy economy, with a wide range of appropriate generation and conservation projects and businesses, working for the benefit of the local community, economy and environment.
• For this energy economy to act as a model for the development of other sustainable, environmentally friendly and community based technologies and initiatives, such as agriculture and forestry, transport, tourism, healthcare.
• For the Dyfi Eco Valley to be successfully presented as a template for the development of local sustainable economies elsewhere in the region, the UK and the world.

The project has a Development Officer, Andy Rowland, who has an office in Dulas Engineering at Machynlleth and who has been in post for almost a year. He has addressed many local meetings in the area and produced leaflets about the project which have been distributed locally.

Since its public launch last summer there have been thirty five potential schemes proposed to the Partnership, and membership is now open to all. Some schemes are stalled for personal or legal reasons, some have been proved technically impossible by feasibility studies. The following are some on which progress is being made:

• Furnace - grid-linked hydro 30 - 35kW CADW is willing in principle, within a joint management agreement for the whole site. Welsh Office money has been secured through Ceredigion County Council. Community Council supportive. Feasibility study yet to be done. Corris - domestic hydro c.8KW Potentially involves three properties in the village. The feasibility study is complete and under consideration by the owner.
• Dulas Ltd - grid-linked photovoltaic 2kW array Company on Eco Parc, Machynlleth. Project intended as a demonstration project in addition to producing electricity. Grant from the Partnership approved with constraints. Would need planning permission, but no application has been made yet.
• Centre for Alternative Technology - solar / biomass heating Part of the Autonomous Environmental Information Centre. Grant from the Partnership approved with constraints. Would not need additional planning permission.
• Maes Glas - grid-linked hydro 50kW Feasibility study complete and it is just feasible. Discussions underway with the Environment Agency*.
• Aberangell - grid linked hydro 32kW
• Feasibility study complete and it is just feasible. Discussions underway with the Environment Agency*.
• Machynlleth Community Nursery - solar water heating Following a survey, it seems likely that this body will concentrate more on energy efficiency.
• Talybont - grid-linked hydro c.40kW Possibly to be developed in conjunction with an energy interpretation centre including Bontgoch wind farm. Community Council supportive. Feasibility study yet to be done.

(With regard to the small scale hydropower schemes, it should be noted that the Environment Agency considers them on a case-by-case basis. Its Surface Water Abstraction Licensing Policy (SWALP) methodology guidelines are applied, together with environmental impact assessments where necessary.)

A 'Solar Club' has been established by the Partnership. It supports and cuts costs for those who wish to install their own solar water heating. So far eleven people have signed up from three meetings.

It is hoped that the Partnership can be formalised soon, and adopt a constitution and appoint directors. It is proposed that there be several categories of membership, including one of 'Supporting Member' so that individuals or organisations outside the catchment can support the aims of the Partnership.

For further details contact either Andy Rowland, Dyfi Eco Valley Development Officer 01654 705 018 or Sue Walton, CPRW LA21 Officer 01766 771 041

The most comprehensive study ever of Britain's relationship with its fauna is being conducted this year, the results of which will be published in a book by biologist and well-known broadcaster, Stefan Buczacki. A database housing all the research findings will also be available to the public at a national museum.

The main objective of this natural history project is to discover and chronicle the many ways in which the wild animal life in Britain has become interwoven with human culture, history and folklore. Every example of British wildlife will be encompassed, from the tiniest worm to the largest deer and all animal groups, including insects, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians will be included.

The project is seeking information from YOU. The sort of data they are collecting includes:

• Do you know about particular customs, festivals or traditions that celebrate or mark individual types of animals?
• Does a local ceremony or tradition involve animals is some other way?
• Have individual animals or groups of animals achieved fame and passed into local folklore or perhaps inspired literature, music or poetry?
• Is your town or village named after an animal? Do you know the details?
• Is there an animal named after where you live?
• Does a local coat of arms include a wild animal?
• What are the special regional names by which particular animals are known?

Please send any information, typed and in a much detail as possible to Fauna of Britain, PO Box 392, Twickenham TW1 1XQ or by E-mail to fauna@hamlyn.co.uk For more information visit their web-page at www.hamlyn.co.uk/fauna

Please mention CPRW when responding because all contributions from organisations will be credited in the book.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings of the Countryside Council for Wales. The remaining meetings in 1999 will be as follows:

• 9th June - Haverfordwest
• 28th July - Newtown
• 22nd September - Bangor
• 3rd November - Cwmbran
• 15th December - Bangor

After the close of each meeting, and following a short break, the Chairman, Chief Executive and Senior Officers of CCW will be available to answer questions on agenda items discussed.

Copies of the agenda, and details of exact venues, are available a week before each scheduled meeting and can be obtained from CCW Central Office: Tel. 01248 385629 Fax 01248 385506 Email: b.roberts@ccw.gov.uk Copies of the papers being considered at the meetings will be available for members of the public attending or subsequently requested.

CCW have said that it would be helpful for organising seating arrangements and to have adequate copies of papers available if those planning to attend could let them know in advance by contacting Steve Coleman on the above numbers.

We include some tips for a more sustainable lifestyle with each branch bulletin. Any suggestions for items would be most welcome and a low energy lightbulb will be sent to contributors whose tips are published.

