Great Orme R C G W L E G O G A GW RCHO R DFANA Country ... · Great Orme Country Park and Local...

Great OrmeCountry Park andLocal Nature ReserveManagement Plan

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a debcwww.conwy.gov.uk

2011-2016

Contents

1 Introduction....................................................................................................................2

1.1 Site Background ..................................................................................................2 1.2 Planning Policy ....................................................................................................3

2 Description .....................................................................................................................4

2.1 Location ...............................................................................................................4 2.2 Land Tenure and Explanation of the Boundaries.................................................4 2.3 Management Infrastructure..................................................................................5 2.4 Map and Photographic Coverage ......................................................................10 2.5 Conservation Status/ Interest ..............................................................................6 2.6 Landscape ...........................................................................................................7 2.7 Geology/Geomorphology/Landform.....................................................................7 2.8 Soils.....................................................................................................................8 2.9 Climate ................................................................................................................8 2.10 Hydrology ..........................................................................................................15 2.11 Biology...............................................................................................................15 2.11.1 Flora ..................................................................................................................15 2.11.1.1 Calcareous Grassland .........................................................................................9 2.11.1.2 Limestone Heath................................................................................................10 2.11.1.3 Limestone Pavement .........................................................................................10 2.11.1.4 Limestone Cliffs .................................................................................................10 2.11.1.5 Woodland ..........................................................................................................17 2.11.1.6 Bracken Dominated Grassland..........................................................................11 2.11.1.7 Scrub Dominated by Gorse ...............................................................................11 2.11.1.8 Springs ..............................................................................................................11 2.11.1.9 Disturbed Ground ..............................................................................................11 2.11.2 Fauna ................................................................................................................11 2.12 Archaeology.......................................................................................................12 2.13 Present Land Use ..............................................................................................14 2.14 Educational use/ facilities ..................................................................................15 2.15 Interpretation use/facilities .................................................................................16 2.16 Recreational Use/ Facilities ...............................................................................17 2.17 Research use/facilities.......................................................................................17

3 Confirmation of Important Features ..........................................................................26

3.1 The Site in Wider Perspective and Implications for Management......................18 3.2 Provisional List of Important Features ...............................................................18 3.2.1 Biological ...........................................................................................................26 3.2.2 Geological..........................................................................................................27 3.2.3 Archaeological ...................................................................................................27 3.2.4 Landscape .........................................................................................................19 3.2.5 Access and Recreation......................................................................................19 3.2.6 Environmental Education...................................................................................19 3.2.7 Facilities.............................................................................................................19 3.3 Evaluation of Important Features.......................................................................19 3.3.1 Feature 1: Plant Communities ...........................................................................19 3.3.1.1 Calcareous Grassland .......................................................................................19

3.3.1.2 Limestone Heath................................................................................................19 3.3.1.3 Limestone Pavement .........................................................................................28 3.3.1.4 Limestone Cliffs .................................................................................................20 3.3.1.5 Woodland ..........................................................................................................20 3.3.2 Feature 2: Flora .................................................................................................20 3.3.3 Feature 3: Fauna ...............................................................................................25 3.3.4 Feature 4: Geological Conservation Review Sites and Regionally Important

Geological Sites.................................................................................................26 3.3.5 Feature 5: Scheduled Ancient Monuments........................................................26 3.3.6 Feature 6: Important Historical Landscape and Undesignated Sites of

Historical Interest ...............................................................................................26 3.3.7 Feature 7: Heritage Coast .................................................................................27 3.3.8 Feature 8: Access land, Wales Coastal Path, Footpath Network and

Promoted Trails .................................................................................................27 3.3.9 Feature 9: Ease of Access to the Site, Proximity to Homes and Local Schools 28 3.3.10 Feature 10: Environmental Education................................................................28 3.3.11 Feature 11: Information and awareness raising.................................................28 3.3.12 Feature 12: Facilities provided by the Great Orme Country Park ......................29 3.3.13 Feature 13: Facilities provided by Other Organisations .....................................29 3.4 Summary of Factors Which May Influence the Features ...................................30 3.4.1 Council’s Objectives ..........................................................................................30 3.4.2 Objectives of Other Organisations .....................................................................39 3.4.3 Internal Natural Factors .....................................................................................32 3.4.4 Internal human induced factors .........................................................................42 3.4.5 External Factors.................................................................................................36 3.4.6 Factors arising from legislation or tradition ........................................................36 3.4.6.1 Obligations.........................................................................................................36 3.4.6.1.1 Health and Safety ..............................................................................................36 3.4.6.1.2 CCW Grant Aid ..................................................................................................37 3.4.6.1.3 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.....................................................................37 3.4.6.1.4 The Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010 ..............................46 3.4.6.1.5 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ..........................................................38 3.4.6.2 Conditions of Tenure .........................................................................................38 3.4.6.3 Constraints of Access ........................................................................................38 3.4.6.4 Health and Safety of Employees........................................................................38 3.4.6.5 Organisational Procedures ................................................................................39 3.4.6.6 Availability of Resources....................................................................................39 3.4.6.7 Marketing and Publicity......................................................................................48 3.5 An Overview of Management of the Features ...................................................40

4 Features and Objectives for management ................................................................41

4.1 Feature 1: Plant Communities ...........................................................................41 4.1.1 Calcareous Grassland .......................................................................................41 4.1.2 Limestone Heath................................................................................................42 4.1.3 Limestone Pavement .........................................................................................43 4.1.4 Limestone Cliffs (Vegetated Seacliffs) ...............................................................43 4.1.5 Woodland 4.2 Feature 2: Flora .................................................................................................53 4.3 Feature 3: Fauna ...............................................................................................46 4.3.1 Invertebrates......................................................................................................46 4.3.2 Birds ..................................................................................................................46 4.3.3 Bats ...................................................................................................................55

4.3.4 Goats .................................................................................................................47 4.4 Feature 4: Geological Conservation Review Sites and Regionally Important

Geological Site ..................................................................................................56 4.5 Feature 5: Scheduled Ancient Monuments........................................................48 4.6 Feature 6: Important Historical Landscape and Undesignated Sites of

Historical Interest. ..............................................................................................57 4.7 Feature 7: Landscape........................................................................................49 4.8 Feature 8: Access Land, Wales Coastal Path, Footpath Network and

Promoted Trails. ................................................................................................58 4.9 Feature 9: Ease of Access to the Site, Proximity to Homes and Local

Schools. .............................................................................................................50 4.10 Feature 10: Environmental Education................................................................51 4.11 Feature 11: Information and Awareness Raising...............................................60 4.12 Feature 12: Facilities provided by the Great Orme Country Park. .....................53 4.13 Feature 13: Facilities Provided by Other Organisations.....................................54

5 Management Plan Monitoring and Review................................................................63

6 Work Programme....................................................................................................55-65

APPENDIX 1 - Planning Policy Relevant to the Management of the Great Orme Country Park .......................................................................................................................66

APPENDIX 2 - Map Coverage of the Great Orme.........................................................................69

APPENDIX 3 - Full SSSI Site Citation & List of Operations Likely to Damage the Scientific Interest……………………………………………………………………………… ......70

APPENDIX 4 - Great Orme’s Head Geological Conservation Review and Copper Mines Geological Conservation Review Statements...................................................82

APPENDIX 5 - Climatic Information ..............................................................................................83

APPENDIX 6 - Byelaws ..................................................................................................................84

APPENDIX 7 - Species Lists..........................................................................................................91

APPENDIX 9 - Communities and Nature Initiative, ‘Conwy/Denbighshire Country Parks Improvement Programme’………………………………………………………………………………131 APPENDIX 10 – Rare Vascular Plants, Bryophytes and Lichens and their Status…………...132

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Great Orme Country Park and Local Nature Reserve Management Plan 2011 - 2016 1 Introduction The Great Orme is a prominent headland, which lies at the north-western tip of the Creuddyn Peninsula near Llandudno. Conwy County Borough Council manages most of the site as a Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, this comprises a headland of Carboniferous limestone of some 291 hectares (719 acres) which rises from sea level to 207m (679 feet) at the summit. The predominant vegetation is limestone grassland. However, pockets of heathland exist where soil of glacial origin has accumulated. Areas of limestone pavement, scrub and woodland occur as well as high sea cliffs. The grasslands, heathlands and sea cliffs are both nationally and internationally important and support rich communities of plants, insects and birds. Several species are of national significance. A number of Priority Species and Habitats of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan are found on the site. The majority of the site is grazed/browsed by sheep, rabbits and a herd of feral goats. Most of the Great Orme is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as it contains habitats and species which are considered to be rare or threatened within Europe. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is included in both the Nature Conservation Review and Geological Conservation Review, indicating its national importance. The site is also designated a Heritage Coast, a definition denoting a landscape quality of national importance. In addition, a great wealth of archaeological and historical features exist on the headland. These range in date from the early Stone Age to the present day. Nine of these archaeological sites are Scheduled Ancient Monuments (six of these are within the Country Park). The site has been important for tourism and recreation since early Victorian times, and receives an extremely high level of recreational use. Visitor numbers have exceeded 600,000 annually for the past few years and are known to have been increasing since 2002. The Great Orme is one of 21 countryside sites managed by Conwy County Borough Council’s Countryside Service for informal recreation, archaeological and nature conservation. 1.1 Site Background The Great Orme has been recognised as a visitor attraction since the early nineteenth century and as an important site for the study of natural history. Official recognition of this was first given by the Nature Conservancy Council and the land was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1957. Although the special character and interest of the Great Orme’s Head had been recognised for a long time the first strategic planning study of the area, ‘The Great Orme - A Conservation Study’, was produced in 1971. This report aimed to identify the interest of the Great Orme and also to produce a strategic plan setting out recommended courses of action "to ensure co-ordination of conservation efforts to achieve both immediate aims and longer term objectives of the two major landowners". The Great Orme was designated a Country Park in 1978 by the then Countryside Commission. "A Policy Statement for the Great Orme", produced by the Borough Council in November 1976, was a major step in persuading the Commission to designate the area as a Country Park. The General Management Objectives of this Policy Statement are detailed below: 1. To conserve the scenic beauty, relative remoteness and wildness, and the natural flora

and fauna of the Great Orme Country Park.

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2. To create opportunities for people to enjoy and appreciate its qualities, without compromising the above conservation objectives.

3. To manage the Park so as to meet most effectively the conservation and recreation

objectives, by designating a Local Nature Reserve (administered by the Local Authority) within the Country Park.

In more detail these objectives are seen as being: a) To maintain the valued character of the landscape; in particular to prevent dilution of its

wild atmosphere, and to protect the nationally important flora and fauna peculiar to a coastal limestone location.

b) To safeguard the interests of farming, nature conservation and nearby residents. c) To provide for recreation activities that are based on the resources of the area, and do not

damage them. d) To provide for a variety of tastes in quiet recreational activities, and in decrees of solitude

(as amended). e) To ensure that recreation activities do not conflict with each other, and that the enjoyment

of the individual is not spoilt by overcrowding. The site has been managed as a Country Park from August 1980, commencing with the appointment of a Warden. A Local Nature Reserve Agreement was signed by Mostyn Estates Ltd and the then Aberconwy Borough Council, on 29th June 1981. The Local Nature Reserve was declared in November 1981. Specific policy decisions/changes in respect of the management of the Great Orme Country Park and LNR are channelled through Management Advisory Group (for endorsement by the County Borough Council). The Management Advisory Group comprises representatives from: Conwy County Borough Council (Officers and Councillors) Mostyn Estates Countryside Council for Wales (Successor body to the Nature Conservancy Council and Countryside Commission) Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Llandudno Town Council Local Grazier Local community Botanical Society of the British Isles 1.2 Planning Policy Development control/planning responsibilities for the Great Orme were originally the responsibility of Aberconwy Borough Council, now Conwy County Borough Council. Whilst the adopted Gwynedd County Council Structure Plan provides the strategic planning framework, it is the Llandudno/Conwy District Plan (produced by Aberconwy Borough Council and Gwynedd County Council in April 1982) that provides the statutory planning background against which proposals in this area must be considered. A Unitary Development Plan exists as a consultation draft, and is a material consideration in planning applications and provides guidance for development control. A strategy for a Local Development Plan is currently in the early stages of development for Conwy County Borough. Planning policy relevant to the management of the Country Park can be found in Appendix 1.

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2 Description 2.1 Location The Great Orme's Head is situated in the Community of Llandudno within Conwy County Borough (part of the Old County of Caernarfonshire). Lying at the north-western tip of the Creuddyn Peninsula, the Great Orme can be approached by a public road from the town of Llandudno and a toll road (leased by Mostyn Estates Ltd to Conwy County Borough Council) from the North Shore Promenade (A546). The summit of the headland can also be reached by tramway and cabin lift during the months March to October. Pedestrian access to the site is possible from either end of the toll road, on the public road and on footpaths from the Haulfre and Happy Valley Gardens. National Grid Reference: SH 767833. 2.2 Land Tenure and Explanation of the Boundaries The site is 291 hectares (719 acres) in area. The majority of the land is owned by Mostyn Estates Ltd and a Management Agreement with Conwy County Borough Council provides for that land to be managed by the Council as a Country Park. The remainder of the land is in the possession of Conwy County Borough Council. The County Borough Council also leases some land from Mostyn Estates Ltd. The land is administered by Conwy County Borough Council through the Great Orme Country Park Working Party. A small area is leased by Conwy County Borough Council to Ski Llandudno and an area of similar size to Great Orme Mines Ltd. (see Map 1). The majority of the site is sheep grazed by agreement between Mostyn Estates Ltd. and the grazier. The grazier has the right to graze 416 ewes plus lambs all year round. The grazing rights are currently owned by Mr. Dean Saunders who leases these rights to Mr. Emrys Jones, Llanddoged. The Marine Drive, which Conwy County Borough Council holds on a 999-year lease from Mostyn Estates Ltd, is administered separately through the Highways Division of the Council. There are no common rights on the land. The County Borough Council, as manager of the land, has rights of access to all parts of the site. Since May 2005 parts of the Great Orme have been designated Access Land under provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. This allows for access on foot to the area of land shown in Map 3. The Great Orme Exploration Society leases all underground workings from the Council and Mostyn Estates. This is a 21-year lease (from 2000) at a peppercorn, annual rental. This in effect allows only members of the Great Orme Exploration Society access to underground workings on the Great Orme, beneath land owned by the Council and Mostyn Estates. CCW owned land on the headland, comprising of 5.23 hectares, was declared as the Maes-y facrell, Pen Y Gogarth National Nature Reserve (NNR) on 26 February 2009. Private land on the headland is mainly used for either residential or agricultural purposes. These lie outside the Country Park and LNR boundaries. Privately operated cafes run at The Rest and Be Thankful and at the Summit Complex, all of which lie outside the Country Park and LNR boundaries. On 16 April 2004, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) purchased land on the Great Orme that was previously in private ownership. The land consists of approximately five hectares to the south of the copper mines.

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The overall Country Park boundary was defined to include all land on the headland within the ownership of Mostyn Estates Ltd. and the then, Aberconwy Borough Council, which is of high conservation, recreation and amenity value. The vast majority of the site is included within the SAC and SSSI designation (see Map 4), and the Local Nature Reserve boundary was originally defined in order to include the prime sites of biological or geological importance. However, since the establishment of the Local Nature Reserve, further research has revealed other areas within the wider Country Park of exceptional biological importance. This has resulted in a requirement for flexibility in terms of conservation management, which is not strictly guided by the boundary between the Local Nature Reserve and the rest of the Country Park. 2.3 Management Infrastructure Responsibility for day to day site management and the implementation of this plan rests with the Country Park Warden and Assistant Country Park Warden within the Countryside Service, and with the CCW. The complexity of associated interests also entails close liaison with other sections of the Council such as:

• Environment & Technical Services (Street Scene) – responsible for the play area and also areas adjoining the Country Park such as Haulfre Gardens, Happy Valley and the Pitch and Putt Golf Course. Also responsible for maintenance and daily cleaning of public toilets at the visitor centre and elsewhere on the headland. Have responsibility for emptying litter bins daily, litter clearance at locations agreed with the Country Park Warden, and occasional clearance of fly tipped rubbish

• Highways & Infrastructure (Highway Maintenance, Traffic Management & Parking Services, Rights of Way) – responsible for public roads in the Country Park, the private toll road, Marine Drive, and public rights of way. Also involved in issuing excess charge tickets at the Pay and Display car park

• Property Management & Asset Services (Tramway Manager, Facilities/Maintenance) – responsible for the operation and management of the Great Orme Tramway, part of the lower section and the whole of the upper section of which, runs through the Country Park. Also responsible for the maintenance of the Country Park Visitor Centre building.

A wide variety of other organisations are also involved in management. In particular, there is regular liaison with the CCW regarding the SSSI and SAC designations, management works affecting the designated areas and monitoring of rare plants. A representative from CCW also sits on the Great Orme Country Park Management Advisory Group. A representative from Gwynedd Archaeological Trust also sits on the Management Advisory Group to provide specialist advice on archaeology and the historic environment. Liaison is also necessary from time to time with Cadw over work involving Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Several public rights of way (PRoW) and numerous informal footpaths cross the site. The upkeep and maintenance of PRoW is the responsibility of the Highways Division, however, where funding has allowed, the Countryside Service has carried out some footpath improvements and regularly undertakes routine footpath maintenance. Some of the independent businesses on the Great Orme are situated outside the Country Park and Local Nature Reserve and therefore do not fall directly within the scope of this plan. However, liaison with these businesses occurs regularly on an informal basis. The Great Orme Copper Mines Ltd and the Ski Centre are situated on land that is leased from the Council. There is considerable liaison between the Country Park and the Copper Mines. However, Ski Llandudno operates almost independently.

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The operators of the Cable Car lease land from the Council within Happy Valley (not within the scope of this plan) and from Mostyn Estates Ltd at the Summit. The operators therefore have the right to unhindered access to these areas of land on which the lower and summit terminals are located. Communication with the Country Park Warden takes place regarding vehicular access to the Cable Car stanchions when maintenance is required. 2.4 Map and Photographic Coverage Complete sets of vertical aerial photographs dated 1965 and 1992, taken by the Welsh Office and Geonex respectively, are held at the Countryside Council for Wales Regional Office in Bangor and copies of the latter also at the Conwy County Borough Council offices in Colwyn Bay. Aerial photographs dated 1995 are also available, taken by “Llandudno – Ribble Estuary Coastline” Coastal Cell (Aerofilms). These are held by CCW. Partial sets exist for 1947 (again held by CCW), but the quality is relatively poor. CCW Headquarters hold digital, aerial photographs of the Great Orme taken in 2009 (Infoterra 2009). CCW also have copies of digital aerial photography taken in 2006 (COWI/Vexcel 2006). These aerial images are licensed from the Welsh Government. In addition there are the millennium map/”Getmapping” aerial photographs taken in 1999/ 2000 that are used as a GIS layer. A variety of slides, depicting various aspects of the Great Orme are held by Gwynedd Archives (Caernarfon), Llandudno Library and Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (consultation by prior appointment). A large number of slides and digital images are kept on file by Conwy Countryside and Rights of Way Service. A list of relevant maps of the area can be found in Appendix 2. 2.5 Conservation Status/ Interest In June 1995, the Great Orme was selected as a candidate Special Area of Conservation for consideration by the European Commission. The site was designated by the National Assembly for Wales as a Site of Community Interest on 13 December 2004 and was entered on the Register of European Sites for Wales on 14 June 2005. Through the European Union Habitats and Species Directive, Europe-wide protection is given to certain rare and threatened habitats and species in order to maintain the rich diversity of Europe’s wildlife. These sites are identified through the designation, Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Together these areas represent the range, variation, quality and richness of the rarest species and habitats in Europe. The Great Orme was recommended as an SAC because it contains habitat types that are rare or threatened within Europe. The habitats for which the area has been designated an SAC are listed below: • European dry heaths – for which the Great Orme is considered to be one of the best areas

in the United Kingdom • Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland on calcareous substrates - for which the Great

Orme is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom • Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts – for which the area is considered to

support a significant amount A SAC Core Management Plan for the Great Orme has been produced (CCW, March 2008) and can be accessed via the CCW website www.cccw.gov.uk This gives further information regarding the reasons recommending the Great Orme as an SAC. The plan identifies threats to these habitat types and makes recommendations for future management (which are incorporated in this plan). The plan will be reviewed in 2011/12 to also include conservation objectives for the non- Natura 2000 SSSI features.

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The land, originally notified in 1957, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) was re-notified in 1972,1982 and 2002 (confirmed 2003) under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as substituted by Schedule 9 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000). The full site citation (reasons for the site’s designation as a SSSI) and a list of Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest (OLDSI) and Site Management Statement is appended. Consultation with, and the assent/consent of the CCW is required before any OLDSI can be carried out/permitted. The Great Orme is also included in the Nature Conservation Review (NCR). The Great Orme is part of the Geological Conservation Review, indicating its national importance. It is also designated a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS) within Gwynedd for its Limestone Pavement and soils around Bishop’s Quarry. In addition, many archaeological and historic features are to be found on the headland, six of which are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Its inclusion in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales underlines its importance in historical and archaeological terms. It is also defined as a Heritage Coast, a definition denoting a landscape quality of national importance. Much of the land is managed as a Country Park, most of which is also declared a statutory Local Nature Reserve. 2.6 Landscape The Great Orme is a prominent feature in the landscape, the relatively undeveloped nature of which contrasts with the rest of the mainly developed Creuddyn Peninsula. It is designated a Heritage Coast denoting its importance in the landscape. Whilst the designation is not a statutory designation it is taken into account in Planning Policy (see Appendix 1). The Great Orme forms part of the “Creuddyn and Conwy Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest” in the non-statutory Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales (Cadw/CCW/ICOMOS UK 1998). The inclusion of the Great Orme in the Register area is based on the exceptionally rich, well-preserved multi-period archaeology that survives there, described in more detail in section 2.12, and its importance as a spectacular backdrop to the planned Victorian town and resort of Llandudno sited at the base of the Orme on its landward side. A number of habitats can be discerned from a distance, such as wooded areas on the lower slopes, grasslands, cliff faces and rock exposures. The Great Orme can be seen for many miles around, from Anglesey and along the North Wales coast, and for many miles inland. Rising 209m (679ft.) from sea level, views from much of the site, but especially the summit, are extensive. Many visitors to the Great Orme come to the summit particularly to enjoy the view. Views include Anglesey and Puffin Island, parts of the Snowdonia mountain range, the Conwy estuary, Llandudno and surrounding areas, the Little Orme, Colwyn Bay and Rhyl. On particularly clear days the Wicklow mountains in Ireland, the Isle of Man and the mountains of the Lake District can also be seen from the summit. 2.7 Geology/Geomorphology/Landform The Great Orme is considered to be of national geological significance for its Carboniferous limestone stratigraphy and mineralogical interest, and is included in the Geological Conservation Review (GCR). The stratigraphical GCR site largely matches that of the Great Orme’s Head Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), while the mineralogical interest is centered around the Great Orme Copper Mine. The Copper Mines were identified as a GCR site during a review of the mineralogical sites of Wales in 1998. There are also a number of Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) on the Great Orme, including limestone pavement, soils and Quaternary geomorphological interest. An on-going WAG funded audit of RIGS sites in North Wales, by Gwynedd & Môn RIGS, may identify further RIGS interest on the Great Orme. Map 5 shows the solid/drift geology of the Great Orme in detail.

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The site has many of the classic geomorphological features that are traditionally associated with limestone landscapes. The most obvious and striking features are the impressive crags and sea cliffs, which reach a maximum height of around 120m. Weathering of the limestone strata has resulted in the creation of numerous bare rock outcrops in the form of pronounced ledges and benches. These limestone ledges are particularly apparent around the base of many of the sea cliffs where they form an easily identifiable wave cut platform. At the base of many of the inland cliffs and larger limestone scars are areas of limestone scree, the result of weathering of the relatively soft limestone bedrock. Pronounced weathering along fault-lines and other lines of geological weakness has produced numerous gullies, and most of the larger rock outcrops are crossed by deep clefts and fissures. Elsewhere, these processes have resulted in the formation of numerous caves particularly around the base of the cliff faces. Weathering of the well-dissected "blocky" limestone has resulted in the formation of a number of rock overhangs both at the sea cliffs and inland. Much of the general landscape appears as a mosaic of limestone outcrop with thin soils and calcareous grassland dominated by Fescue grasses. Of particular geomorphological interest are the areas of limestone pavement and other small-scale features of importance including sink holes and blow holes. Floods on the 10th June 1993, in which 5” of rain fell in three hours, resulted in at least 20 landslips around the headland. These were created by a combination of surface run-off together with "blow-outs" where layers of more impermeable limestone meet vegetated slopes. The resultant erosion was dramatic, up to 20’ deep in places. 2.8 Soils Recent research into soil/plant interactions on the Great Orme (ITE/NERC 1995) reveals that patches and bands of post-glacial loess (a windblown, fine sand/silt) which are non-calcareous are present on the Great Orme, and in places obscure the underlying limestone. Where the loess is more than approximately 40cm deep over the limestone or boulder clay, heath has developed. Where loess thins out to 20-30cm, calcareous grass heath has developed. Where the loess thins further the influence of the limestone ensures that calcareous grassland occurs. Due to geographical and geological circumstances, the Great Orme's Head is of low agricultural quality in the national classification, being Grade 5, however the areas of enclosed farmland are of local value, classified as Grade 4. A preliminary soil survey of the site was undertaken (Beard, 1994). The survey refers to a previous study undertaken by the Agricultural Research Council in 1963. 2.9 Climate A bioclimatic map of England and Wales has been produced (Bendelow and Hartnup 1980) that considers climatic factors relevant to natural plant distribution. The bioclimate of the Great Orme is reflected in the distribution of the various grassland and heathland communities and the fauna they support. Most of the headland is classified as moderately cool, slightly moist and very exposed, indicating that the headland is cooler and more exposed than Llandudno. More detailed information on climatic factors affecting the Great Orme can be found in Appendix 5.

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2.10 Hydrology Apart from a very brief consideration of water balance related factors there does not appear to be any specific hydrological information relating to the Great Orme's Head that is available at present. There are, however, a number of freshwater springs/wells on the headland. 2.11 Biology 2.11.1 Flora The flora of the site is rich and varied, with 431 species of vascular plants having been recorded to date. Of this total some 360 species are native to Britain, the remainder being introductions or of doubtful origin. Two species are listed in Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, these being Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata ssp. hybrida) and Wild Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster cambricus). Up until 1994 the latter species was known as Cotoneaster integerrimus, being classified as the same species as that which occurs in some parts of Europe. However, it has now been reclassified and the Great Orme is the only site at which this species occurs in a wild state. Its status on both the GB and Wales red Data Lists is Critically Endangered (CR), its population is small and fragile but stable and not declining. Measures are currently underway to increase the population to a more secure level as stated in the Summary Species Implementation Plan for Wild Cotoneaster (CCW 1998). The Wild Cotoneaster is also a priority Biodiversity Action Plan species. Please see Appendix 10 which lists rare and noteworthy vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens found on the Great Orme and their rarity status. All wild plants are protected against unauthorised uprooting under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, however plants listed under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) are given special protection against picking, uprooting, destruction and sale. Those species on the Red List are species that are threatened with extinction. The threat of extinction has been assessed for these species and they are classified as Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable (using IUCN criteria). There are also assemblages of Nationally Rare and Nationally Scarce bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and Vulnerable, Nationally Rare and Nationally Scarce lichens. A total of 305 lichen taxa have been recorded on the Great Orme. This includes 17 Nationally Rare and 59 Nationally Scarce species. Surveys and monitoring regimes have been undertaken (and continue) in order to monitor the status of selected rare plants, monitor habitat change and monitor the effects of grazing. A number of plant and animal communities occur on the site. These are summarised below. 2.11.1.1 Calcareous Grassland The grasslands on the Great Orme are of international importance and occupy approximately one third of the site. The most extensive grassland is a closed sward of Sheeps’ Fescue - Meadow Oat-grass grassland which includes, amongst fine-leaved grasses, a variety of low-growing herbs such as Ladies’ Bedstraw, Wild Thyme, Birds’ Foot Trefoil, Salad Burnet, Ribwort Plantain and Mouse-ear Hawkweed. Where trampling by visitors and livestock occurs these herbs become lost and are replaced by coarser grasses such as Yorkshire Fog and White Clover. On the thinnest, driest soils around the cliffs and crags on the drought-prone south facing slopes, the grassland is more open with bare patches. This grassland is Sheeps’ Fescue – Carline Thistle grassland with abundant Hoary Rockrose and herbs such as Salad Burnet and Wild Thyme.

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Where grazing and visitor pressure is relaxed, taller ranker grassland occurs. This is dominated by Red Fescue and coarser grasses such as Hairy Oat-grass with fewer herbs as these tend to be shaded out by the grasses and accumulated thatch of leaf litter. On the cooler, damper north facing slopes, grassland more typical of northern Britain occur. These are dominated by False Oat-grass but often containing abundant Cowslips along the Marine Drive on the northern side of the site. In association with patches of species-poor heath there are acid (calcifugous) grasslands dominated by Sheeps’ Fescue and Common Bent, but without the herbs typical of the calcicolous grasslands mentioned above. These are replaced here by acid loving plants such as Tormentil. In certain areas the grassland has been invaded by non-native shrubs and trees including Cotoneaster integrifolius, C. horizontalis, C. simonsii, Strawberry Tree, Mediterranean Buckthorn, Turkey Oak, Corsican Pine and Scots Pine. These alien species, in particular C. integrifolius, have become dominant in some instances and the grassland communities and rare species have been smothered as a result. 2.11.1.2 Limestone Heath The heathland on the Great Orme is of international importance and occupies approximately one quarter of the site. Dominant species are the dwarf shrubs; Heather, Bell Heather and Western Gorse. About one third of the heathland is species-rich and amongst the dwarf shrubs many lime-loving (calcicolous) herbs grow, such as Common Rockrose, Dropwort, Wild Thyme and Birds-foot Trefoil. This species-rich heath tends to be short (35cm height or lower). Another third of the heath is less species-rich, supporting herbs such as Tormentil and Harebell, perhaps indicative of more acidic conditions due to leaf litter accumulation and leaching. It is of intermediate height (20-45cms). The final third is the tallest heath approaching 50cms in height. This is the most species-poor and is entirely dominated by dense stands of the three dwarf shrubs. Management is required to help maintain the species-rich heath and prevent its conversion to species-poor. An interesting mix of heath and grassland species contribute towards a separate community type known as calcicolous grass heath. The calcicolous grass heath comprises grassland very similar in appearance to the short closed sward of the species-rich Sheep’s Fescue–Meadow Oat-grass grassland but containing a high proportion of the dwarf shrubs, Heather and Bell Heather but with the notable absence of Western Gorse. 2.11.1.3 Limestone Pavement A botanically varied community supporting both calcareous grassland species including Hoary Rockrose and Dark Red Helleborine, and such shade tolerant species as Black Spleenwort, Wall-rue, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Sanicle, Dogs Mercury and occasional Brittle Bladder Fern. Selected areas of limestone pavement flora were surveyed in 1972 (Ward & Evans) for the then Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. This survey was repeated in 2002 by CCW. Both surveys concluded that the Florisitc Index of the limestone pavement is not of a SSSI standard. However, there do not seem to be any obvious conservation measures that might be undertaken to improve the floristic index. Rabbit fencing of the areas, for example, would be impractical both in terms of cost and effort. However, an existing exclosure of a small area of limestone pavement was improved in 2011 and is now rabbit fenced. Monitoring of this exclosure will provide valuable data in the future. 2.11.1.4 Limestone Cliffs

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The cliff community is rich and varied. Botanical rarities such as Wild Cabbage, Wild Cotoneaster, Dark Red Helleborine, Hoary Rockrose, Horseshoe Vetch, Spotted Catsear and Spiked Speedwell all occur here. Invasion of non-native shrubs in particular Cotoneaster integrifolius has occurred in places. These shrubs have become locally dominant in some instances. Red Valerian has also become locally dominant in restricted areas. Its status is being monitored. 2.11.1.5 Woodland The main woodland areas are situated on the south-eastern and eastern slopes of the Great Orme. The woodland to the south-east is known as Haulfre and the woodland to the east is at Pen Dinas. The area covered by these woodlands is 4 hectares and 0.5 hectares respectively. The canopy of both woodlands is largely composed of Ash, Sycamore, and Wych Elm with several localised areas dominated by conifers. The shrub layer varies from sparse to dense with Hazel, Hawthorn, Elder and Holly. The ground flora of both woods is rich with Dog’s Mercury (Woodland Management Plan, 1981). The Countryside and Rights of Way Service has adopted a Tree Safety Policy which is applied to all woodlands that it manages. A copy of the policy is appended (appendix 8). 2.11.1.6 Bracken Dominated Grassland This botanically poor community, dominated by Bracken, is presumed to be derived from heathland and neutral grassland, which has been burned and/or heavily grazed in the past. 2.11.1.7 Scrub Dominated by Gorse This is also botanically poor but may have some temporary value for small birds. Some rotational management might increase its value and return parts to a more heathland appearance. 2.11.1.8 Springs Spatially restricted communities supporting some localised species including Bog Pimpernel, Meadowsweet, Common Butterwort and Brooklime. Springs and wet flushes influenced by salt spray support a number of typically salt-marsh species such as Wild Celery, Sea Milkwort and Sea Rush. 2.11.1.9 Disturbed Ground These are communities established on ground disturbed by mining and quarrying activities, or wartime construction works. They are generally poorly vegetated with much bare ground, locally frequent Thrift, Hutchinsia and White Stonecrop and occasional Sea Storksbill and White Horehound. 2.11.2 Fauna Well over 600 species of insects and other invertebrates have been identified on the site. However, the fauna has not been surveyed comprehensively therefore lists of the various groups are not complete. Information on different groups is added to almost on an annual basis, mainly as a result of independent survey work. The diverse flora of the predominantly limestone grassland supports a wide variety of insects including six rare species of Lepidoptera namely, Coleophora serphllectorum, Xestia asworthii, Silky Wave Moth, Stenoptilia zophodactylus, Grayling (ssp. Thyone) and Silver-studded Blue (spp. caernensis). The Grayling and Silver-studded Blue butterflies are represented by dwarf races which are considered to be endemic to the site. The Silver-studded Blue is a Priority BAP

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(Biodiversity Action Plan) species. Twenty-one species of butterfly have been recorded on the Great Orme. Monitoring of butterfly populations, using a transect method developed by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, has been undertaken since 1991. Records are forwarded to the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and Butterfly Conservation. The birdlife of the limestone grassland includes some of the commoner Finches, Meadow and Rock Pipit and breeding populations of Wheatear, Linnet and Skylark. During the autumn and spring, passage migrants, including Golden Plover, Dotterel, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting and Ring Ouzel have been recorded regularly. In addition, Snow Bunting, Black Redstart and Chough have been recorded throughout the winter months. Mammals found within this community include Fox, Rabbit and Weasel. Common Lizard, Slow Worm and Common Toad have also been recorded. Limestone Heath is of less value to insects, but nevertheless provides a nesting habitat for Stonechat, Meadow Pipit and Skylark. Mammals recorded in this community include Rabbit, Weasel and Common Shrew. The Limestone Pavement is of limited value to insects, birds and mammals. No reptiles or amphibians have yet been recorded in this community. The cliffs provide a suitable habitat for a variety of birds including, Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Fulmar, Cormorant, Shag, Raven, Peregrine, Chough, Wheatear and Rock Pipit. The seabird population has been monitored since 1974 and the numbers of Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Cormorants have been recorded. Numbers of Fulmars have been monitored since 1987. Kittiwake productivity was monitored, as part of the national Seabird Monitoring Programme managed by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, until 2006. Populations of Razorbills and Cormorants breeding on the headland remain stable whilst populations of Fulmars, Guillemots and Kittiwakes have shown a decline in numbers over the past 5/6 years. Breeding numbers of Kittiwakes particularly declined by 28% over the two years 2002-2004. Recolonisation by Peregrines has met with varied success, as has colonisation by Choughs. The headland is grazed by sheep (see 2.13) and has supported a herd of feral goats since the early 1900’s. Currently the herd numbers approximately 162 goats. Increasing numbers have resulted in recent management involving the use of contraceptive methods to limit population growth and relocation of small herds of goats to sites elsewhere in order to reduce the size of the herd in the long term. Management of the goats will also be reviewed against any proven negative impacts on the important habitats and protected species. The County Borough Council accepts no responsibility or liability in respect of the goats, but accepts the principle of intervention to promote the health of the herd. The herd of feral goats principally browse shrubs, preferring gorse, brambles and hawthorn. The goats are able to reach most cliff ledges, however, the intensity of browsing on shrubs such as Juniper and Wild Cotoneaster is subject to conjecture. The site is also grazed by rabbits. 2.12 Archaeology A base-line study of the archaeology of the Great Orme was carried out by Gwynedd Archaeological Trust 10 years ago on behalf of Conwy County Borough Council (The Great Orme Archaeological Management Plan, 2001). This plan needs to be revised to include new discoveries made over the last decade, in particular information relating to the Bronze Age copper mines, which are recognised by professionals as internationally important. Up-to-date site-based information is now available on-line at http://www.archwilio.org.uk/, where all digital information held in the Historic Environment Record (HER) can be searched using a mapping and simple query tool. The Great Orme is the location of some of the most important early cave deposits in Wales. Two limestone caves in particular, Kendrick’s Cave and Ogof Tan y Bryn, have revealed rare Palaeolithic finds dating from about 12,000 years ago. Stone tools found in or near to caves on

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the Orme suggest that mobile human populations continued to live here for thousands of years. It is not until the Neolithic period, however, around 4000 BC (6000 years ago), when people began to adopt a more settled way of life, that remains from permanent structures survive. Llety’r Filiast, the best preserved of these funerary monuments, is a megalithic burial chamber, located close to the copper mines at Pyllau Valley. It may have been contemporary with the earliest phases of copper exploitation at the mines. The Great Orme Copper Mines are now known to be the largest prehistoric copper mines in the world and of huge international importance. Over 5 miles of accessible tunnels have been recorded as a result of almost 25 years of excavation and investigation; calculations suggest that over 2,000 tonnes of copper ore were mined over approximately a millennia, an extraordinary feat and one indicative of well-planned, expert industrial exploitation. A large number of prehistoric finds relating to this activity have been found, including 2,000 hammer stones used to break up the ore, and 30,000 animal bones used as tools to mine the stone. The survival of this rare prehistoric site is due largely to its abandonment from the end of the Bronze Age until the Victorian era, when new mining techniques allowed new exploitation of the rock. It is vital that the site is explored, preserved and showcased. Settlement evidence for the people who worked in the mines is missing, but emerges for subsequent centuries on the Orme when round houses of probable Iron Age date (800BC) and the promontory fort of Pen Dinas were constructed. The fort is built on the precipitous cliffs of the Great Orme, with earth and stone ramparts, defending a number of houses, sixty-five of which can be identified on the ground today (but may not have been contemporary with one another). The influence of Roman colonialism is evident from coin and pottery finds, but none are extensive or relate to rectangular structures identified as Roman in style. Whilst the centuries that followed the collapse of Roman rule (post-410 AD) in Britain are difficult to locate in the archaeological record, due primarly to the absence of pottery and rarity of good dating evidence, it is from this ‘dark age’ period that the Great Orme is thought to derive its name. The Norse word orma means worm or sea-monster, most probably because of the shape of the headland visible from the sea. The medieval church of St. Tudno is also likely to have been an early foundation, possibly dating to the sixth century. However, the present church dates from the twelfth century. It lay at the centre of the medieval township of Cyngreawdr, one of three recorded on the Orme. Fine examples of ridge and furrow field systems survive around the church, on the slope to the summit: evidence of generations of medieval ploughing in open strip fields. Associated with them are the medieval long houses in which the tenants lived. The other two townships were Gogarth and Yr Wyddfydd. By the fourteenth century Gogarth was the most the important of the three, belonging to the Bishop of Bangor. A manor house was built there, part of which, known as the Bishop’s Palace still remains. The history of the area in the post medieval period is dominated by the Mostyns of Gloddaeth and the Pughs of Penrhyn. The Mostyns first became connected with the area in the fifteenth century when they married into the Gloddaeth family of Gruffydd ap Rhys, and continued to consolidate their lands in the subsequent periods and developing their interests in the copper mining industry on the Great Orme. The Pugh family proved less successful in their dealings, becoming well-known for their Roman Catholic sympathies in the sixteenth century. The area remained relatively isolated throughout most of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, becoming a centre of espionage during William III’s campaign against the Irish , until the gradual expansion of the copper industry in the nineteenth century and finally the rapid growth of the town as a resort in the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The industrial history of the Great Orme is dominated by the copper mines. The first historical recorded exploitation of the coppers ores appears in 1692 when a lease was given to Sir