1. Further to our piece of nappies in the last bulletin, it was reported in The Guardian that parents in Sussex are to receive an £11.83 council tax rebate for using cotton nappies instead of disposable ones. Apparently fifty families have signed up to a scheme, in tandem with a laundering service delivering fresh nappies throughout the area of Mid Sussex council. The Council's recycling officer said that the project was partly prompted by the Waste Minimisation Act, which allows councils to contribute to the expenses of waste minimisation.

2. Leaving your TV on stand-by instead of turning it off can cost the average household £75 per year, as it still uses 80 per cent of the electricity needed when it is on. The Liberal Democrats' Adamsdown Focus Team found that this wastes £250,000 every year in that area of Cardiff alone.

3. The national energy charity, NEA, has urged people to apply for the Government's Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, which offers up to £315 in grant aid for energy-saving measures to low income homes. Any one who receives means tested benefits or certain disability allowances is eligible for a range of insulation and draughtproofing, and all over-60s are eligible for some grants. For more information call 0800 072 0150.

Efforts are underway in north Wales to save a rare species of tree in danger of vanishing from the landscape. Wrexham County Borough Council wants to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of any black poplars. It is setting up a database and hopes to take cuttings for later replanting in the countryside. Any sightings of the unusual trees should be reported, please, to the council's environment section on 01978 292527.

Wales' best example of heather moorland received further recognition recently when parts of it were declared a National Nature Reserve. The new South Berwyn NNR covers an area of around 4,500ha and includes Vyrnwy, Pengelli Mountain, Drum Ddu, Nant y Dugoed, Cefn Brith and Hafod Hir. t is mainly a patchwork of blanket bog and heather on rolling hills where breeding birds include the black grouse, red grouse, curlew and merlin and where there are many rare plants such as the lesser twayblade and cloudberry.

. . . talking of which . . .

More than an acre of the beautiful rare plant, cloudberry, which is normally associated with mountains has been discovered flowering on a lowland bog on the Welsh border. Cloudberry, with its bronzed, umbrella shaped leaves and solitary white flower has been discovered on Fenn's Moss, part of Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve, 10 miles south east of Wrexham. Although a member of the blackberry family, the cloudberry has orange berries, but is rarely seen in fruit. Before this discovery, it was thought this plant was only growing in Wales on the upland peat of Y Berwyn.

Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses were saved from near destruction by large-scale commercial peat cutting nine years ago to become a NNR, managed jointly by CCW and English Nature. Drainage for peat cutting has allowed various woody species such as pine and birch to invade the Mosses. As part of its programme for restoring the Mossland, the NNR Estate workers had been removing these species from a part of the Moss which was last cut over 50 years ago. This uncovered more than an acre of cloudberry which has never been recorded before despite many visits by ecologists.

The late William Condry wrote in his book 'The Natural History of Wales': "Quite a folklore has grown up about cloudberry, dating back to the early days of the Berwyn village of Llanrhaiadr-ym-Mochnant whose church is dedicated to the Celtic saint Dogfan. His annual stipend, tradition says, was a quart of Berwyn berries. In other words he often got nothing. As a parish historian reported last century: 'So scarce is the fruit in some years that a quart of the berries cannot be had throughout the range. The writer, in the year 1869, after a most diligent search was only able to secure some half-dozen berries.'

"A later cloudberry tradition was the claim that anyone who could provide the rector of Llanrhaiadr with a quart of Berwyn berries would be excused payment of his church rates and tithes for one year. There is also the story of Sir Watkin Williams Wyn who offered five shillings (then a fair sum) for a pot of the berries. He also sent a man to get a root of it off Berwyn and had it planted in his garden at Llangedwyn. But there it refused to grow."

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will be held at 2pm on Saturday 26th June 1999 at Maesmawr hall Hotel, Caersws, near Newtown, Powys. President, John Elfed Jones CBE DL will be in the Chair and the Guest Speaker will be Jonathan Jones, Chief Executive of the Wales Tourist Board.

Elections to Council

These take place at the AGM. The three year terms of John Edwards, Jill Whipp, Simon Weston and Michael Wynne Williams come to an end but they are all eligible to stand for re-election. In addition to these four 3-year terms, there is one 2-year and one 1-year vacancy. Nominations should be received at Head Office by 4th June.

A list of current members of Council will be sent on request. In order to stand (at the November meeting of Council) for election to the Executive Committee, candidates need to be members of Council.

Copies of the consultations and/or our responses will be sent on request

• Brecon Beacons National Park: Park Management Plan by 11th June 1999
• CADW: Grants for Historic Buildings by 8th June 1999
• CCW: Support for local Biodiversity Action by 30th June 1999
• CCW: Conservation strategy for coastal and lowland heathland by 8th July 1999
• DTI: New and Renewable Energy by 28th May 1999
• HSC: Proposals for the radiation regulations implementing Council directive 96/29 by 30th June 1999
• Welsh Office:
  • Reform of HLCA by 25th June 1999
  • Agenda 2000 CAP reform by 1st July 1999

We have responded to:

• CCW: State of the environment
• North Wales Planning Authorities: Regional Planning guidance for North Wales
• Welsh Office:
  • Sustainable Parks in Wales - A new grant scheme
  • Breaking the logjam (fighting traffic congestion and pollution)

The following have been added to our library and may be borrowed, on request:

Further details from CPRW Head Office