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Thomas Mostyn. However, records of mining activities before the nineteenth century are very sparse. At the height of production, between 1839-1850, the mines employed up to 300 men, producing over a quarter of a million pounds worth of ore between 1835-1848. However, in 1848 the abolition of import duties on copper combined with the large copper ore deposits discovered in Australia, north America and Chile ushered in the end of the industry in Wales with the ‘New Mine’ closing in 1864 and the ‘Old Mine’ closing +in 1881. The mine at Ty Gwyn down on what is now the main Promenade and entrance to the Pier, was the last to open and the first to close, but proved to be very productive until major flooding forced an end to work. Two stone quarries were formerly worked: Rock Studio quarry near Happy Valley, and the quarry at Pigeon’s Cave, stone from which is said to have been used to construct the Conwy Cob, Telford’s Suspension Bridge at Conwy (1826) and later Stephenson’s Tubular Bridge also at Conwy (1848). The decline of the copper industry saw the development of the town of Llandudno as a major seaside resort after 1843, and this had a profound impact on the land-use of the Great Orme. The Orme began to serve as a backdrop to the resort with major associated developments such as the golf course, Marine Drive, the tramway, the gardens at Happy Valley, the summit café and the cable car and more recently the ski slope. During the Second World War the Coastal Artillery School was relocated from the South of England to the Great Orme. The remains of this gunnery school can be found on the north-western corner of the headland, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Other remains include observation sites, pill boxes and gun emplacements. One of the earliest radar stations was also located on the summit of the Great Orme. 2.13 Present Land Use The headland has been a major tourist attraction for over a century and is a popular local beauty spot attracting in excess of 600,000 visitors per annum. Numerous tourist attractions/facilities have been developed on the Great Orme such as the marine drive, summit café, and more recently the pitch and putt golf course, ski slope and copper mines. The majority of visitors gain access to the site by car. However, alternative forms of transport exist including a cable car and Victorian tramway. The site is also well served with public footpaths (see subsection 3.3.8). None of the mines or quarries are active today. Future plans at the Great Orme Copper Mines attraction include an extension to the visitor’s route underground, a new path round the back of the opencast section of the site for better viewing and access, and the planned removal of tonnes of spoil from the site. Management of the Country Park and Local Nature Reserve since 1980 has sought to promote conservation, public enjoyment and education. This has been achieved through the following projects: • The removal of certain derelict or redundant features (such as old signage, fence posts and

redundant telegraph poles) • Provision of visitor facilities (ie signage, picnic areas, visitor centre, interpretation, footpath

improvements) • Control of non-native plants • Monitoring of flora and fauna • Access restriction to sensitive areas In 1998 WS Atkins Consultants Ltd were commissioned to produce a Development and Management Study on the Great Orme. As a result of the finished report a number of projects were put forward and funding was sought from a variety of different sources. A Project Officer was employed to coordinate a number of projects, including those listed below:

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• Archaeological Management Plan • Fencing and signage works • Visitor Centre extension and improvements • Prince Edward’s Square information point • Improvements to footpaths/interpretive trails • Improvements to Rest and Be Thankful Café (provision of toilet, water supply and boundary

wall) • Traffic management on Happy Valley Road • Parking Management (improvements to grassed car park above St. Tudno’s church) • Visitor Leaflet • Promotion of educational services Historically the site has been used by a small number of local people for hunting and shooting. These activities have tended to be directed against rabbits and occasional foxes. However, less responsible individuals have shot at other animals and birds. This practice continues to a lesser degree within the Country Park, although continues on privately owned farmland on the headland. In recent years the site has been subject to unauthorised use by motorcyclists for scrambling practice. This activity has been stopped by the police in the past. Nevertheless, it continues at a reduced level and some incidents of motorbike scrambling are recorded each year. Parts of the headland have been used in the past for controlled tipping, but this was terminated when the land owner identified alternative sites. Illegal fly-tipping continues however. Byelaws came into operation on the site on 5th August 1983 in order that some of the above practices (and others) could be more effectively stopped. The byelaws are appended (Appendix 6). There are currently grazing rights to graze 416 head of sheep on the headland (see 2.2). The Grazier, Mr. E. Jones has entered into a Tir Gofal Agreement which is dated 30 April 2008 and runs until 30 April 2013. The Agreement includes a Management Plan for the grazing of livestock on the site and adjacent land. CCW has issued S28E Consent to permit sheep grazing and use of vehicles off the public roads for gathering/shepherding during the term of the Tir Gofal Agreement. The Tir Gofal Management Plan specifies the grazing regime (for the Country Park) as: 300 to 350 ewe lambs all year round – although they will be gathered in off the hill for short periods at dipping / shearing time. From mid July, following weaning, dry ewes will be turned out to join the ewe lambs taking the figure up to 416 animals. The dry ewes will stay on the hill until early November before they return to Parc Farm to be tupped. A minimum average grazing rate of at least 100 sheep should be maintained as undergrazing could be as damaging to the site as overgrazing. If it is found that the ewe lambs tend to regularly congregate on the heathland areas on the higher slopes of the Orme (marked brown on Map 2 of the Tir Gofal Agreement) during the winter months, therefore causing damage to this habitat then CCW will ask the grazier to shepherd the site and drive the sheep downhill or to remove some of the sheep from the hill during this period. 2.14 Educational use/ facilities The site is extensively used by school and university groups, studying a variety of topics. Country Park staff are heavily involved in the provision of environmental education, particularly in the summer months, to local and visiting schools. Links with the Copper Mines and Victorian Tramway are well established providing visiting schools with a full day of activities and a variety of experiences on the Great Orme. Numbers vary from year to year, but in the region of 80

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schools use the services of Country Park staff each year. Country Park staff have also developed an educational CD rom for the Great Orme aimed at children aged 7-11 years. The visitor centre provides a multi-purpose room which can provide additional facilities for educational groups, and is particularly useful during periods of bad weather. The full extent of educational usage is not fully known. In the past, some less conservation orientated groups caused damage to sensitive areas but such incidents are now rare, due to increasing environmental awareness in general, and due to specific information provided in the Visitor Centre and the service provided by Country Park staff. 2.15 Interpretation use/facilities The Great Orme Country Park Visitor Centre was opened in 1983 and has been developed over a number of years. It now contains interactive displays on the history, wildlife and management of the Great Orme plus a visitor operated camera link to seabird colonies on the cliffs and an introductory film. It also comprises a gift shop (run by the North Wales Wildlife Trust) from which information about the Country Park can be obtained in the form of a variety of leaflets and booklets, produced by Conwy Countryside Service. An extension to the Visitor Centre was completed in 2000 which increased the size of the shop, provided more office space and most importantly, provided a multi-purpose room. Interpretation within the visitor centre requires periodic updating. Improvements to, and refurbishment of, the visitor centre are planned during 2012/13 as part of a European funded initiative. A promotional information leaflet is available free of charge at local Tourist Information Centres and the Country Park Visitor Centre. The site has an established Nature Trail, which is interpreted through a Nature Trail booklet. There are also two Historical Trails around the site accompanied by a Historical Trails booklet, and a series of ten interpretive panels along the trails. Three Summit Trails have been developed to encourage people to visit the Great Orme on foot, and a directional leaflet for these trails has been produced. An interpretation panel can be found on the Gunsite explaining the remains of wartime buildings. Llandudno Town Council has also produced a leaflet about the history of this site. Information boards are also located at entrances to the Country Park (the North Shore Tollgate on Marine Drive, the west shore at the entrance to Marine Drive, the entrance via Ty Gwyn Road and the summit car park). Guided walks, children’s events and volunteer days are held on the Great Orme and other countryside sites every year. Country Park staff have input into events held as part of Conwy’s year round Biodiversity Events Programme and Conwy Walking Week, held in July. In addition, Country Park staff organise guided walks and slide talks to a wide variety of local groups, the main purpose being to interpret the Great Orme’s many facets and explain why management of the headland is so important. 2.16 Recreational Use/ Facilities The headland is a renowned tourist attraction receiving in excess of 600,000 visitors each year. The majority of visitors come to enjoy the natural qualities of the site, in particular the exceptional coastal scenery, and indulge primarily in passive recreation. The dry ski slope operated by John Nike Leisuresport independently attracts large numbers of people (not included in the above visitor estimate), and the opening of the disused Copper Mine as a tourist attraction by Great Orme Mines Ltd. in 1991, attracts approximately 36,000 visitors per annum. The Victorian Tramway now attracts over 150,000 visitors per season (March to the end of October). The most popular forms of recreation are passive in nature i.e. enjoyment of the scenery, picnicking, sunbathing etc. Activities such as walking, rock climbing, sea angling, hang gliding, paragliding, model glider flying, jogging, mountain biking, orienteering and birdwatching are also pursued.

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The impact of passive recreation per se is not great, however, there is potential for increasing visitor numbers to damage the scientific interests of the site. Litter and localised erosion does have an adverse effect on the landscape in places, and trampling of vegetation and general disturbance does affect the flora and fauna of the site. The most serious problems arise from vehicular access although the nature of the problems has changed from erosion of grassland to congestion (with increased volume of vehicles). Perhaps the most serious current problems relate to vehicular access; access roads are narrow and car parking is restricted. Conwy County Borough Council has resolved to promote alternative means of access, as opposed to seeking to improve the road network and increase parking capacity. This decision was taken on the basis of protecting the character of the Great Orme. A charge has been made since 1993 for parking at the Summit in the peak summer period as a first step towards achieving the Council's aim in this respect. The car park was formalised in 1998 with a Pay and Display charge introduced on a year round basis (with reduced charges during the winter period). Active pursuits appear to have only a limited impact, providing those partaking assume a responsible attitude. Potentially harmful activities are controlled e.g. rock climbing in biologically sensitive areas is limited by agreement and is also controlled elsewhere in terms of public safety; hang gliders/paragliders are restricted to one take-off point with no vehicular access. An increase in recreational use of the Great Orme may have significant effects on the landscape, wildlife, historic interests and farming of the site. It is of the utmost importance therefore that the site continues to be managed effectively to ensure opportunities for increased recreational use are provided without detrimental effects to these interests. Access by motor vehicles was unrestricted in the past and serious erosion problems resulted. This is highly detrimental to the quality of the landscape and its archaeological and biological interest e.g. the fragmentation of areas of heathland to a point where the integrity of the habitat was threatened. Vehicle access restrictions in conjunction with specific provision within the Byelaws have helped to reduce this problem, and the more seriously eroded areas are revegetating. Maintenance of vehicle access restrictions should prevent further damage to the grassland and heathland. Access around the site is unrestricted to visitors on foot and this has been formalised through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The great majority of the Great Orme is now Access land granting people a right of access on foot (see Map 3 which shows Access Land on the Great Orme). There are a number of public rights of way and un-adopted footpaths. Trampling along footpaths and the most heavily used parts of the site can lead to a reduction in the species-richness of the grassland. This is of great concern if the nature conservation value of the grasslands is not to decline. The site has been used by a small number of people for activities which are illegal under the byelaws, namely motorcycle scrambling, hunting, shooting, fly tipping, metal detecting and disturbance of wildlife. Following the introduction of a warden service some such activities have declined and, on the whole, continue to do so. 2.17 Research use/facilities Research continues to be carried out on the history, archaeology, geology and natural history of the site by a wide variety of individuals, agencies and educational establishments. The extent of this research is not known as much is carried out without the involvement or knowledge of Country Park staff. However, many specific projects have been completed and the results made available to the County Borough Council. Problems pertaining to archaeological research have been encountered due to the lack of understanding, co-ordination and supervision of research. Projects have been undertaken by organisations and individuals without any reference to Country Park staff which has resulted in concerns over the quality of the research carried out, the availability of research information,

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damage to the site and the location of artefacts removed. The guidelines that form part of the Archaeological Management Plan (section 11), should be referred to for more detailed advice. Key factors to consider are:

• Early communication with Country Park staff and the curatorial section of Gwynedd Archaeological Trust;

• Knowledge of professional guidance for carrying out archaeological work, in particular Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) codes, standards and guidelines http://www.archaeologists.net/codes/ifa

3 Confirmation of Important Features 3.1 The Site in Wider Perspective and Implications for Management The site is important in European terms and nationally. The site is a SAC as it contains habitats which are considered rare or threatened in Europe (dry heath, calcareous grasslands and vegetated sea cliffs). It is designated SSSI for its geological, botanical, entomological, ornithological and marine biological features. In addition, many of the habitats found on the Great Orme are key habitats in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Conwy (LBAP). Such key habitats are identified in the LBAP as requiring priority conservation locally. Also, key species identified in the LBAP are present on the Great Orme and also require priority conservation locally. These include the unique Cotoneaster cambricus (present only on the Great Orme) and a sub-species of the Silver studded Blue Butterfly (Plebejus argus caernensis). There are also a number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments on site and it is included in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales. The headland is part of the wider Creuddyn and Conwy Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and is also designated a Heritage Coast in its own right. 3.2 Provisional List of Important Features 3.2.1 Biological Feature 1: Plant Communities (Habitats ) Calcareous Grassland* Dry Heath (all types)* Limestone Pavement Limestone Cliffs (vegetated sea cliffs) Woodland* Feature 2: Flora Cotoneaster cambricus* Other Rare/Nationally Scarce Vascular Plants** Rare Lower Plants (Bryophytes and Lichens) Feature 3: Fauna Goats Notable Invertebrates*** Bats* Birds (* indicates a habitat or species for which there is an Action Plan in Conwy LBAP, **indicates the Juniper Action Plan in Conwy LBAP, ***indicates the Silver studded blue butterfly Action Plan in Conwy LBAP)

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3.2.2 Geological Feature 4: Geological Conservation Review Sites and Regionally Important Geological Site

(RIGS). 3.2.3 Archaeological Feature 5: Scheduled Ancient Monuments Feature 6: Important Historical Landscape and Undesignated Sites of Historical Interest 3.2.4 Landscape Feature 7: Heritage Coast 3.2.5 Access and Recreation

Feature 8: Access land, Footpath Network and Promoted Trails Feature 9: Ease of access to site, proximity to homes and local schools

3.2.6 Environmental Education Feature 10: Environmental Education Feature 11: Information and Awareness Raising 3.2.7 Facilities Feature 12: Facilities provided by Great Orme Country Park Feature 13: Facilities provided by other organisations 3.3 Evaluation of Important Features 3.3.1 Feature 1: Plant Communities The most extensive habitat is limestone (calcareous) grassland, although there are some areas of neutral or slightly acidic grassland. Lowland Calcareous grasslands are a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, requiring priority protection and having internationally important status. Other priority BAP habitats of international importance are heath, sea cliffs, limestone pavement and woodland/scrub. 3.3.1.1 Calcareous Grassland There is a wide range of flora and fauna, especially associated with the limestone grassland. The grassland habitat supports a number of nationally and locally rare species of flora and fauna and supports the most extensive examples of their type in North Wales. For some species these represent the largest stands in the British Isles. The value of the limestone grassland is dependent on maintaining appropriate grazing levels and the control of non-native shrubs and bracken. 3.3.1.2 Limestone Heath The heathland flora supports the most extensive examples of their type in North Wales, and for some represent the largest stands in the British Isles. Burning of limestone heath has traditionally, but illegally, (against heather and grass burning code/regulations if done outside 1 November to 31 March in the lowlands, and also against Country Park bye-laws) been carried out around Halloween/Bonfire Night every year and has sporadically been set alight at other times. Burning impacts upon landscape and possibly nature conservation interests. Consideration has been given to heath burning on a more formal basis following requests from graziers. However, this was rejected as a possible heath management technique as it was

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believed this would give ambiguous messages to members of the public. Instead rotational mowing of the heath and removal of the cuttings commenced in 2008, via a Section 15 management agreement with CCW, as means of managing the heath. This form of management is currently being taken forward on 15 -25 year rotation. The heathland can be highly susceptible to trampling. 3.3.1.3 Limestone Pavement In the past it was thought that prevention of grazing would greatly improve the botanical diversity of the pavement. However, this is unlikely to improve the flora of the limestone pavement as most of the interest lies in the grykes, out of the reach of grazing animals. A lack of grazing could, in fact, lead to scrub encroachment which, if it were to exceed 25% cover would be detrimental. The limestone pavement has been subject to rock removal in the past. 3.3.1.4 Limestone Cliffs The cliff habitat is largely natural and supports a number of nationally and locally rare species of flora and fauna. Southern elements of flora (and particularly fauna) are especially representative in the flora of the sea cliffs. 3.3.1.5 Woodland Much of the woodland habitat borders calcareous grassland and ornamental gardens. Consequently there is spread of non-native species into the woodland and tree and shrub species encroach on to the grassland. The value of the woodland could be improved by the removal of non-native species. 3.3.2 Feature 2: Flora On the Great Orme there are populations of endangered, vulnerable, near threatened and nationally scarce vascular plants. Two species are listed in Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, these being the Wild Cotoneaster which is identified as being Critically Endangered (CR), and Spiked Speedwell which is identified as being Nationally Scarce (NS). In addition, one vascular plant species is classified as vulnerable. Two species are classified as Near Threatened (NT) and 14 others are classified as Nationally Scarce species (NS). There are also a number of species of local interest. In addition to vascular plants there are populations of Vulnerable, Near Threatened and Nationally Scarce bryophytes (surveyed and assessed in 2003) and Vulnerable and Nationally Scarce species of lichen. The lichen flora was surveyed in 2007 and found to be extremely rich as it supports a significant number of Red Data Book, Nationally Rare and Nationally Scarce species of lichen. See Appendix 10. Rare Vascular Plant List The following 24 species of vascular plant are on the Pen Y Gogarth SSSI features of interest sheet as either independently qualifying and/or qualifying as part of the vascular plant assemblage per the SSSI selection guidelines. The 13 species highlighted green can be considered of higher priority for conservation effort (based on their threat category in Dines, T. 2008. A Vascular Plant Red Data List for Wales. Plantlife, Salisbury). GB Red Data List

Wales Red Data List

Scientific Name English Name Comments

CR CR Cotoneaster cambricus Wild cotoneaster W&C Act 1981 -

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Schedule 8 LC LC Veronica spicata Spiked speedwell W&C Act 1981 –

Schedule 8 LC VU Aster linosyris Goldilocks aster NT EN Hypochaeris maculata Spotted cat’s-ear LC LC Brassica oleracea Wild cabbage LC LC Centaurium littorale Seaside centaury NT NT Cerastium pumilum Dwarf mouse-ear LC EN Epipactis atrorubens Dark-red helleborine LC LC Helianthemum oelandicum

subsp. incanum Hoary rock-rose

LC LC Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia LC NT Marrubium vulgare White horehound NT VU Minuartia verna Spring sandwort LC LC Orobanche hederae Ivy broomrape LC LC Potentilla neumanniana Spring cinquefoil NT NT Silene nutans Nottingham catchfly LC VU Sorbus rupicola WL VU Hieracium britannicoides VU VU Hieracium cambricum Welsh Hawkweed LC? LC? Limonium procerum Sea-lavender VU VU Hieracium pseudoleyi LC EN Valerianella eriocarpa Hairy-fruited

cornsalad

LC LC Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe vetch Edge of range LC LC Genista tinctoria Dyer’s greenweed LC LC Antennaria dioica Mountain everlasting Rare Bryophyte List The following 21 species of bryophyte (Liverworts and Mosses) are noteworthy (Hodgetts - Survey 2003 – List reviewed by Sam Bosanquet CCW 09/02/11). The 3 species highlighted in green are considered to be the higher priority ones for conservation effort. Hodgetts (1992) SSSI Guidelines score

Current* (2011) Rarity Score

Current * (2011) Threat Category

Scientific Name

English Name

Comments

Liverworts NS 30 NS 30 LC Cephaloziella

stellulifera Heath threadwort

On metal-rich spoil

NS 30 - LC Porella obtusata

Broad scalewort

On rocks

NS 30 - LC Riccia subbifurca

Least crystalwort

On earth, Hafnant Gully

Mosses

NS 30 NS 30 LC Bryum canariense

A Thread-moss

In skeletal turf

NS 30 - LC Bryum dunense

A Thread-moss

sy On soil – now considered synonymous with Bryum bicolor / B. dichotomum

NR 100 NR 100 NT Bryum kunzei A Thread-moss

Was Bryum caespiticium var. imbricatum, then B. funckii, now B.kunzei.

NS 30 NS 30 LC Didymodon acutus

Pointed beard-moss

On skeletal soils (Barbula acuta)

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NtEv NS 30 LC Ditrichum flexicaule s.s.

Bendy Ditrichum

On/among rocks

NS 30 NS 30 LC Eurhynchium striatulum

Lesser striated feather-moss

On shaded rocks (Plasteurhynchium striatulum / Isothecium striatulum)

NR 100 NR 100 VU Funaria pulchella

Very rare, Hafnant Gully (Entosthodon pulchellus)

NS 30 NS 30 LC Grimmia orbicularis

Exposed S-facing rocks – Nationally important population

NtEv 100 NR 100 VU Grimmia tergestina

Not known in Britain in 1992 but clearly Nationally Rare. New to Wales and still only known Welsh site.

NS 30 NS 30 LC Gymnostomum viridulum

Luisier’s tufa-moss

Old quarry workngs – only known site in North Wales

NtEv NS 30 LC Microbryum starckeanum

Starke’s Pottia

On parched skeletal soil (Pottia starkeana)

NS 30 NS 30 LC Pleurochaete squarrosa

Side-fruited crisp-moss

On skeletal soil – New VC49 record

NR 100 NS 30 LC Pottiopsis caespitosa

Round-fruited Pottia

In skeletal grassland – New to Wales (Pottia caespitosa)

NS 30 NS 30 LC Racomitrium elongatum

Long fringe-moss

On bank, Pyllau Road

NR 100 NS 30 LC Tortella densa A Crisp-moss

Limestone rock crevices

NS 30 NS 30 LC Tortula atrovirens

Rib-leaf moss

On skeletal soil (Desmatodon convolutus)

NS 30 - LC Tortula protobryoides

Tall Pottia No longer NS but scarce in Wales (Protobryum bryoides/Pottia bryoides)

NS 30 - NtEv Weissia controversa var. crispata

Green-tufted stubble-moss

Varieties are no longer considered.

920 #690

* current statuses are from www.jncc.gov.uk based on revisions of the Nationally scarce and Nationally Rare lists in 2006 and 2009 and the Red Data List in 2005 (another revision is due to be published in early 2011). # this score is for an “Assemblage of Nationally Rare & Scarce bryophytes in open limestone habitats”. Rare Lichen List There are 76 species of noteworthy lichens (Giavarini - Survey 2007); 17 Nationally Rare (NR), 59 Nationally Scarce (NS) and 19 Red Data Book (RDB) species. Only the Red Data List (RDL) species are listed below – Woods. 2010. A Lichen Red Data List for Wales. The 12 species highlighted in green are the most important. RDL – Rarity Scientific Name Comments

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threat category

Status

LC NS Acarospora glaucocarpa On loose mossy limestone rock fragments

NT NS Anaptychia ciliaris ssp. mamillata Siliceous rock near summit

LC NS Arthonia apotheciorum* On dolomitized limestone – parasitic on Lecanora lichens

LC NS Arthonia lapidicola* Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Arthopyrenia saxicola In grikes in limestone

pavement LC NS Bacidia delicate Not found in 2007 survey EN NR Biatorella fossarum On compacted soil of

track LC NS Caloplaca alociza On weathered ledge tops LC NS Caloplaca arenaria Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Caloplaca arnoldii* Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Caloplaca cerinelloides On ash trees in open

situations LC NS Caloplaca chalybaea On limestone LC NS Caloplaca ochracea On dolomitized limestone LC NR Caloplaca polycarpa** On limestone cliffs and

ledges – parasitic on other Caloplaca/Verrucaria lichens

LC NS Catapyrenium lachneum* Soily margins close to cliff edges (Placidium lachneum)

NT NS Catapyrenium pilosellum On soil on south-facing slopes (Placidium pilosellum)

LC NS Catapyrenium squamulosum* Soily margins close to cliff edges (Placidium squamulosum)

LC NS Catillaria nigroclavata* On bark of deciduous trees

LC NS Clauzadea metzleri On dolomitized limestone VU NR Collema fragile Seepages on limestone

cliffs LC NS Collema multipartitum On dry limestone cliffs

and terraces LC NS Collema polycarpon On moist limestone LC NS Collemopsidium sublitorale* On limestone rocks in the

littoral (black) zone (Pyrenocollema sublitorale)

NT NS Cyphelium notarisii On wooden seat near Ffynnon Gaseg

LC NS Diploschistes gypsaceus Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Diplotomma venustum On dolomitized limestone NT NS Dirina massiliensis f. massiliensis North-facing cliffs

(dolomitized limestone) above Marine Drive

LC NS Farnoldia jurana Not found in 2007 survey NT NR Halecania viridescens* On sycamore twigs at

Pen Dinas LC NS Hymenelia prevostii On limestone cliff ledges LC NS Lecania atrynoides On siliceous rocks LC NS Lecania cuprea In grikes in limestone

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pavement LC NS Lecania rabenhorstii* On dolomitic limestone DD NR Lecanora agardhiana Cliff ledges and Cottage

Loaf glacial erratic LC NS Lecanora aitema var. aetima*** On twigs or worked

timber LC NS Lecanora andrewii On siliceous rocks LC NS Lecanora persimilis* On twigs of sycamore,

ash or elder LC NS Lecanora xanthostoma* On limestone (Lecanora

semipallida) LC NS Lecanora zosterae On dead thrift and soil LC NS Lepholemma botryosum In solution hollows on

limestone DD NS Lempholemma chalazanum Not found in 2007 survey

(limestone terraces – 1991)

LC NS Lepraria eburnea* On limestone LC NS Lepraria nivalis* At entrances to caves

and deep rock clefts LC NS Leptogium britannicum Amongst grassy

tussocks at the base of tall North-facing cliffs

NT NR Leptogium diffractum Limestone pavement and seepages on cliffs

NT NS Megaspora verrucosa Thin (skeletal) soils amongst thyme and fescue

LC NR Micarea viridileprosa* On bark NT NR Opegrapha areniseda Limestone cliffs LC NS Opegrapha dolomitica On sheltered moist

limestone LC NS Opegrapha mougeotii On shaded limestone LC NR Opeographa rupestris Limestone cliffs –

parasitic on Verrucaria lichens

LC NS Peltigera neckeri On bryophytes or soil (lead contaminated)

NT NS Placidiopsis custnani On compressed soil amongst broken rock path

? NR Placynthium hungaricum Not found in 2007 survey (the closely related Placynthium, garovaglioi is LC/NR)

LC NS Placynthium subradiatum On dolomitized limestone LC NS Polyblastia albida* On limestone LC NS Polyblastia cupularis Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Polyblastia deminuta* On limestone pavement

and low rock outcrops (Merismatium deminutum)

LC NS Polyblastia dermatodes On limestone (distinct from Thelidium incavatum?)

DD NR Polyblastia philaea On soily slopes (Polyblastia gelatinosa)

LC NS Porina borreri var. borreri On sheltered sycamore LC NS Psora decipiens Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Psora lurida On limestone ledges on

North-facing cliffs

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(Romjularia lurida) LC NS Psorotichia shaereri Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Rinodinia bischoffii On weathered ledge tops DD NR Rinodinia immerse Limestone terraces,

ledges and pavement LC NS Staurothele caesia* On limestone pavement

and low rock outcrops DD NR Staurothele guestphalica Limestone pavement or

terraced ledges VU NR Synalissa symphorea On limestone boulders,

cliff ledges and pavement (Synalissa ramulosa)

LC NS Thelidium pyrenophorum Not found in 2007 survey LC NS Thelidium zwackhii* Not found in 2007 survey ? NR Verrucaria canella On unshaded limestone

(Placopyrenium canellum / Verrucaria aspicilicola is LC/NR)

DD NR Verrucaria cyanea On limestone pavement LC NS Verrucaria dufourii On limestone pavement

and low rock outcrops LC NS Verrucaria elaeina* On shaded limestone DD NR Verrucaria latericola Dry limestone cliffs and

terraces – parasitic on Caloplaca lichens

* = Species considered to be locally common / common / widespread / frequent in Smith, C W et al eds. 2009. The Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland. BLS 3.3.3 Feature 3: Fauna The grassland invertebrate assemblage of the Great Orme is a qualifying feature of the SSSI. Recorded on this site are 611 species of invertebrates. There are 6 Red Data Book species (plus 2 endemic butterfly sub-species) and 45 Nationally Scarce species. The two endemic butterfly species, Grayling (ssp. thyone) and Silver-studded Blue (ssp. caernensis) are common on the site. The moths recorded on the site include several national rarities including the Silky Wave Moth, Horehound Plume Moth, Ashworth’s Rustic and the Chalk Carpet. There are also numerous species of rare beetles, spiders, ants, bees, wasps and flies. Grazing of the site is essential to maintain the grassland and prevent scrub encroachment. A herd of feral goats has been present on the Great Orme for approximately 100 years. Whilst not a protected animal, the goats have become a feature of the locality and to a certain extent a tourist attraction in their own right. The goats currently number approximately 162 animals. Breeding populations of seabirds on the cliffs have been monitored since 1974 and numbers vary from year to year. Data is submitted to the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP), an annual monitoring programme, established in 1986, of 26 species of seabird, at a sample of breeding colonies throughout the UK and Ireland. Through the SMP national population trends of seabird species are monitored. Lesser Horseshoe Bats have been recorded on the Great Orme. However, the population size is small. Bats are a European Protected Species under the provisions of the EC Habitats Directive. Current estimates suggest a UK population of 14,000 and this species is classified as being Vulnerable in the 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals.

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3.3.4 Feature 4: Geological Conservation Review Sites and Regionally Important Geological Sites

There are a range of geological and geomorphological features on the headland which are easily visible and accessible. These include cliffs, quarries, rock outcrops, scree, limestone pavement, sink holes, erratics and natural erosion scars. Most of the features are natural, although quarries are entirely artificial in respect of the exposure of rock faces. The creation of Marine Drive and ongoing safety works for the Drive have also resulted in localised artificial rock faces. Many of the features are relatively robust, but may be subject to some change, usually arising from natural processes, but sometimes from human processes (eg the safety works referred to above). The natural erosion scars are new features resulting from the flood of June 1993, which will undoubtedly soften and naturally revegetate over time. The geology is typical in as much as it represents a classic Dinantian site and it is the type locality for numerous species of shelly fossils. The potential value of the features cannot be increased, but can be maintained through control of safety works, fossil collecting etc. Many of the features have a high intrinsic appeal and are of value for educational purposes. 3.3.5 Feature 5: Scheduled Ancient Monuments There are nine Scheduled Ancient Monuments on the headland, six of which fall in the site boundaries. Monuments considered to be of national importance become Scheduled Ancient Monuments under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979). It is an offence to carry out, cause or permit works that damage a Scheduled Ancient Monument without the consent of the National Assembly for Wales. Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments) acts as its agent in this regard. All management action connected with Scheduled Ancient Monuments must be agreed in advance with the relevant Cadw Inspector of Ancient Monuments. The six Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the site boundaries are: Pen y Dinas Camp reference CN039 Hillfort Hwylfa'r Ceirw reference CN132 Stone Alignment Great OrmeCopper Mines reference CN216 Copper mine Hut Circle, Hafnant, Great Orme reference CN235 Unenclosed hut circle Hut Circle, Bryniau Poethion, Great Orme reference CN234 Unenclosed hut circle Former Royal Artillery Coast Artillery School reference CN409 (CON) Those that fall outside the Country Park boundaries include: Llandudno Burial Chamber reference CN005 Chambered long cairn

Kendricks Cave and Upper Kendricks Cave reference CN191 Cave Gogarth Grange reference CN093 Bishop's Palace The location of all the above are shown on Map 6. This statutory designation affords them a significant degree of protection, although the Bishop’s Palace is under threat from coastal erosion. The Bronze Age mining complex has added significantly to our knowledge of this era. 3.3.6 Feature 6: Important Historical Landscape and Undesignated Sites of

Historical Interest At present there are 588 site records for the Great Orme area recorded in the Regional Historic Environment Record for nort-west Wales. Most of these sites lie within the area of the Country Park, and include several of national and international importance. The range of types of settlements includes round houses, platform houses, farmhouses, cottages, barns and other

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farm buildings. Field patterns include dry-stone walls, turf banks, clearance cairns, sheepfolds and lynchets (ledges formed by ploughing on a slope). Evidence of exploitation of natural resources dates from a very early period, and includes evidence of copper mining and smelting that are amongst the earliest in Europe. There is also good evidence of stone quarrying. The overall importance of the historic landscape of the Great Orme as a whole, rather than a collection of individual sites, has been recognised by its inclusion in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales (Creuddyn and Conwy). The number of site records can be broken down according to their date as follows: 57 – prehistoric 12 – Roman 134 – medieval 158 – post medieval 82 - modern 144 – date unknown or uncertain Undesignated sites, especially those not obvious to the untrained eye, are particularly vulnerable to inadvertent damage in the course of other management works. Most of the archaeological and historic features are typical of human occupation of the wider area of North Wales. The value of the various features can be maintained by appropriate management, and may be enhanced in some cases by selective excavation and exploration. The more obvious features, especially those that are relatively easy to interpret, have a high intrinsic appeal. 3.3.7 Feature 7: Heritage Coast Landscape value is taken in to account through consideration of the headland itself, the surrounding (and interacting) marine environment and views from the headland (particularly of Snowdonia). Heritage Coast is a stretch of Wales’ most beautiful, undeveloped coastline where the aim is to protect and conserve the coast’s vulnerable beauty for the future and ourselves and to enhance people’s enjoyment of this special coastline in ways that does not risk its conservation. The landscape value of the headland lies in its natural and rugged appearance and its coastal location, its quality is reflected in the heritage coast definition. The high quality of the landscape is potentially fragile and could be compromised by inappropriate management and development. Coast protection work and safety work (in relation to Marine Drive) have already had consequences for landscape quality. The combination of features and views result in a unique landscape that is appreciated by over 600,000 visitors each year. Such a high number of visitors has also compromised the landscape locally in terms of erosion, litter and fly tipping. The landscape value could be, and is being, protected and enhanced through appropriate management, reclamation works and planning controls.

3.3.8 Feature 8: Access land, Footpath Network and Promoted Trails Since May 2005 much of the Great Orme has been declared Access land. The new access rights (Part I. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) allow for most recreational activities that are carried out on foot to take place on access land (such as walking, climbing, running and birdwatching). There are, however, restrictions on access land and the Country Park byelaws still apply to the site despite the new access rights. There are a number of access routes (footpaths) around the site which are particularly well used, by both local people and visitors. A number of these paths are Public Rights of Way that the Council has an obligation to keep open for use. Many of the paths are informal in nature (not PRoW) and indeed the open nature of the site means that defined routes are not always followed. In the woodland area, people tend to follow the footpaths for ease of walking although there are some minor paths through the trees. Erosion has tended to occur on the most well

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used paths close to the summit and also in some areas on popular routes around the Parc Wall, enclosing private farmland. The footpath network has been improved over a number of years to benefit visitors and to control erosion on site. Popular routes are waymarked and booklets/leaflets have been produced by the Country Park staff to encourage people to explore the Great Orme on foot. There are also publications about the Great Orme produced by several private companies and individuals. 3.3.9 Feature 9: Ease of Access to the Site, Proximity to Homes and Local Schools The geographical situation, accessibility to major population centres, a variety of ways of accessing the summit, rugged coastal scenery, rich wildlife , historic interest and the presence of a number visitor facilities all contribute to the recreational and amenity value of the headland. It is difficult to quantify this value, however, the site is important to local people as well as visitors. Visitor numbers in excess of 600,000 per annum act as an indicator of the site's importance. The close proximity of residential development to the site has resulted in a number of localised problems, particularly the tipping of domestic refuse, dumping of stolen cars, vandalism and fires. The proximity of the site to the local community, including local schools, provides opportunities to involve the community in looking after the area and promoting a better understanding of the value of the site. A number of local residents are registered as Voluntary Wardens and Country Park staff are involved in providing environmental education for a number of local schools. There is scope for further involvement of the local community in the future. 3.3.10 Feature 10: Environmental Education Country Park staff deliver environmental education to around 80 school and university groups per year, equating to around 2500 school children/students. There is also an Educational CD-Rom (suitable for 7-11 years) which is available for teachers/parents to purchase from the Council’s website, the Visitor Centre shop and other local outlets. Surveys of visiting group leaders have been carried out and the vast majority of comments are very favourable. With the added advantage of classroom facilities there is scope for further development of this service, however, bearing in mind staff resources and other commitments, it would be difficult to increase the number of visiting school groups. Attendance at the public events organised by Country Park staff is good on the whole. Guided walks and presentations are also organised for local groups and societies. 3.3.11 Feature 11: Information and awareness raising A Warden Service has been provided since 1980 and currently comprises one full-time permanent Country Park Warden, one full-time Assistant Warden and one student placement for 10 months of the year. The Country Park Visitor Centre, open from mid March to the end of October/early November every year, experiences its greatest number of visitors during the main holiday period from July to September. Previous surveys carried out amongst visitors surveyed around the summit area have revealed that 89% went to the visitor centre. Counters at the visitor centre have revealed that it was visited by 175,118 people between March and the end of October in 2010 and the average number of visitors over the last five seasons (2006-2010) has been 180, 304. The aim of the visitor centre is largely to inform visitors of the importance of the site in terms of its wildlife and history and also the important part management of the site plays in maintaining these important features. Many improvements made to the visitor centre in 2000 as a result of European grant aid, have resulted in bright, informative and interactive displays that receive

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many favourable comments from visitors. However, there is scope for further improvements to the displays and there is a need to update the visitor centre from time to time. Further European funding has been sourced via the Communities and Nature Initiative (CAN) administered via CCW, in order to carry out some of these improvements to the visitor centre during the period 2011 to 2013. This is a joint initiative with Denbighshire Countryside Service entitled, ‘Conwy/Denbighshire Country Parks Improvement Programme’ (see Appendix 9 for a full list of projects applicable to the Great Orme Country Park). Site interpretation, other than at the visitor centre, is provided in the form of booklets, leaflets, interpretive panels, guided walks and events. Booklets and leaflets are currently available from the visitor centre, Tourist Information Centres and numerous local outlets and some of these are also available from the Countryside Service pages of the Council’s website. There is scope to add to these publications and to update existing publications in the future, as and when time and funds allow. Interpretive panels are located at site entrances on Marine Drive, Ty Gwyn Road and the summit car park. Additional interpretation has been provided at sites of historical interest. There is scope for further interpretation of the site however, it is important on such an open and relatively unspoilt site to retain this ‘wild’ atmosphere. When considering future interpretation of the site it may be beneficial to avoid the use of panels but instead concentrate on other approaches. Country Park staff have a wide range of duties and responsibilities including site management, ensuring site safety, enforcement of byelaws, provision of environmental education, the creation of interpretive material, survey work, maintenance of the visitor centre and the provision of information to visitors as well as administrative duties. At current staffing levels it is difficult to see how one area of work could be expanded without detrimental effects to other areas. 3.3.12 Feature 12: Facilities provided by the Great Orme Country Park The Country Park Visitor Centre is open from mid March to the end of October/early November every year and as well as interpreting the Great Orme to visitors and providing information it contains public toilets (with disabled facilities) and baby changing facilities. There is also a giftshop (run by volunteers for the benefit of the North Wales Wildlife Trust). Formal car parking facilities are provided at the summit. The car park was resurfaced and formalised in 1998 and a Pay and Display system introduced. There are spaces for 148 cars and 2 buses. The car park and Pay and Display machine are currently the responsibility of Country Park staff. The issuing of excess charge tickets and emptying/banking of cash from the machine is the responsibility of the Council’s Parking Services. Some initial concerns were expressed at the introduction of all year round charging at the summit car park but it generally seems to have been accepted by most visitors. Free car parking has been provided on St. Tudno’s Road. Until recently, parking in this area had been permitted on a relatively large area of grassland. However, conflict between the use of this area for parking and the area’s historical interest, combined with erosion and control measures that met with varying degrees of success, led to a small roadside area being formally surfaced in 2008 to provide approximately 40 parking spaces. Informal parking on limited grassland areas is permitted and these are managed to prevent serious erosion. Fencing is erected over the winter months to prevent damage. Previous problems of grassland erosion through uncontrolled vehicular access on the rest of the site have been largely solved through the positioning of boulders alongside most roads. 3.3.13 Feature 13: Facilities provided by Other Organisations

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Facilities provided by other organisations are locally prominent and include the Summit Complex (cafes, bar, gift shop, crazy golf and Victorian picture house), cable car, tramway, Marine Drive, public road network and car parks, St Tudno's Church, Rest and Be Thankful Café, Ski Slope and Great Orme Mines. Thus there is a diverse range of facilities that primarily seek to accommodate the needs of the tourist population. Some facilities, such as the cable car, are not complementary to the local environment. However, tightening planning controls together with a growing realisation by operators that the success of their facilities is dependent to some extent on maximising their relationship to the wider Country Park setting, are leading to higher standards of design and management. Some of the facilities can claim to be unique in certain respects. The Cable Car and Ski Slope are both the longest of their kind in Britain, and the Great Orme Mines permits an insight into a unique Bronze Age mining community, the likes of which are unknown elsewhere in Western Europe. Most of the facilities are dependent upon the summer tourist trade for their survival, which in turn is largely generated by the outstanding natural attributes of the local environment. Commercially, facilities within the Country Park attract visitors to the headland in their own right. The coordinated promotion of the Great Orme by a consortium of some of these facilities has potential management implications. In addition a pitch and putt golf course borders the site along with two municipal gardens, Haulfre Gardens and Happy Valley Gardens. These are on the south-east side and the gardens are included in the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. Both gardens provide a café and toilet facilities and are a popular means of pedestrian access to the headland. They support a great variety of cultivated and non-native plants and shrubs, some of which have encroached gradually into the woodlands and onto grassland within the Country Park. A number of these species have become dominant in certain places and this has presented a number of management problems. The gardens also contain interesting native flora and fauna. For example, part of the land within Happy Valley Gardens is designated SSSI and appropriate management of some of the lawned areas is undertaken to benefit native orchid species. Although not within the boundary of the Country Park, the CCW owned and managed Maes y Facrell, Pen y Gogarth National Nature Reserve (NNR) is surrounded by the Country Park. CCW provide a nature reserve, open to members of the public to enjoy and study the natural environment. CCW undertake management work to maintain and enhance the natural habitats and associated rare species. Also outside, but bordering, the boundary of the Country Park is the North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) managed, ‘Gogarth Nature Reserve’. The reserve is managed by the NWWT similarly, with management work focussing on maintaining the natural habitats and species. 3.4 Summary of Factors Which May Influence the Features 3.4.1 Council’s Objectives The Council’s objectives for the management of its countryside sites are stated within its Countryside Strategy and are, broadly, to manage the sites for nature and archaeological/historic conservation and public enjoyment. Specific objectives are written on a site by site basis, so they can take account of the features for each area. For the Great Orme the objectives are decided in consultation with other organisations represented on the Management Advisory Group. The following are identified as ideal management objectives for the Great Orme Country Park: 1. To conserve the scenic beauty, relative remoteness and wildness and the natural flora, fauna and historical interests of the headland.

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2. To ensure local interests (especially those of the graziers and other owner/occupiers within the site boundaries) are safeguarded provided this does not compromise Objective 1. 3. To create opportunities for people to enjoy and appreciate the natural qualities of the site without compromising Objectives 1 and 2. 4. To provide for educational parties wishing to study archaeological, geographical, geological and biological features of the site providing this does not compromise Objectives 1 and 2. 3.4.2 Objectives of Other Organisations The Countryside Council for Wales (a Welsh Government Sponsored Public Body) grant aids the management of the Great Orme Country Park and LNR under section 9 of the Local Government Act 1974. It also funds habitat and goat management by five-year Agreements with Conwy County Borough Council, and the Mostyn Estate Ltd under section 15 of the Countryside Act 1968. There is direct CCW involvement in terms of assenting listed OLDSI (Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest)within the SSSI so that the special features are not damaged. CCW must also be consulted by a competent authority, before it decides to undertake or consent a plan or project (either alone or in combination) that is likely to have a significant effect on the SAC and is not directly connected with or necessary for managing the SAC. CCW seeks to ensure that any development that might adversely affect the character and appearance of the Heritage Coast is resisted or, if allowed, the impact mitigated. CCW also has representation on the Country Park Management Advisory Group. CCW own and manage the Maes y Facrell – Pen y Gogarth National Nature Reserve declared under the provision of section 19 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The NNR is managed by CCW wardening staff so as to maintain and enhance the natural flora and fauna for the public to enjoy. The management carried out should follow best practice. Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments (a Directorate within the Welsh Assembly Government) is the body in Wales that undertakes to compile and maintain a Schedule of ancient monuments of national importance. These sites, known as Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM), are legally protected to ensure their long-term preservation. Any proposal to carry out works at a SAM which, “would have the effect of demolishing, removing, repairing, altering, adding to, flooding or covering up a monument must be the subject of an application for scheduled monument consent.” (Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Wales; a guide for owners and occupiers, Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments, 2002). Copies of the guide are available on-line at http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/upload/resourcepool/What_is_Scheduling_e968.pdf. Works that require scheduled monument consent include those that may be beneficial to a SAM. It is an offence to carry out these works at the site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument without first obtaining scheduled monument consent. Gwynedd Archaeological Trust was formed in 1974 an educational charity to inform the public on archaeological matters in north-west Wales, to respond to increasing threats to the archaeology of the area, and to educate in the broadest sense. It works with a large number of individuals and organisations in an advisory and commercial capacity, furthering these aims. Its work is of particular relevance to the Great Orme in relation to its work for Conwy County Borough Council, because the local authority does not have in-house expertise. There is a Service Level Agreement between Gwynedd Archaeological Trust and Conwy County Borough Council in relation to three areas:

1. Heritage Management and Landscape Advisory Services

The Trust provides general advice on heritage and landscape management. This includes providing advice on the archaeological and historic landscape resource to assist the preparation of Local Development Plans, Community Strategies and Supplementary Planning Guidance. It also includes provision to

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liaise with the local authority on archaeological and historic landscape matters relating to the work of the Countryside Service, and in relation to properties in Authority ownership or management, such as country parks.

2. The Regional Historic Environment Record

The Trust maintains the regional Historic Environment Record (HER) for north-west Wales (formerly known as the Sites and Monuments Record). This contains records for known archaeological and historical sites, monuments, buildings, artefacts and landscape for the historic county area of Gwynedd (now Ynys Môn, Gwynedd, western Conwy, and the Snowdonia National Park). The digital record is available online at on-line at http://www.archwilio.org.uk/. It is supplemented by collections of maps, paper records, slides, photographs, historic maps and an extensive reference library of published material and unpublished reports, all held at the Trust offices, based in Bangor.

3. Archaeological Planning Services The Trust provides general, professional advice on archaeological and planning matters. This includes appraisal of planning applications, attendance of meetings with planning officers and developers, monitoring archaeological work on- and off- site, provision of design briefs and assistance with enforcement action.

The Service Level Agreement focus is on the provision of information and advice and does not cover archaeological services such as survey and excavation. Mostyn Estates Limited are a major landowner locally and on the Great Orme. Interest in the Great Orme remains, and since it became a Country Park Mostyn Estates’ input has been through their representation on the Management Advisory Group rather than involvement in the day-to-day management of the site. Most of the site is subject to a section 39 management agreement (WCA 1981) with the County Borough Council. This commenced in January 1996 for an indeterminate period. The North Wales Wildlife Trust leases from the Mostyn Estates Limited and manages an area on the Western side of the Great Orme as a Nature Reserve which falls outside of the Country Park. Its objectives are similar to those of the Countryside Service in that it aims ‘to manage the nature reserve so as to maintain and enhance its biodiversity whilst making it an attractive site for members to visit’. There are a number of private and Council owned commercial enterprises on the Great Orme which are aimed at attracting large numbers of visitors and maximising profits. To a certain extent this conflicts with the Country Park management objectives (see above). Careful monitoring and management is required to ensure that natural and historical interests, as well as the interests of local people, are not compromised by increasing visitor numbers. The development of the Great Orme Mines may have lead to a gradual but significant increase in visitor numbers; the effects of this on the fabric of the headland and the implications for management have not been monitored. Development of various facilities both public and private sector is either underway or proposed with the aim of providing higher quality attractions. The ski slope is independently attracting large numbers of visitors, although this facility appears to operate in a very self-contained manner. 3.4.3 Internal Natural Factors The habitats that occur on the Great Orme are controlled by a number of complex natural (and human) factors. Natural factors include exposure, aspect, slope and soil conditions. Soil conditions influence where certain habitats occur. Heathland occurs over patches of loess (fine,

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wind blown sand/silt of glacial origin) and calcareous grasslands over the lime-rich rendzina soils. Characteristic of the site is a patchwork of heathland and grassland where these two different soil types occur. Between the two habitats/soil types transitional grass heath habitat can be found. Grassland habitats on the thinnest, rockiest and most drought-prone soils are thought to be natural and self-perpetuating. It is thought that they would occur regardless of past or present grazing levels. Therefore, short-term changes to grazing are unlikely to change these communities. Long term in other grassland habitats, the lack of grazing would result in eventual succession to woodland. This has already occurred on many of those slopes overlooking Llandudno where sheep grazing is either absent or least intensive. In the more exposed parts of the site heathland is thought to be the natural vegetation. This has developed, however, as a consequence of human activity in the past and this continues to have an influence. As with grassland habitats, the heath would gradually turn to scrub/woodland if grazing were to cease long term. The distribution and cover of grassland and heathland on the site has remained stable for the last 50 years. However, there is some evidence that where common gorse (Ulex europaeus) becomes well established in heathland it can come to dominate with the consequent shading out of the dwarf shrubs and loss of species-richness. This is effect is particularly pronounced on the western side on the slopes between the Marine Drive and Llys Helig Drive and the Gunsites. Limestone pavement covers c.2.5ha and limestone cliffs account for c.10.9ha. There is a general presumption that geomorphological processes should be allowed to continue unhindered by management activities. However, where such processes may compromise public safety (as in the case of use of Marine Drive) there has been intervention in the past. The areas covered by each feature are likely to remain unchanged, however certain influences are likely to affect their quality. Succession to scrub or woodland could damage the limestone pavement (and could also adversely affect archaeological sites) although this is unlikely to happen whilst grazing continues. Maritime grasslands and cliffs are mainly natural and exposure and deposition of salt determine their condition. The stability of rare plant species is unknown and is likely to be affected by those factors controlling the grassland and cliff habitats referred to above. Of particular note is the status of the Wild Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster cambricus) with only six original individuals of this species known. Since the 1970's the population has been supplemented by plants grown from cuttings or seed and planted out at suitable locations. This process will continue for the foreseeable future until such time that a self sustaining population is deemed to be in place (at what point this will be reached is presently uncertain). Non-native tree and shrub species include Strawberry-tree, Monterey Pine, Corsican Pine, Turkey Oak and species of non-native Cotoneaster. These species have a tendency to spread and dominate to the detriment of the grassland habitat especially on the southern slopes overlooking Llandudno. Active control is necessary in order to maintain the integrity and scientific importance of the grassland habitat. Bracken covers c.29.7ha of the headland and has not changed significantly over the last 30 years. It is controlled mainly by soil conditions, however burning of heathland/grassland could potentially result in the spreading of this species with a possible resultant need for active control. Bracken rhizomes can damage buried archaeological deposits where the soil layer is thin. However, certain areas where scattered bracken occurs over grassland habitat where violets are present may be of value to Fritillary butterflies. Bracken can also have landscape value, where patches of bracken, with their changing pattern of seasonal colours add an important degree of visual complexity to the appearance of the headland. The cliffs and steep grassland slopes, particularly on the western side or in the vicinity of springs or wet flushes, are subjected to natural erosion resulting in frequent minor landslips and rock falls. Well-vegetated slopes are far less frequently affected, although the floods of June 1993 resulted in a large number of major landslips, mostly affecting well vegetated slopes on the northern side of the headland. Coastal erosion is limited to the west coast and seems to occur at a slow but steady pace in localised areas.

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The headland is grazed by a fluctuating population of rabbits. The size of the population is unknown as is the effect of rabbit grazing on the flora of the headland. 3.4.4 Internal human induced factors Grazing levels in the past few years have fluctuated, however, one grazier now has the right to graze sheep on the headland and this looks set to continue at least for the life of this plan. It is considered that complete loss of grazing would be unacceptable from both scientific and aesthetic perspectives because of the consequences of natural succession. The grazing regime is an important controlling factor in relation to the grassland habitat. Grazing levels are currently controlled by a “deed of compromise” to which the grazier and Mostyn Estates are signatories. Where very low levels of grazing occur (or none at all), there is some evidence of successional change towards a scrub community. However, where grazing is excluded on very shallow soils on exposed parts of the headland, there is no evidence of such changes at the present time. The majority of the site is sheep grazed and consequently, a fairly closely cropped grassland sward has predominated. However, in recent years grazing intensity has been reduced and concern has been expressed by CCW that some parts of the site are not receiving adequate amounts of grazing. CCW’s Common Standards Monitoring Report of the CG10 Limestone Grassland, undertaken in 2010, indicates that there is insufficient grazing to prevent the accumulation of grass thatch. The consequence of this is that the thatch smothers light-demanding plants that require a much more open sward. The limestone heath would benefit from removal of sheep grazing during the period November to March inclusive. This is the period when dwarf shrubs are not growing and damage can be caused to the Heather. Farmland (lying outside of the Country Park Boundary) is managed principally for sheep, cattle and horse grazing. Much of the area has been agriculturally improved and there is a small amount of arable land. Access on to farmland other than on public rights of way is not encouraged by the landowners/tenant farmers in order to prevent disturbance to livestock or damage of crops. The number of feral goats on the headland has increased during the time the site has been managed as a Country Park. This has lead to a number of concerns including the possibility that at some point the headland would not be able to sustain a healthy population. In addition, conflict arises between local residents and the goats as trespass into adjacent properties can occur. Based on historical information and studies, a population range of between 20 and 35 animals was, in the past, considered appropriate. However, in 2000 the population was in excess of 200 animals without the herd seemingly affected by lack of grazing. Clearly this initial estimate of appropriate numbers was somewhat inadequate, however, it was clear that the herd could not be allowed to increase indefinitely. Measures, adopted in 2001, to reduce the population over the long term involved the removal of part of the herd to create satellite herds elsewhere and the use of progesterone implants in a good proportion of the population of nanny goats to reduce the birth rate. However, since 2007 the progesterone implants became unavailable for use in the UK. Current management still involves the relocation of small groups of goats as and when opportunities arise (and with regard to the long term survival of the herd). In addition, since 2008, and in conjunction with the Food Environment and Research Agency (FERA), approximately 2/3 of the nanny goats have been vaccinated with Gonacon, a new gonadotrophin-releasing hormone immunocontraceptive vaccine. The two methods combined will help to reduce the size of the herd in the long-term and it is hoped that the methods currently utilised to manage the herd will contine in order to ensure the long-term survival of the herd as a distinct breed as well as alleviating some of the problems on the Great Orme. There is no evidence to suggest that burning has ever been used as a heathland management tool on the site. However, some burning has occurred at times (accidental and deliberate), and this, it is thought, has helped to maintain the diversity of heathland communities. Controlled burning of small areas would be beneficial in regenerating heath and improving the age range of the heath. However, concerns have been expressed over using burning as a management

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technique because of the possible conflicting messages this would give to members of the public, given that the prevention of burning has taken considerable effort. Burning is, therefore, not currently considered a management option. However, active management of the heath is required and has been pursued since 2008. It is being achieved through rotational mowing and then subsequent burning of the cut material. Initial monitoring of the areas of heath managed in this way has shown varying results, with both land profile and the depth of remaining needle litter influencing how successful the re-growth is of desired species. Problems with uncontrolled burning will persist and become more urgent as the heathland vegetation matures. However, active management could well reduce the chances of a large, uncontrolled burn at an inappropriate time of year. Generally speaking, archaeological and historic features are stable, though subject to natural deterioration over time. The Great Orme Archaeological Management Plan compiled by Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT) in 2000 identified 58 archaeological sites as being under threat, principally from vegetation growth and visitor erosion, however, a re-assessment of the threats to archaeological sites has not been undertaken since this time. Many of the more recent historical buildings and infrastructure, relating to the 2nd World War, have been subject to reclamation schemes. No further such schemes are proposed except where there is a danger to public safety. Further details on aspects of the management of the archaeology of the Great Orme are included in the Archaeological Management Plan. Around 600,000 people visit the Great Orme each year and in 2002 numbers reached an estimated 618,517 visitors. Controlling factors include the management (aesthetics) of the local environment, access and parking, the number and quality of visitor facilities and promotion/publicity. Access (other than on foot) is physically limited by the capacity of the trams and cable cars and by the road network and parking capacity. Access by private vehicles causes congestion problems, particularly at peak times of year. It is considered that seeking to accommodate the needs of motorists would have unacceptable implications for the character of the headland. Although vehicular congestion is sometimes severe and the County Borough Council has resolved to deter private vehicular access to the Country Park, this objective may conflict with the revenue generating (and tourism) function of Marine Drive. Parking space exists for approximately 400 vehicles, 148 of which can be accommodated in the summit car park. In order to discourage access by private vehicles and promote access by other means a charge for parking in the summit car park in the school summer holiday period only was implemented (from 1993). All year round charging (with varying summer and winter parking fees) has since been introduced with the installation of a Pay and Display machine. Active recreational pursuits such as rock climbing, paragliding, hang gliding and model glider flying are controlled by agreement with local groups. The control of rock climbing in the nesting season is crucial in order to maintain the current status of seabird and other cliff nesting species. Whilst populations of seabirds appear to have slowly increased over the last 20 years recent trends have shown declines in some species, particularly Kittiwakes. Of the colonial seabirds there are now approximately 516 pairs of Kittiwakes, 1681 Guillemots, 78 Razorbills and 43 pairs of Cormorants. A pair of Peregrine Falcons nests annually and a pair of Choughs have attempted to nest annually since around 1997/98 with mixed success. A second pair of Choughs is also believed to have nested since 2008. The success of both species is dependent upon prevention of disturbance. High visitor numbers affect the make-up of the various habitats on the site and grasslands are affected by trampling (along footpaths, well-used routes and viewpoints). The results of trampling are an increase in more resistant species to the detriment of the more sensitive species. These changes take place due to impaction of the turf and soil. Mountain biking may create additional erosion problems if its popularity on this site continues to increase. If uncontrolled, the activity could result in damage to especially sensitive areas in more remote parts of the headland. The improvements in site interpretation through the Visitor Centre and waymarked trails may result in localised damage to historical or wildlife interests, although specific interpretation is designed to keep such problems to a minimum.

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A Heritage Lottery funded project to improve the Victorian Tramway aimed to attract an additional 30,000 customers by 2004 and aims to lengthen the operating period by 4 weeks by 2006. Increases in leisure time and recreation in society, the promotion of commercial facilities within the site boundaries and the widespread popularity of the countryside suggest that the headland is being increasingly used, and will continue to be more intensively used, in the future. The development of the A55 Expressway has resulted in increased numbers of day trip visitors from the Midlands and North West of England. Removal of rock from limestone pavement and removal of fossils from quarry faces are detrimental and need to be controlled. The theft of limestone rocks from limestone pavement for rockeries and gardens is unacceptable as it significantly reduces the importance and quality of this feature. Any reclamation/development of mine sites and safety works to cliff faces needs to be mindful of both physical and aesthetic quality, and in any event should not prejudice any of the designations applicable to the site. The recreational use of the site is of major importance when considering management. In the past, uncontrolled vehicular access on to grassland and heathland and litter have both greatly detracted from the quality of the landscape. Historically, collecting wild plants, particularly botanical varieties, has presented a threat to the rare or unusual plants. Other activities, namely hunting, shooting, fly tipping and motorcycle scrambling are detrimental to landscape and/or wildlife interests and are illegal under the byelaws. Similarly the removal of rock and turf and the use of metal detectors are activities which cause damage to the historical and biological interests of the site. 3.4.5 External Factors The construction of the A55 Expressway and Llandudno Link Road has, without doubt, increased the accessibility of the site to a greater number of visitors, particularly short-stay visitors. Should visitor numbers increase beyond existing levels the need for greater management input will be increased to ensure that the balance between conservation and recreation can be maintained. In this context, the promotional activities of the Summit Complex, Tramway and Great Orme Mines are likely to result in an increase in visitor numbers. This will, in turn, increase the pressure on the natural fabric of the site and generate a need for additional site facilities (with a corresponding additional resource requirement). The two municipal gardens provide an important means of access to people walking onto the site. The gardens have in the past been the source from which a number of non-native shrubs have spread onto rich limestone grassland. The close proximity of part of the site to a housing estate has implications on the management of that immediate locality. 3.4.6 Factors arising from legislation or tradition 3.4.6.1 Obligations 3.4.6.1.1 Health and Safety As occupiers of the land both Conwy County Borough Council and Mostyn Estates have a duty of care to the public on the site. The division of responsibility is detailed in a Management Agreement between the two parties which, in relation to those parts of the Country Park owned by Mostyn Estates, limits the Council’s liability to those duties set out in the Management Plan. It is therefore appropriate that management of the Country Park involves regular (monthly) site safety audits of facilities provided and as a result regular maintenance of those facilities is carried out. In addition, other departments of the Council carry out routine safety checks of the features under their management. For example, regular checks of the cliffs above the Marine Drive are carried out by a geological engineer on behalf of the Highways Department. Similarly the Parks Department employs playground inspectors who are responsible for the safety of play equipment in the play area and monthly safety checks are carried out.

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Whilst the Country Park has a duty of care to the public on the site, it is recognised that provision cannot be made for every eventuality and that visitors to the site must take some responsibility for their own safety. For example, the nature of the site is such that public access to the cliff tops cannot be restricted by means of safety fencing and signage; this is impractical. A generic risk assessment for the site has been produced which has considered the many different safety aspects of the site. In addition risk assessments are written for all public events, visiting school groups etc. Wherever possible steps have been taken to warn the public of particular dangers and work has been undertaken to improve site safety and to assist in drawing safety issues/requirements to the attention of relevant landowners. Of particular note is the safety work carried out on a number natural cliffs and quarry faces where visitor usage is particularly high. A geological engineer has been employed to conduct surveys of the rock faces in order to highlight areas of safety concern and as a result scaling and stabilisation work has been undertaken to minimise the risk of injury to the public and local properties. Country Park staff work regularly with school children and as a result checks are carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau. All contractors working on site are responsible for complying with the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other Acts and regulations relevant to the work being undertaken. Contractors are also requested to produce a risk assessment/method statement to be agreed by the Country Park Warden before work commences, and they must have public liability cover of £5 million and employers liability cover of £10 million. In addition, contractors are asked to report "near misses", even if no injury or damage resulted. Where an accident which is notifiable to the Health & Safety Executive under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 occurs on site, the contractor must notify the Country Park Warden immediately. 3.4.6.1.2 CCW Grant Aid By virtue of its designations of Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, many of the management projects carried out on the Great Orme are eligible for grant aid from the Countryside Council for Wales. Such grants are subject to certain standard conditions for grants for Countryside Conservation and Informal Recreation (Under Section 9 of the Local Government Act 1974). Generally these conditions state that the recipient of grant shall at all times use his best endeavours to operate the facilities or services to be provided in accordance with the purposes set out in the offer of grant aid from the CCW. All facilities and services grant aided by the CCW, and works and activities covered by the offer of grant aid should conform to the relevant statutory obligations, byelaws, planning consents and building regulations. Access shall be permitted to the general public at all reasonable times to the facilities and to the area with which the facilities are associated. 3.4.6.1.3 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Under the provisions of section 28H of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as substituted by Schedule 9 of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000) there is a statutory requirement upon an Authority (section 28G Authority – i.e. a local authority) to consult the CCW of any proposed works (Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest / potentially damaging operations) within the SSSI and obtain CCW assent (s28H Assent). CCW has 28 days within which to assent, but if CCW does not respond within this period it is treated as having declined to assent. If third parties require the permission of the s28G authority before operations are carried out then s28I Assent is required. Emergency operations are permitted only if CCW is notified of the details as soon as practicable thereafter. Granting of planning permission permits the operation(s) in question (but see Habitats Regulations). Operations that are carried out

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under the terms of a Section 15 Management Agreement or Section 16 (National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949) Nature Reserve Agreement do not require further assent. 3.4.6.1.4 The Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010 Plans or projects (either alone or in combination), requiring planning permission where they are not necessary for the management of the SAC require a competent authority (e.g. Local Planning Authority, Environment Agency Wales, Forestry Commission Wales) to undertake an appropriate assessment of them under regulation 61 of the Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010. Regulation 62 allows for consideration of overriding public interest. Regulation 63 requires a competent authority to review any consents etc that regulation 48 would apply to. Regulation 64 applies after the review and concerns provisions (including revocation) to ensure that the plan or project does not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC. Regulation 66 deals with any necessary compensatory measures to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected, in practice this has meant like-for-like mitigation. 3.4.6.1.5 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 the majority of the site has been designated Access land (shown on Map 3). The Act ensures that there are more opportunities for gaining access to the countryside. On the Great Orme, people have been allowed informal access for many years, however, the provision of a statutory right clarifies the access situation. Landowners can suspend or restrict access rights on access land for up to 28 days each year, for any reason (but not bank holidays, Christmas Day, Good Friday and no more than four weekend days). They may also apply to have the right restricted for longer or at other times, when necessary for land management, to avoid danger to the public, or fire prevention reasons. CCW can also restrict access to protect wildlife sites. The Country Park byelaws still apply to those areas designated Access land 3.4.6.2 Conditions of Tenure In 1978 Aberconwy Borough Council resolved to establish a Local Nature Reserve on certain areas of land within the Great Orme Country Park. In order to facilitate this scheme it was necessary pursuant to Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, to secure a formal agreement with the owners of a substantial part of the land (Mostyn Estates Ltd) transferring certain powers of management to the County Borough Council. This formal agreement was developed in 1981. A formal agreement in respect of the wider Country Park was also subsequently completed in 1996 between the Council and Mostyn Estates. 3.4.6.3 Constraints of Access There are a number of definitive footpaths which cross the Great Orme, however within the area designated as Country Park there are no restrictions on general pedestrian access. Vehicular access is restricted to vehicular rights of way under the Great Orme Country Park Byelaws. These byelaws, amongst many other things, seek to control indiscriminate parking of vehicles. The byelaws, which were made under Section 41 of the Countryside Act 1968, were confirmed by the Secretary of State in November 1983 and seek to control/prevent those activities considered detrimental to the management objectives (subject to any existing rights). Areas of the Great Orme are CRoW access land (see 3.4.6.1.5 and Map 3). The Act provides a right for anyone to be on CRoW access land for ‘open-air recreation’ on foot (without precluding the use of wheelchairs or pushchairs). The Act allows access 24 hours a day but requires anyone using access land to behave responsibly and spells out what users are prohibited from doing. More information is available from the Countryside Council for Wales. 3.4.6.4 Health and Safety of Employees

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Under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is the duty of every employer to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees. Due to the difficult nature of the terrain, it is important that any persons working on the site either as employees of the County Borough Council or as supervised volunteers are adequately covered by insurance, and risk assessments should be undertaken for the works to be carried out. Generic risk assessments have been produced for duties performed by Country Park staff and volunteers. Country Park staff are provided with appropriate clothing and footwear and have easy access to a First Aid Kit (available in the Visitor Centre and in the Country Park vehicle), and both the Country Park Warden and Assistant Warden are First Aiders. Staff are also provided with mobile phones, which are essential, especially when working alone. The Countryside Service has a Lone Working Policy which staff must adhere to at all times. All operations on site must be undertaken by trained personnel using methods and equipment approved by the Health and Safety Executive and also in compliance with local safety procedures. A Health and Safety Site File is held at the Country Park office and regularly updated in line with internal Conwy CBC procedures. 3.4.6.5 Organisational Procedures Management of the site is in accordance to the agreed Management Plan as recommended to the County Borough Council by the Management Advisory Group. Reports are made to the Management Advisory Group usually at six monthly intervals, or as appropriate dependent upon management issues arising. 3.4.6.6 Availability of Resources The limited availability of both financial and manpower resources may delay or prevent the implementation of some projects necessary for the improvement and maintenance of the site and/or the benefit of the visitors. It is necessary therefore to select priority management projects to be implemented in the management period (5 years) and to ensure that these are carried out effectively and all improvements maintained. It is considered that under the present management regime a minimum of 3 members of staff are required to undertake site management, development and maintenance, provide a basic visitor information service, maintain and develop visitor centre facilities and carry out administrative duties. This is currently achieved through the employment of one full time Warden (permanent), one full-time Assistant Warden (permanent) and a student employed for 10 months of the year. However, this is seen as the minimum staffing level required, particularly during the period in which the visitor centre is open to the public seven days a week. Any improvement to staffing levels would greatly improve both the range and quality of service provided. For the period October 2011 to March 2013 an additional officer is being employed, on a part-time basis, to oversee and implement aspects of the Eurpoean funded Communities & Nature Initiative being undertaken jointly with Denbighshire Countryside Service. A certain amount of the Senior Countryside Officer’s time is also committed to Country Park matters. The budget (for 2010/2011) shows a gross expenditure of approximately £51,320 (excluding central, management and administrative support costs). Set against this is a projected income of approximately £46, 000 (comprising CCW grant, rental from Great Orme Mines, car park incomes, income from school visits, miscellaneous sales and charges).

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3.4.6.7 Marketing and Publicity Marketing of the Country Park in previous years has taken place through participation in a small consortium of Llandudno and Great Orme visitor attractions. The joint marketing of these businesses is in part achieved through a leaflet, which is widely available, called ‘Llandudno Attractions’ and a website of the same name. However, due to financial constraints placed upon the Service in the current financial climate the funds necessary for participation in the consortium have been cut. The Country Park produces its own promotional leaflet, ‘The Great Orme: More than meets the eye…’ which is available from Tourist Information Centres, local attractions, hotels and the Country Park Visitor Centre. Information about the Country Park is also available on the Council’s website, plus biodiversity events and walks organised as part of the Conwy Walking Week programme are widely publicised through the web pages and programmes are mailed direct to several hundred people. Events are also publicised in the local press, through posters in community noticeboards and, ‘Conwy What’s On?’ produced by the Tourism Department. Feedback from participants is sought in the form of a short feedback questionnaire and informs the direction of future events. Marketing undertaken by the Country Park is deliberately low key as there are many independent businesses operating from the Great Orme that carry out their own marketing, and visitor numbers are increasingly high. It is seen that the Country Park’s role is to encourage appropriate use of the Great Orme by visitors, and therefore any marketing is conducted to achieve this end. In recent years marketing of the Country Park has also been achieved through successful applications for a Green Flag Award for six consecutive years. The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces across England and Wales and is managed by the Civic Trust on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The Award sets high environmental standards and is a benchmark of excellence. 3.5 An Overview of Management of the Features Whilst the features listed above deal with the individual characters of the headland and how they are managed it is important to recognise the inter-relationship between the management of all these features. In practice they are not discreet entities but their characteristics and management are very much linked, and there is therefore a need for an overarching management principle to apply to the whole site. This principal of management of the Country Park is one of maintaining the balance currently achieved between recreational use and the value of the headland’s wildlife habitats and species and its landscape, archaeological/historical and geological interests. This is currently achieved through a management approach which sees the main areas of development (in terms of recreation and tourism) on the Great Orme being located within the ‘corridor’ or valley that runs from the town of Llandudno, up the lower slope of the Great Orme to the summit. This approach has developed due to the existing Victorian development of the Great Orme Tramway and the existing road network, both of which pre-date the management of the headland as a Country Park and the SSSI designation. This corridor encompasses the main visitor facilities on the headland (including Ski Slope, Copper Mines, Cable Car, Summit Complex and Country Park Visitor Centre). This approach sees this area of the Country Park as the main focus for the provision of facilities for visitors and creates a ‘honey pot’ of the summit area. Whilst recreational pressure in the summit area is high, this approach has the advantage of creating a feeling of relative remoteness and wildness on the rest of the headland. This is a deliberate approach that aids the management of the area’s sensitive habitats and creates a different type of visit to that experienced on a visit to the summit of the Great Orme; in effect catering for all tastes.

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The management approach described above is not, however, exclusive i.e. the relative lack of facilities does not exclude particular groups of people from areas away from the summit. Management of the Country Park has led to the provision of waymarked trails and guides, picnic benches, parking areas, signage and toilets which can all be found on the headland away from the summit area but to a lesser degree than at the honey pot of the site. In seeking to fulfil the main overarching management principle, 5 main priority areas for management have been identified:

• Maintaining the site to a good standard of safety and cleanliness and the accessibility of the site for quiet recreational use

• Provision of information and enforcement of the byelaws • Management of habitats – mainly the control of non-native species and maintenance of

grazing levels • Interpretation of the Great Orme and Environmental Education • Conservation of the Great Orme’s archaeological/historical interest

The management priorities listed above are further based upon the requirements of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, CCW’s SSSI Site Management Statement, Management Plan and the Great Orme Archaeological Management Plan. Challenges that face management of the Country Park in the future include the potential increase in visitors and increasing pressure for further development of the headland. Increases in visitor numbers will not only pose a challenge for conservation of the Great Orme’s special features, but will challenge the abilities of management to raise awareness amongst visitors and decision makers of the conservation issues and pressures faced. This will need to be achieved in part through improved interpretation of the headland’s special character and through environmental education with local schools. Management will need to face up to these pressures if the current balance of recreation and conservation is to be maintained. Funding issues pose a further challenge as management is heavily reliant upon grant aid, in the main from the Countryside Council for Wales. This funding is in turn reliant upon the priorities of the Welsh Government, in particular the emerging policy the Natural Environment Framework – ‘A Living Wales’. Global issues may also have a part to play in future management of the Country Park but as yet the potential problems are not fully understood. The potential visual effect of off-shore wind farm developments and other large scale potential developments on the headland and in the vicinity is a significant issue in terms of the Heritage Coast definition and the character/quality of views gained from the headland. The overarching management principle, together with the priority areas for management that arise from it and the perceived challenges, assist in the prioritisation of projects identified in the following sections. 4 Features and Objectives for management 4.1 Feature 1: Plant Communities 4.1.1 Calcareous Grassland Objective 1 - To maintain the grassland in a favourable condition (favourable – maintained, favourable - recovered or unfavourable - recovering) Projects Collect data on grassland condition. Liaise with CCW and obtain SAC monitoring report: SAC data collection every 6 years (once within duration of this plan)

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Implement maintenance or recovery management (this may require additional projects to those listed below): All years Continue survey of grassland vegetation with particular regard to fixed quadrats: CCW Monitor sheep grazing.Collect data on number/age/breed of sheep grazing each month/quarter/year. Liaise with grazier/Tir Gofal Project Officer regarding under or overgrazing, adjustments to grazing periods and/or grazing periods: All years Maintain extent of grassland. Prevent losses of grassland to scrub, woodland and bracken. Control / manage undesirable species (as opportunities and funds become available). Prevent losses to man-made/artificial habitats. If losses of grassland unavoidable obtain like-for-like mitigation: All years Control invasive exotic Cotoneaster species and other shrubs and trees. Implement management project. Obtain partnership funding and utilise specialist contractors to undertake majority of this work: All years Spot treat with herbicide small, isolated colonies of invasive exotic Cotoneaster. Do this every second year utilising Country Park/Countryside Service Staff: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 Manage gorse (Ulex europaeus). Seek to extend grassland at expense of gorse. Implement management project (cutting on rotation) (as opportunities and funds become available): as opportunities and funds become available Seek to renew s15 management agreement with CCW: 2011/12 Manage bracken. Seek to extend grassland at expense of bracken. Implement management project (herbicide/crushing/rolling/cutting on rotation): as opportunities and funds become available Enable restoration of damaged grassland. Provide and maintain fences/barriers/boulders/gates/banks where necessary to allow natural regeneration. Sow with seed mixtures only as a last resort. Maintain vehicle access restrictions: All years Maintain record of management activities, damage and natural events. Fixed-point or ‘ad hoc’ photography plus examination of aerial photography and a short written report as appropriate to the activity or event. Liaise with CCW with regard to progress and review of management projects and action against damage: All years 4.1.2 Limestone Heath Objective 2 - To maintain the heathland in a favourable condition (favourable – maintained, favourable – recovered or unfavourable – recovering) Projects Collect data on heathland condition. Liaise with CCW and obtain SAC monitoring report: SAC data collection every 6 years (once within duration of this plan) Implement maintenance or recovery management (this may require additional projects to those listed below): All years Maintain extent of heathland. Prevent losses to species-poor grassland, scrub, woodland or bracken. Control/manage undesirable species: as opportunities and funds become available

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Prevent losses to man-made/artificial habitats. If losses unavoidable obtain like-for-like mitigation: All years Continue to manage heathland dwarf shrubs (heather, bell heather and western gorsei). Diversify the age and structure of heathland and prevent/reduce spread of fires by creating fire breaks. Utilise contractors to undertake this work (e.g. cutting and raking up brash on long rotation 15 – 20 years). Where possible use brash for heathland restoration elsewhere on site: Annually Monitor cut areas of heathland after 18 months and 5 years to assess effectiveness of management: Ongoing Manage gorse and other shrubs and trees. Implement management project. Cut selected areas of dense gorse where these contain evidence of suppressed heathland dwarf shrubs (as opportunities and funds become available). Extend heathland at expense of gorse. Remove thorns, self-sown tree saplings and exotic Cotoneaster: as opportunities and funds become available Manage bracken. Implement management project. Control bracken where it is mixed is with, or threatens to invade heathland (herbicide only to be used where damage to western gorse is unlikely). Extend heathland at the expense of bracken: as opportunities and funds become available Enable restoration of damaged heathland. Utilise natural regeneration but if this fails, assist by spreading of dwarf shrub brash taken from heathland elsewhere within the site. Provide temporary fencing where needed to exclude trampling and/or grazing. Maintain record of management activities, damage and natural events: All years Fixed-point or ‘ad hoc’ photography plus examination of aerial photography and a short written report as appropriate to the activity or event. Liaise with CCW with regard to progress and review of management projects and action against damage: All years 4.1.3 Limestone Pavement Objective 3 - To protect and enhance the botanical interest and landscape quality of the limestone pavement. Projects Monitor vegetation within the grazing exclosure on area of limestone pavement to assess results of rabbit proofing exclosure in 2010: 2011 & 2016 (and every 5 years thereafter) Survey and re-map all areas of limestone pavement: As staff resource allows Maintain surveillance of the limestone pavements for signs of damage / removal and take action against offenders: All years 4.1.4 Limestone Cliffs (Vegetated Seacliffs) Objective 4 - To protect and enhance the botanical and ornithological interest and landscape quality of the limestone cliffs. Projects

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Protect Limestone cliffs by monitoring and control of non-native species where funding allows. Continue long-term management project to control invasive non-native shrubs through Section 15 Management Agreement where funding allows: All years Monitor cliffs and record effects of rock climbing on cliff face vegetation and seabirds: All years Monitor population levels of nesting seabirds on an annual basis forwarding results to CCW, JNCC and other organisations as appropriate: All years Monitor climbing agreement. Ensure cliff nesting sites are kept free from disturbance in accordance with the climbing agreements, Country Park Bye-laws and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: All years Implement protection schemes when necessary. Ensure the protection of vulnerable plant and animal species that have been scheduled in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: All years Liaise with the Access Officer of the British Mountaineering Council as and when necessary to ensure good communications with climbers: All years 4.1.5 Woodland Objective 5 - To protect and enhance biological interest and landscape quality of the Woodland areas. Projects Proceed with application for Woodland Management element of Glastir grant scheme and carry out agreed projects: 2012 and subsequent years as funding allows Protect woodland by control of non-native plant species. Control the spread of non-native tree species in particular Pine sp., Strawberry-tree and Sycamore to ensure diverse tree and ground cover: funding dependent Encourage native woodland through natural regeneration by excluding livestock from areas of woodland: funding dependent Protect woodland by coppicing. Continue the coppicing regime in woodland on steep, unstable slopes e.g. Pen Dinas. Monitor the need for further coppicing: 2015 (and every 5 years thereafter) Monitor vegetation changes through fixed-point photography: 2013 & 2016 Maintain fencing to permit winter grazing: All years Maintain fences and gates: All years Protect woodland by felling unstable or over-mature trees. Deal with all dangerous trees, leave felled wood on ground to rot where practical: All years Carry out tree safety survey in all wooded areas classed as Zone A: 2012, 2015 (every 3 years) Maintain woodland paths. All paths will require regular maintenance, wherever condition of footpaths has deteriorated seriously reconstruction will be necessary: All years Maintain benches at viewpoints: All years

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Encourage woodland birds and mammals. Where possible increase the number and diversity of birds by erecting nest boxes and increase the availability of roosting areas by providing bat boxes: 2011, 2016 List species of plants, birds, mammals and invertebrates for assimilation in to Management Plan and interpretive purposes: All years 4.2 Feature 2: Flora Objective 6 - To safeguard populations of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) and Near Threatened (NT) plants. Projects Collect data from relevant sources on vegetation and maintain liaison with CCW survey teams, record any changes in habitat/vegetation which are documented. Assimilate in to Management Plan: As data becomes available Collect data from relevant sources on vascular and lower plants, produce detailed distribution records and maintain up to date lists for assimilation in to the Management Plan: As data becomes available Continue surveys of rare plant species. Monitor population of selected rare species, record and interpret any changes: 2012, 2014, 2016 Promote appropriate habitat management including the control of invasive and non-native vegetation: All years Liaise with other Council departments and the Biodiversity Officer regarding the management of populations of locally scarce plants: All years Continue to monitor Junipers grown from cuttings and planted in 2010. Liaise with Biodiversity Officer and Chester Zoo regarding further plantings and monitoring; All years Maintain vehicle access restrictions: All years Note: the following projects are extracted from CCBC’s Species Action Plan for Wild Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster cambricus) which forms part of the Conwy Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Only those projects requiring action from CCBC are included in this plan. Ensure that Cotoneaster cambricus is fully protected by the planning system; All years Continue to control climbing through voluntary agreement: All years Promote appropriate habitat management, including the control of invasive vegetation, particularly non-native cotoneasters. On current, extant and likely sites, consider erecting exclosures on thin soils to assess grazing pressure; All years Continue to monitor Cotoneaster cambricus twice yearly, develop a formal monitoring programme including the effects of grazing: All years/ongoing Pass information gathered during survey, propagation and translocation and monitoring of Cotoneaster cambricus to JNCC or Royal Botanic Garden, Kew so that it can be incorporated in national databases: All years

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Using existing and new exclosures to determine the impacts, if any, of grazing on Cotoneaster cambricus: Ongoing Continue the long term plan to increase the population of Cotoneaster cambricus in the wild through collection of seed and propagation of seedling plants in liaison with CCW and local volunteers: All years Discourage illegal collecting and pursue enforcement as necessary: All years Promote awareness of the ecological and protected status of Cotoneaster cambricus with local environmental/natural history groups and other relevant organisations: Ongoing Although the precise location of one of the plants is widely known, locations of all other plants should remain confidential. Ensure that local botanical groups and other relevant organisations are aware of the legal and ecological status of Cotoneaster cambricus: All years Review the Species Action Plan for Cotoneaster cambricus every five years: 2011 4.3 Feature 3: Fauna 4.3.1 Invertebrates Objective 7 - To maintain and enhance the entomological interest of the Great Orme. Projects Collect data from relevant sources and provide contemporary record of invertebrates for assimilation in to Management Plan and for monitoring and interpretive purposes: As data becomes available Continue to monitor butterfly populations through butterfly transect and forward results to county/national recording scheme as appropriate: All years Liaise with CCW and Butterfly Conservation regarding the implementation of projects in fulfilment of Species Action Plans for Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus), Silky Wave Moth (Idaea dilutaria) and Ashworth’s Rustic Moth (Xestia ashworthii): All years Prevent collection through enforcement of bye-laws: All years 4.3.2 Birds Objective 8 - To maintain and enhance the ornithological interest of the Great Orme. Projects Collect data from relevant sources and provide an up to date list of bird species for assimilation in to Management Plan and for interpretive purposes: As data becomes available Monitor population levels of nesting seabirds and forward results to appropriate national bodies: All years Monitor climbing agreement and continue to liaise with BMC as necessary: All years Implement nest protection scheme when necessary: All years Maintain climbing information notices: All years

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Liaise with RSPB as necessary regarding implementation of Species Action Plans for Linnet (Carduelis cannabina), Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata): All years Liaise with organisers of Chough Monitoring and Ringing Scheme regarding sightings, feeding areas and nest sites: All years 4.3.3 Bats Objective 9 - Maintain current range and population of Lesser Horseshoe Bats. Note: Objective 9 has been abstracted from CCW’s Species Action Plan for Lesser Horseshoe Bats. Projects Liaise with local Bat Group to monitor population and locations of Lesser Horseshoe Bats: 2011, 2013 & 2015 Discourage access to caves by general public: All years Where appropriate undertake grilling of entrances to prevent unauthorised access, liaise with GOES regarding their existing agreement with CCBC and Mostyn Estates Limited: Funding dependent Inform public/cavers regarding restrictions/agreements concerning underground access: All years Liaise with Great Orme Exploration Society and Mostyn Estates regarding existing access agreement and review if necessary: All years 4.3.4 Goats Objective 10 - To maintain a viable population of feral Kashmir goats, where this does not compromise the maintenance or protection of the favourable condition of the important flora and fauna. Projects Carry out a survey of the feral goat population twice yearly recording herd composition and areas found at time of survey: All years Monitor population and habits of feral goats through regular survey: All years Manage feral goats through liaison with the RSPCA regarding sick/injured animals and assist where possible with any problems relating to the herd: All years Continue long-term population control utilising relocation of small groups of goats and contraceptive vaccine in a percentage of nanny goats as methods of control: All years (reliant upon funding from partners and upon availability of vaccine long-term) Liaise with Food and Environment Research Council (FERA) regarding vaccination programme, research and monitoring of vaccinated goats: All years Liaise with all appropriate bodies and individuals in order to secure suitable locations for goats, funding and compliance with law: All years

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Note: Other projects not associated with the above features are listed below. Provide a contemporary record of mammals, amphibians and reptiles maintaining an up-to-date list for assimilation in to the Management Plan. Forward records to Cofnod (Biological Records Centre)/County/National recording scheme as appropriate: All years 4.4 Feature 4: Geological Conservation Review Sites and Regionally Important

Geological Site Objective 11 - To maintain the geological and geomorphological interest of the Great Orme. Projects Liaise with appropriate authorities regarding survey/monitoring of geomorphological features, coastal erosion and landslips: All years Monitor and, if necessary, control the use of Bishop’s Quarry: All years Monitor erosion at Bishop’s Quarry every 3 years, utilising professional advice: 2012, 2015 Maintain the interpretive panel at Bishop’s Quarry: All years Collect geological and geomorphological information as and when this becomes available from other bodies/individuals. Assimilate relevant data in to Management Plan and liaise with monitoring Geologist (CCW): All years Produce a geological booklet or trail to interpret the geology of the Great Orme in liaison with the CCW geologist and the local RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites) group: funding dependent Interpret geological/geomorphological/landscape features to the general public through interpretive panels/leaflets or geological trail: funding dependent 4.5 Feature 5: Scheduled Ancient Monuments Objective 12 - To protect and enhance the Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the Great Orme Country Park and Local Nature Reserve in accordance with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Projects Collect historical and archaeological information from relevant bodies and individuals as and when it becomes available and assimilate all relevant data in to Archaeological Management Plan, Historic Environment Record (HER) and for monitoring and interpretive purposes: GAT Protect or enhance archaeological sites by control of Blackthorn, Gorse and Bracken in particular, and other scrub growth in open, grazed areas. Gain consent from Cadw and CCW and liaise with GAT and voluntary groups as appropriate: All years Report erosion and damage to, and inappropriate use of, Scheduled Ancient Monuments to CADW Field Monument Warden: All years Maintain interpretive boards relating to Iron Age Hillfort, Cromlech and Gunsite: All years

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4.6 Feature 6: Important Historical Landscape and Undesignated Sites of Historical Interest.

Objective 13 - To protect and enhance the archaeological and historical interest of the Great Orme. Projects Promote the recording of historical and archaeological features and encourage scientific study where appropriate: As opportunities arise Review and update Archaeological Management Plan: funding dependent Clear/control bracken and gorse where obscuring archaeological/historical features following consultation with GAT/Cadw and CCW: funding dependent Maintain Historical Trail and the information panels along the route. Ensure Historical Trail booklets are available in local Tourist Information Centre and retail outlets: All years Maintain springs/wells: All years Maintain signage of springs/wells with regard to the signage strategy: All years Report damage to archaeological and historical features to GAT and liaise regarding any necessary action: All years 4.7 Feature 7: Landscape Objective 14 - To protect and enhance the landscape quality of the Great Orme Heritage Coast within the Creuddyn and Conwy Landscape of Outstanding Historical in accordance with Planning Policy within the Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest Register. Projects Encourage appropriate landscape management by commenting on planning applications affecting the landscape of the Great Orme: All years Continue landscape improvements including the removal of redundant man-made features where appropriate with regard to the objectives of the Archaeological Management Plan: All years Implement signage strategy with reference to the signage design guide for the Great Orme: All years Aspire to remove or re-route overhead electricity and BT lines and pylons in liaison with relevant organisations such as CCW and GAT: As opportunities arise Look into the possibilities for improving the landscape of the summit area: 2011 (& funding dependent) Clear litter: All years Maintain site entrances: All years Maintain vehicle access restrictions: All years

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Maintain landscaped areas. Prevent any deterioration in landscape improvements by regular maintenance: All years 4.8 Feature 8: Access Land, Wales Coastal Path, Footpath Network and Promoted

Trails. Objective 15 - To maintain unrestricted access to the site on foot (where designated Access land) provided this does not conflict with conservation considerations. To ensure public access via footpath network and encourage appropriate interest in the site. Projects Maintain PRoW in liaison with the Highways Division: All years Liaise with Coastal Access Officer regarding route of Wales Coast Path and associated projects: All years Maintain the route of and waymarking for, the Nature Trail and Summit Trails and maintain waymarking to facilitate pedestrian access between main facilities: All years Maintain gates, stiles, fences and walls. All pedestrian and vehicular gates and associated padlocks will require regular maintenance. Provide fences/walls where appropriate to serve management function. Wherever fences/walls have deteriorated beyond repair and the boundary still serves a function, ensure it is replaced: All years Provide literature associated with promoted trails in the form of leaflets, booklets and other informative/promotional material. Develop new material as appropriate: All years Monitor PRoW and promoted trails for signs of erosion; re-route trails where necessary and control erosion. Where condition of footpaths has deteriorated seriously reconstruction will be necessary. Footpaths around the summit to be considered a high priority: All years Liaise with relevant organisations regarding access issues such as the CCW, BMC, Great Orme Exploration Society etc: All years Maintain woodland path system in good or reasonable condition: All years Maintain vehicle access restrictions: All years Protect the site as a whole and scheduled species through prosecution for deliberate contraventions of national legislation and byelaws. Ensure prosecutions are pursued and evidence is prepared for submission in relation to court cases: All years Deal with all incidents of law breaking by informing the Police, including contraventions of byelaws: All years Maintain an Incident Record system and prepare summary reports on a yearly basis: All years 4.9 Feature 9: Ease of Access to the Site, Proximity to Homes and Local Schools. Objective 16 Maintain unrestricted access to the site (including provisions for mobility impaired access wherever possible) and to involve local people in the management of the site where possible.

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Projects Liaise with interested individuals/organisations: All years Liaise with local residents, adjacent holdings and the Town Council. Maintain close liaison with neighbouring farmers, landowners and lessees of Council owned land and deal with enquiries from local residents, instigating a forum for discussion: All years Utilise the Local Access Forum for consultation on Access Land Management Issues: All years Protect the site by wardening and ensuring regular patrols on foot: All years Protect the site by support wardening. Provide a more thorough coverage of the site by developing a small voluntary warden service. Ensure adequate training and supervision with particular attention to safety and reporting procedures: All years Provide other opportunities for involvement of local people in the management of the site: All years Liaise with voluntary organisations to arrange and supervise appropriate management works: All years Liaise with local schools and colleges in order to provide work experience placements: All years Hold Great Orme Country Park Management Advisory Group meetings, two per annum: All years Protect the site by removal of litter. Clear general litter and refuse tipped illegally. Concentrate on areas surrounding car parks during summer months. Utilise volunteers wherever possible and liaise internally re statutory collection areas: All years Maintain waymarked routes (non ProW) between main facilities. Maintain paths in good or reasonable condition: All years Monitor well used paths/walking routes for signs of erosion, and restrict access to some areas as and when necessary for nature conservation purposes: All years 4.10 Feature 10: Environmental Education Objective 17 - To provide an environmental education to service to local and visiting schools, colleges, clubs and societies and to members of the public. Projects Liaise with educational groups and provide educational information. Provide general advice, talks and walks to visiting and local schools and colleges: All years Provide worksheets and teacher’s guides relating to the National Curriculum: funding/staff time dependent Survey educational groups by questionnaire to assess the level of service provided and teacher’s requirements: All years Provide guided walks to groups on request and events for members of the public: All years Inform visitors/public through the provision of talks to local schools and societies: All years

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Organise further interpretive ‘living history’ days for local schools and as public events. Liaise with Llandudno Museum Education Officer, GAT and local companies: funding dependent 4.11 Feature 11: Information and Awareness Raising Objective 18 - To provide an information service and raise awareness amongst local people and visitors of the importance of the Great Orme and the need to conserve it. Projects Provide and maintain Country Park entrance signs and provide information: All years Provide and maintain good quality Country Park information and interpretive panels where appropriate, for the purpose of informing and interpreting the site to visitors: All years Inform visitors through provision of a Visitor Centre. Provide information on the Country Park to appeal to a wide range of visitors through displays, video presentation etc. Provide a sales area to be staffed on a voluntary basis by North Wales Wildlife Trust, stocking high quality items relating to the countryside: All years Provide leaflets, booklets and other informative/promotional material. Develop new literature and publications as appropriate and supervise stock control of the above publications: All years Inform visitors by the provision of public events/guided walks: All years Provide an information service. Deal with routine enquiries both verbal and written: All years Inform the public by advice. Advise the public about safety aspects of the site and deal with any persons behaving irresponsibly: All years Increase public awareness of the byelaws which apply to the site through publicity in or around the Visitor Centre and through liaison with visitors and local people: All years Inform rock climbers of climbing restrictions. Liaise with the BMC and individual climbers regarding restrictions/agreements applying at any particular time. Develop/modify the agreements as necessary: All years Monitor the climbing restrictions and provide and maintain climbing information notices: All years Inform hang-gliders/paragliders and model glider flyers about restrictions/agreements. Liaise with the North Wales Hang Gliding Club, Paragliding Companies and individuals regarding these restrictions/agreements: All years Inform model glider flyers about restrictions/agreements. Liaise with the Great Orme Soaring Association and individual glider flyers regarding restrictions/code of conduct. Modify restrictions as necessary: All years Protect site by routine visits, general wardening and law enforcement. Ensure regular coverage of the site throughout the year, ideally allowing 1 hour per day (April to October) and 4 hours per week (November to March): All years Survey visitors by questionnaire at regular intervals to assess visitor profile, monitor the effectiveness of interpretation and assess the public view of the level of service provided: 2013, 2015 & 2017

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Continue to monitor visitor numbers during season at the visitor centre through use of data-loggers. Look into counting visitors through use of data-loggers elsewhere in the Country Park eg access points and footpaths: All years (& funding dependent) Improve the sustainability of the visitor centre through the use of alternative energies and provide interpretation regarding this to visitors utilising funding obtained through successful application for European funding through the Communities and Nature fund: 2011, 2012 Update visitor centre displays and provide alternatives to the less popular displays utilising funding obtained through successful application for European funding through the Communities and Nature (CAN) Initiative: 2011, 2012, 2013 Supervise and assist Project Officer with the development of projects associated with the CAN Initiative, ‘Conwy/Denbighshire Country Parks Improvement Programme’: 2011, 2012, 2013 Liaise with partners in Denbighshire Countryside Service regarding all aspects of the CAN Initiative: 2011, 2012, 2013 4.12 Feature 12: Facilities provided by the Great Orme Country Park. Objective 19 - To maintain and improve those facilities provided by the Country Park and ensure public safety. Projects Ensure both routine and long-term maintenance of the Visitor Centre building. Maintain, improve and up-date the displays as appropriate, maintain sales area and ensure stock levels etc. Ensure maintenance and servicing of public conveniences: All years Provide and maintain picnic tables and benches. Picnic sites and benches to be located in areas of high public usage adjacent to main car parks and facilities. Ensure picnic tables and benches are maintained on a regular basis and any minor damage is repaired promptly: All years Maintain car-parking areas, both grassed and hard surfaced including provision of reinforcement to surfaces where necessary. Provide temporary fencing to exclude vehicular use of grass car parks over winter: All years Maintain pay and display machine and associated signage. Liaise with Parking Services (Highways Department) regarding the enforcement of parking regulations, issuing of excess charge tickets and cash collections where appropriate: All years Maintain Wildflower Garden: All years Ensure provision of appropriate play equipment through liaison with the Authority’s Environment Department: All years Maintain gates, stiles, fences and walls. Provide gates, stiles, fences and walls where appropriate to serve management functions. Wherever boundaries have deteriorated beyond repair and the boundary still serves a purpose, ensure it is replaced: All years Maintain ‘Dangerous Cliffs’ signs and other safety signage: All years Maintain safety fences: All years

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Implement monthly site safety audit, checking specified facilities owned or provided by Conwy County Borough Council as part of the Country Park Management Plan: All years Implement quarterly maintenance checks of promoted trails and specified facilities/outdoor furniture provided by Conwy County Borough Council as part of the Country Park Management Plan: All years Develop and implement Health and Safety procedures. Implement appropriate procedures for staff in relation to Health and Safety eg Lone Working Policy, use of tools, hazardous substances, guided walks etc and liaise with the Authority’s Safety Officer: All years Implement inspection of tools and equipment ensuring all items are accounted for and condition of tools is satisfactory: All years Prepare and submit Annual Reports and Work Plans to the Management Advisory Group on the progress and performance of the Warden Service and future plans: All years Survey visitors by observation. Record any changes in the pattern of distribution of visitors around the site. Monitor summer traffic movements at road junctions and car parks and collate results: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 Monitor effects of public pressure in areas of high visitor concentration and record effect on site and public amenities: All years Seek to gain Green Flag Award status (the benchmark of best practice in the management of parks and open spaces) for the Country Park annually: All years 4.13 Feature 13: Facilities Provided by Other Organisations. Objective 20 - To maintain close liaison with other organisations, individuals and Council departments responsible for the provision of facilities within the Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, particularly those facilities on Council owned land. Projects Deal with or refer any complaints or comments from visitors, or any other problems noticed to relevant organisations or departments: All years Inform neighbouring landowners on a discretionary, and without prejudice basis, when safety problems are evident on land/property in their ownership: All years Liaise with statutory or professional organisations. Advise on access and ensure unnecessary damage to site is avoided through internal liaison within the Authority: All years Advise and liaise with the Parking Services (Highways Department) regarding rock falls/problems pertaining to Marine Drive and Parking Services’ S28H Assent provided by CCW: All years & S28H Assent review and renew September 2012 Advise and liaise with the Environment & Technical Services regarding the safety of play equipment and regarding any problems with Haulfre Gardens and Happy Valley: All years Liaise with Tramway Manager with regard to joint ticketing arrangements and tramway works affecting the SSSI/SAC: All years Liaise with the Great Orme Copper Mines with regard to all aspects of lease conditions and maintain close links with regard to educational facilities: All years

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Liaise with Ski Slope manager and the Authority’s Engineering Design Services with regard to aspects of the lease pertaining to landscaping of the site and maintenance of cattle grid and associated stockproof fencing: All years Liase with the owner/manager of the Cable Car, regarding access to the site for maintenance purposes: All years Liaise with owners/operators of the Summit Complex and other cafés as necessary: All years Liaise with other organisations wishing to host events either independently or with assistance from the Warden Service. Ensure compatibility with site interests/management and ensure appropriate public liability cover/indemnity: All years 5 Management Plan Monitoring and Review Work Programmes developed annually by the Warden, in order to fulfil the aims of the Management Plan, will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Management Advisory Group. The Warden will submit an annual report to the Group. The main purpose of the review will be to determine whether projects have been completed on time, to adjust the following year’s work programme if necessary and provide a forward plan for the coming year. This management plan will be reviewed after five years. The main purpose of the review will be to determine whether the stated objectives and their target conditions are still the most appropriate way to manage the features for which the site is important. A work programme to achieve the reviewed objectives will then be drawn up. 6 Work Programme Projects relevant in all years of the Plan (2011 – 2016) Object-ive

Project Implementation method

1

Implement maintenance or recovery management (this may require additional projects to those listed below)

CCW/Country Park staff

1 Monitor sheep grazing.Collect data on number/age/breed of sheep grazing each month/quarter/year. Liaise with grazier/Tir Gofal Project Officer regarding under or overgrazing, adjustments to grazing periods and/or grazing periods


1 Continue survey of grassland vegetation with particular regard to fixed quadrats

CCW

1 Maintain extent of grassland. Prevent losses of grassland to scrub, woodland and bracken. Control / manage undesirable species (as opportunities and funds become available). Prevent losses to man-made/artificial habitats. If losses of grassland unavoidable obtain like-for-like compensation

CCBC

1, 4 Control invasive exotic Cotoneaster species and other shrubs and trees. Implement management project. Obtain partnership funding and utilise specialist contractors to undertake majority of this work

Contractors/Country Park

1, 14, 15

Enable restoration of damaged grassland. Provide and maintain fences/barriers/boulders/gates/banks where necessary to allow natural regeneration. Sow with seed mixtures only as a last resort. Maintain vehicle access restrictions

Country Park staff

1 Maintain record of management activities, damage and natural events. Fixed-point or ‘ad hoc’ photography plus examination of aerial photography and a short written report as appropriate to the activity or event. Liaise with CCW with regard to progress and

Country Park staff

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review of management projects and action against damage 2 Implement maintenance or recovery management (this may require

additional projects to those listed below) CCW/Country Park staff

2 Maintain extent of heathland. Prevent losses to species-poor grassland, scrub, woodland or bracken. Control/manage undesirable species: as opportunities and funds become available

CCBC

2 Prevent losses to man-made/artificial habitats. If losses unavoidable obtain like-for-like compensation

CCBC

2 Continue to manage heathland dwarf shrubs (heather, bell heather and western gorsei). Diversify the age and structure of heathland and prevent/reduce spread of fires by creating fire breaks. Utilise contractors to undertake this work (e.g. cutting and raking up brash on long rotation 15 – 25 years). Where possible use brash for heathland restoration elsewhere on site

CCBC

2 Monitor cut areas of heathland after 18 months and 5 years to assess effectiveness of management: Ongoing


2 Manage gorse and other shrubs and trees. Implement management project. Cut selected areas of dense gorse where these contain evidence of suppressed heathland dwarf shrubs (as opportunities and funds become available). Extend heathland at expense of gorse. Remove thorns, self-sown tree saplings and exotic Cotoneaster: as opportunities and funds become available

CCBC

2 Manage bracken. Implement management project. Control bracken where it is mixed is with, or threatens to invade heathland. (‘Asulox’ to be only used where damage to western gorse is unlikely). Extend heathland at the expense of bracken: as opportunities and funds become available

CCBC

2 Enable restoration of damaged heathland. Utilise natural regeneration but if this fails, assist by spreading of dwarf shrub brash taken from heathland elsewhere within the site. Provide temporary fencing where needed to exclude trampling and/or grazing.

Country Park staff

2 Maintain record of management activities, damage and natural events.

Country Park staff

2 Fixed-point or ‘ad hoc’ photography plus examination of aerial photography and a short written report as appropriate to the activity or event. Liaise with CCW with regard to progress and review of management projects and action against damage

Country Park staff

3 Maintain surveillance of the limestone pavements for signs of damage / removal and take action against offenders

Country Park staff

4 Protect limestone cliffs by monitoring and control of non-native species where funding allows. Continue long-term management project to control invasive, non-native shrubs through Section 15 Management Agreement

Country Park staff/CCW

4 Monitor cliffs and record effects of rock climbing on cliff face vegetation and seabirds

Country Park staff

4 Monitor population levels of nesting seabirds on an annual basis forwarding results to CCW, JNCC and other organisations as appropriate

Country Park staff

4 Monitor climbing agreement. Ensure cliff nesting sites are kept free from disturbance in accordance with climbing agreements, Country Park Byelaws and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Country Park staff

4 Implement protection schemes when necessary. Ensure the protection of vulnerable plant and animal species that have been

Country Park staff

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scheduled in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 4 Liaise with the Access Officer of the British Mountaineering Council

as and when necessary to ensure good communications with climbers

Country Park staff

5 Maintain woodland fencing to permit winter grazing Country Park staff 5 Maintain woodland fences and gates Country Park staff 5 Protect woodland by felling unstable or over-mature trees. Deal

with all dangerous trees, leave felled wood on ground to rot where practical

Country Park staff

5 Maintain woodland paths. All paths will require regular maintenance, wherever condition of footpaths has deteriorated seriously reconstruction will be necessary

Country Park staff

5 Maintain benches at viewpoints Country Park staff 5 List species of woodland plants, birds, mammals and invertebrates

for assimilation in to Management Plan and interpretive purposes Country Park staff

6

Collect data from relevant sources on vegetation and maintain liaison with CCW survey teams, record any changes in habitat/vegetation which are documented. Assimilate in to Management Plan. As data becomes available

Country Park staff

6 Collect data from relevant sources on vascular and lower plants, produce detailed distribution records and maintain up to date lists for assimilation in to the Management Plan. As data becomes available

Country Park staff

6 Promote appropriate habitat management including the control of invasive and non-native vegetation

Country Park staff/Contractors

6

Liaise with other Council departments and the Biodiversity Officer regarding the management of populations of locally scarce plants

Country Park staff/ Biodiversity Officer

6 Continue to monitor Junipers grown from cuttings and planted in 2010. Liaise with Biodiversity Officer and Chester Zoo regarding further plantings and monitoring

Country Park staff / Biodiversity Officer/ Chester Zoo

6 Maintain vehicle access restrictions Country Park staff 6 Ensure that Cotoneaster cambricus is fully protected by the

planning system Country Park staff

6

Continue to control climbing through voluntary agreement CCBC

6 Promote appropriate habitat management, including the control of invasive vegetation, particularly non-native cotoneasters. On current, extant and likely sites, consider erecting exclosures on thin soils to assess grazing pressure

Country Park staff

6 Continue to monitor Cotoneaster cambricus twice yearly, develop a formal monitoring programme including the effects of grazing


6 Pass information gathered during survey, propagation and translocation and monitoring of Cotoneaster cambricus to JNCC or Royal Botanic Garden, Kew so that it can be incorporated in national databases


6 Use existing and new exclosures to determine the impacts, if any, of grazing on Cotoneaster cambricus


6 Discourage illegal collecting and pursue enforcement as necessary Country Park staff/ CCW

6 Promote awareness of the ecological and protected status of Cotoneaster cambricus with local environmental/natural history groups and other relevant organisations

Country Park staff

6 Although the precise location of one of the plants is widely known, Country Park

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locations of all other plants should remain confidential. Ensure that local botanical groups and other relevant organisations are aware of the legal and ecological status of Cotoneaster cambricus

staff/CCW/BSBI

7 Collect data from relevant sources and provide contemporary record of invertebrates for assimilation in to Management Plan and for monitoring and interpretive purposes. As data becomes available

Country Park staff

7 Continue to monitor butterfly populations through butterfly transect and forward results to county/national recording scheme as appropriate

Country Park staff

7

Liaise with CCW and Butterfly Conservation regarding the implementation of projects in fulfilment of Species Action Plans for Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus), Silky Wave Moth (Idaea dilutaria) and Ashworth’s Rustic Moth (Xestia ashworthii)


7 Prevent collection through enforcement of bye-laws

Country Park staff

8 Collect data from relevant sources and provide an up to date list of bird species for assimilation in to Management Plan and for interpretive purposes. As data becomes available

Country Park staff

8 Monitor population levels of nesting seabirds and forward results to appropriate national bodies

Country Park staff

8 Monitor climbing agreement and continue to liaise with BMC as necessary

Country Park staff

8 Implement nest protection scheme when necessary Country Park staff 8 Maintain climbing information notices Country Park staff 8 Liaise with RSPB as necessary regarding implementation of

Species Action Plans for Linnet (Carduelis cannabina), Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

Country Park staff/RSPB

8 Liaise with organisers of Chough Monitoring and Ringing Scheme regarding sightings, feeding areas and nest sites

Country Park staff

9 Discourage access to caves by general public Country Park staff 9 Inform public/cavers regarding restrictions/agreements concerning

underground access Country Park staff

9 Liaise with the Great Orme Exploration Society and Mostyn Estates regarding existing access agreement and review if necessary

Country Park staff

10 Carry out survey of feral goat population twice yearly recording herd composition and areas found at time of survey

Country Park staff/volunteers

10 Monitor population and habits of feral goats through regular survey Country Park staff/volunteers

10 Manage feral goats through liaison with RSPCA regarding sick/injured animals and assist where possible with problems relating to herd.

Country Park staff

10 Continue long-term population control utilising relocation of small groups of goats and contraceptive vaccine in a percentage of nanny goats as methods of control (reliant upon funding from partners and upon availability of vaccine long-term)

Country Park staff/RSPCA

10 Liaise with Food and Environment Research Council (FERA) regarding vaccination programme research and monitoring of vaccinated goats

Country Park staff

10 Liaise with all appropriate bodies and individuals in order to secure suitable locations for goats, funding and compliance with the law

Country Park staff

10 Provide a contemporary record of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, maintaining an up-to-date list for assimilation in to the Management Plan. Forward records to Cofnod (Biological Records Centre)/County/National recording scheme as appropriate


11 Liaise with appropriate authorities regarding survey/monitoring of Country Park staff

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geomorphological features, coastal erosion and landslips. 11 Monitor and if necessary control the educational use of Bishop’s

Quarry Country Park staff

11 Maintain interpretive panel at Bishop’s Quarry Country Park staff 11 Collect geological/geomorphological information as and when

available from other bodies/individuals, assimilate relevant data in to Management Plan and liaise with monitoring geologist (CCW)

Country Park staff

12 Collect historical/archaeological information from relevant bodies/individuals as and when it becomes available, assimilate relevant data in to Archaeologcal Management Plan, Historic Environment Record (HER) and for monitoring and interpretive purposes

GAT

12 Protect or enhance archaeological sites by control of blackthorn, gorse and bracken in particular, and other scrub growth in open, grazed areas. Gain consent from Cadw and CCW and liaise with GAT and voluntary groups as apropriate

Country Park staff

12 Maintain interpretive boards relating to Iron Age hillfort, Cromlech and Gunsite

Country Park staff

12 Report erosion and damage to, and inappropriate use of, Scheduled Ancient Monuments to CADW Field Monument Warden

Country Park staff

13 Promote the recording of historical and archaeological features and encourage scientific study where appropriate and as opportunities arise

Country Park staff

13 Maintain Historical Trail and the information panels along the route. Ensure Historical Trail booklets are available in local Tourist Information Centre and retail outlets

Country Park staff

13 Maintain springs/wells Country Park staff 13 Maintain signage of springs/wells with regard to the signage

strategy Country Park staff

13 Report damage to archaeological and historical features to GAT and liaise regarding any necessary action

Country Park staff

14 Encourage appropriate landscape management by commenting on planning applications affecting the landscape of the Great Orme

Country Park staff

14 Continue landscape improvements including the removal of redundant man-made featureswhere appropriate with regard to the objectives of the Archaeological Management Plan

Country Park staff

14 Implement signage strategy with reference to signage design guide for the Great Orme

Country Park staff

14 Clear litter Country Park staff/volunteers/probation service

14 Maintain site entrances Country Park staff 14 Maintain landscaped areas. Prevent any deterioration in landscape

improvements by regular maintenance Country Park staff

15 Maintain ProW in liaison with the Highways Division Country Park staff 15 Liaise with Coastal Access Officer regarding route of Wales Coast

Path and associated projects Country Park staff

15 Maintain route of and waymarking for Nature Trail and Summit Trails, maintain waymarking between main facilities

Country Park staff

15 Maintain gates, stiles, fences, walls. All pedestrian and vehicular access gates and associated padlocks will require regular maintenance. Provide fences/walls where appropriate to serv management function. Wherever fences/walls have deteriorated beyond repair and the boundary still serves a function, ensure it is replaced

Country Park staff

15 Provide literature associated with promoted trails in form of leaflets, Country Park staff

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booklets etc. Develop new material as appropriate 15 Monitor PRoW and promoted trails for signs of erosion; re-route

trails where necessary and control erosion. Where condition of footpaths has deteriorated seriously reconstruction will be necessary. Footpaths around the summit to be considered a high priority

Country Park staff

15 Liaise with relevant organisations regarding access issues such as the CCW, BMC, Great Orme Exploration Society etc.

Country Park staff

15, 5 Maintain woodland path system in good or reasonable condition Country Park staff 15 Protect the site as a whole and scheduled species through

prosecution for deliberate contravention of national legislation and byelaws. Ensure prosecutions are pursued and evidence is prepared for submission in relation to court cases

Country Park staff

15 Deal with all incidents of law breaking by informing the Police (including contraventions of byelaws)

Country Park staff

15 Maintain an incident record system and prepare summary reports on an annual basis

Country Park staff

16 Liaise with interested individuals/organisations Country Park staff 16 Liaise with local residents, adjacent holdings and Town Council.

Maintain close liaison with neighbouring farmers, landowners and lessees of Council owned land and deal with enquiries from local residents, instigating a forum for discussion

Country Park staff

16 Utilise the Local Access Forum for consultation on Access Land management issues

Country Park staff

16 Protect site by wardening ensuring regular patrols on foot Country Park staff 16 Protect site by support wardening through a small voluntary warden

service, ensuring adequate training, supervision Country Park staff

16 Provide other opportunities for involvement of local people in the management of the site

Country Park staff

16 Liaise with voluntary organisations to arrange and supervise appropriate management works

Country Park staff

16 Liaise with local schools/colleges in order to provide work experience placements

Country Park staff

16 Hold Great Orme Management Advisory Group (MAG) meetings twice yearly

MAG members, CCBC Countryside staff

16 Protect site by removal of litter, clear litter and refuse tipped illegally. Concentrate on areas surrounding car parks during summer months. Utilise volunteers wherever possible and liaise internally re statutory collection areas

Country Park staff/volunteers/ Environmental Services/probation service

16 Maintain waymarked routes (non PRoW) between main facilities and maintain paths in good or reasonable condition

Country Park staff

16 Monitor well used paths/walking routes for signs of erosion and restrict access to some areas as and when necessary for nature conservation purposes

Country Park staff

17 Liaise with educational groups and provide educational information, general advice, talks and walks to visiting and local schools/colleges

Country Park staff

17 Survey educational groups by questionnaire to assess level of service provided and teachers requirements

Country Park staff

17 Provide guided walks to groups on request and events for members of the public

Country Park staff

17 Inform visitors/public through talks to schools and societies Country Park staff 18 Provide and maintain Country Park entrance signs and provide

information Country Park staff

69

18 Provide and maintain good quality Country Park information and interpretive panels where appropriate, for the purpose of informing and interpreting the site to visitors

Country Park staff

18 Inform visitors through provision of a Visitor Centre. Provide information on the Country Park to appeal to a wide range of visitors through displays, video presentation etc. Provide a sales area to be staffed on a voluntary basis by North Wales Wildlife Trust, stocking high quality items relating to the countryside

Country Park staff/NWWT

18 Provide leaflets, booklets and other informative/promotional material. Develop new literature and publications as appropriate and supervise stock control of the above publications

Country Park staff

18 Inform visitors by the provision of public events/guided walks Country Park staff 18 Provide an information service. Deal with routine enquiries both

verbal and written Country Park staff

18 Inform the public by advice. Advise the public about safety aspects of the site and deal with any persons behaving irresponsibly

Country Park staff

18 Increase public awareness of the byelaws which apply to the site through publicity in or around the Visitor Centre and through liaison with visitors and local people

Country Park staff

18 Continue to monitor visitor numbers during season at the visitor centre through use of data-loggers. Look into counting visitors through use of data-loggers elsewhere in the Country Park eg access points and footpaths

Country Park staff

18 Inform rock climbers of climbing restrictions. Liaise with the BMC and individual climbers regarding restrictions/agreements applying at any particular time. Develop/modify the agreements as necessary

Country Park staff

18 Monitor the climbing restrictions and provide and maintain climbing information notices

Country Park staff

18 Inform model glider flyers about restrictions/agreements. Liaise with the Great Orme Soaring Association and individual glider flyers regarding restrictions/code of conduct. Modify restrictions as necessary

Country Park staff

18 Protect site by routine visits, general wardening and law enforcement. Ensure regular coverage of the site throughout the year, ideally allowing 1 hour per day (April to October) and 4 hours per week (November to March)

Country Park staff

19 Ensure both routine and long-term maintenance of the Visitor Centre building. Maintain, improve and up-date the displays as appropriate, maintain sales area and ensure stock levels etc. Ensure maintenance and servicing of public conveniences

Country Park staff

19 Provide and maintain picnic tables and benches. Picnic sites and benches to be located in areas of high public usage adjacent to main car parks and facilities. Ensure picnic tables and benches are maintained on a regular basis and any minor damage is repaired promptly

Country Park staff

19 Maintain car-parking areas, both grassed and hard surfaced including provision of reinforcement to surfaces where necessary. Provide temporary fencing to exclude vehicular use of grass car parks over winter

Country Park staff

19 Maintain pay and display machine and associated signage. Liaise with Parking Services (Highways Department) regarding the enforcement of parking regulations, issuing of excess charge tickets and cash collections where appropriate

Country Park staff/ Parking Services

19 Maintain Wildflower Garden Country Park staff 19 Ensure provision of appropriate play equipment through liaison with Country Park staff/

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the Authority’s Environment Department Environment Department

19 Maintain gates, stiles, fences and walls. Provide gates, stiles, fences and walls where appropriate to serve management functions. Wherever boundaries have deteriorated beyond repair and the boundary still serves a purpose, ensure it is replaced

Country Park staff

19 Maintain ‘Dangerous Cliffs’ signs and other safety signage Country Park staff 19 Maintain safety fences Country Park staff 19 Implement monthly site safety audit, checking specified facilities

owned or provided by Conwy County Borough Council as part of the Country Park Management Plan

Country Park staff

19 Implement quarterly maintenance checks of promoted trails and specified facilities/outdoor furniture provided by Conwy County Borough Council as part of the Country Park Management Plan

Country Park staff

19 Develop and implement Health and Safety procedures. Implement appropriate procedures for staff in relation to Health and Safety eg Lone Working Policy, use of tools, hazardous substances, guided walks etc and liaise with the Authority’s Safety Officer

Country Park staff/ Corporate Health & Safety

19 Implement inspection of tools and equipment ensuring all items are accounted for and condition of tools is satisfactory

Country Park staff

19 Prepare and submit Annual Reports and Work Plans to the Management Advisory Group on the progress and performance of the Warden Service and future plans

Country Park staff

19 Monitor effects of public pressure in areas of high visitor concentration and record effect on site and public amenities

Country Park staff

19 Seek to gain Green Flag Award status (the benchmark of best practice in the management of parks and open spaces) for the Country Park annually

Country Park staff

20 Deal with or refer any complaints or comments from visitors, or any other problems noticed to relevant organisations or departments

Country Park staff

20 Inform neighbouring landowners on a discretionary, and without prejudice basis, when safety problems are evident on land/property in their ownership

Country Park staff

20 Liaise with statutory or professional organisations. Advise on access and ensure unnecessary damage to site is avoided through internal liaison within the Authority

Country Park staff

20 Advise and liaise with the Parking Services (Highways Department) regarding rock falls/problems pertaining to Marine Drive and Parking Services’ S28H Assent provided by CCW

Country Park staff/ Parking Services

20 Liaise with Tramway Manager with regard to joint ticketing arrangements and tramway works affecting the SSSI/SAC

Country Park staff/Tramway Manager

20 Advise and liaise with the Environment Department regarding the safety of play equipment and regarding any problems with Haulfre Gardens and Happy Valley

Country Park staff/ Environment Department

20 Liaise with the Great Orme Copper Mines with regard to all aspects of lease conditions and maintain close links with regard to educational facilities

Country Park staff

20 Liaise with Ski Slope manager and the Authority’s Engineering Design Services with regard to aspects of the lease pertaining to landscaping of the site and maintenance of cattle grid and associated stockproof fencing

Country Park staff/ Engineering Design Services

20 Liase with the owner/manager of the Cable Car, regarding access to the site for maintenance purposes

Country Park staff

20 Liaise with owners/operators of the Summit Complex and other cafés as necessary

Country Park staff

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20 Liaise with other organisations wishing to host events either independently or with assistance from the Warden Service. Ensure compatibility with site interests/management and ensure appropriate public liability cover/indemnity

Country Park staff

Projects relevant to specific years of Plan Object-ive

Year Project Implementation method

1 2016 Collect data on grassland condition. Liaise with CCW and obtain SAC monitoring report: SAC data collection every 6 years (once within duration of this plan)

Country Park/Countryside Service staff

1 2011 Seek to renew s15 management agreement with CCW

CCBC/CCW

1 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017

Spot treat with herbicide small, isolated colonies of invasive exotic Cotoneaster. Do this every second year utilising Country Park/Countryside Service Staff

Country Park staff

3 2011 & 2016

Monitor vegetation within the grazing exclosure on area of limestone pavement to assess results of rabbit proofing exclosure in 2011 (every 5 years thereafter)

Country Park staff, CCW

5 2012 and subsequent years as funding allows

Proceed with application for Woodland Management element of Glastir grant scheme and carry out agreed projects

Warden & Coed Cymru Officer

5 2015 Protect woodland by coppicing. Continue the coppicing regime in woodland on steep, unstable slopes e.g. Pen Dinas. Monitor the need for further coppicing (every 5 years)

Country Park staff/contractor

5 2013, 2016

Monitor vegetation changes through fixed-point photography

Country Park staff/Contractor

5 2012, 2015

Carry out tree safety survey in all wooded areas classed as Zone A (every 3 years)

Country Park staff

5 2011, 2016

Encourage woodland birds and mammals. Where possible increase the number and diversity of birds by erecting nest boxes and increase the availability of roosting areas by providing bat boxes


6 2012, 2014, 2016

Continue surveys of rare plant species. Monitor population of selected rare species, record and interpret any changes

CCBC

6 2011

Review the Species Action Plan for Cotoneaster cambricus every five years:

Country Park staff/ CCW/ Biodiversity Officer

9 2011, 2013, 2015

Liaise with local Bat Group to monitor population and locations of Lesser Horseshoe Bats & check bat boxes

Country Park staff /Bat Group

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11 2012, 2015

Monitor erosion at Bishop’s Quarry every 3 years, utilising professional advice

CCBC/Contractor

18 2013, 2015, 2017

Survey visitors by questionnaire at regular intervals to assess visitor profile, monitor the effectiveness of interpretation and assess the public view of the level of service provided

Country Park staff

18 2012 (& funding dependent)

Improve the sustainability of the visitor centre through the use of alternative energies and provide interpretation on this to visitors utilising funding obtained through successful application for European funding through the Communities and Nature fund

Country Park staff/ Project Officer

18 2011, 2012

Update visitor centre displays and provide alternatives to the less popular displays utilising funding obtained through successful application for European funding through the CAN Initiative


18 2011, 2012, 2013

Supervise and assist Project Officer with the development of projects associated with the CAN Initiative, ‘Conwy/Denbighshire Country Parks Improvement Programme’


18 2011, 2012, 2013

Liaise with partners in Denbighshire Countryside Service regarding all aspects of the CAN Initiative:


19

2011, 2013, 2015, 2017

Survey visitors by observation, record any changes in visitor distribution, monitor traffic movement in summer at road junctions and car parks, collate results

Country Park staff

20 2012 Liaise with CCW and Parking Services regarding the review and renewal of their S28H Assent

CountryPark staff/Parking Services/CCW

Aspirational Projects (reliant on the availability of funding and/or staff time) 1 & 2 As

opportunities and funds become available

Manage gorse (Ulex europaeus). Seek to extend grassland and heathland at expense of gorse. Implement management project (cutting on rotation)


1 As opportunities and funds become available

Manage bracken. Seek to extend grassland at expense of bracken. Implement management project (herbicide/cutting on rotation)


3 As staff resource allows

Survey and re-map all areas of limestone pavement: As staff resource allows


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5 funding dependent

Protect woodland by control of non-native plant species. Control the spread of non-native tree species in particular Pine sp., Strawberry-tree and Sycamore to ensure diverse tree and ground cover

Country Park staff

5 funding dependent

Encourage native woodland through natural regeneration by excluding livestock from areas of woodland

Country Park staff

11 Fund-ing dependent

Produce a geological booklet or trail to interpret the geology of the Great Orme in liaison with the CCW geologist and the local RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites) group

Country Park staff, CCW, RIGS group

11 funding dependent

Interpret geological/geomorphological/landscape features to the general public through interpretive panels/leaflets or geological trail

Country Park staff

13 Fund-ing dependent

Review and update Archaeological Management Plan Countryside Service/ GAT

13 Funding dependent

Clear/control bracken and gorse where obscuring archaeological/historical features following consultation with GAT/Cadw and CCW

Country Park staff

14 2012 (fund-ing dependent)

Look into the possibilities for improving the landscape of the summit area

Country Park staff /cable car owners/summit café owners/Dwr Cymru

14 As funding/opportunities arise

Aspire to remove or re-route overhead electricity and BT lines and pylons in liaison with relevant organisations such as CCW and GAT (as opportunities arise)

Country Park staff

17 Fund-ing/staff time dependent

Provide worksheets and teacher’s guides relating to the National Curriculum

Country Park staff/education professional/Education Department


Organise further interpretive ‘living history’ days for local schools and as public events. Liaise with Llandudno Museum Education Officer, GAT and local theatrical companies/organisations

Country Park staff


Look into counting visitors through use of data-loggers at access points and on footpaths in the Country Park

Country Park staff

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APPENDIX 1 - PLANNING POLICY RELEVANT TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE GREAT ORME COUNTRY PARK Policy 3L of the Llandudno/Conwy District Council Plan states that: The future development of the Great Orme Country Park and Local Nature Reserve will be guided by the implementation of a comprehensive management plan agreed with the Countryside Commission and the Nature Conservancy Council (Since April 1991 these two bodies have been combined together in Wales as the Countryside Council for Wales). In this respect, a Management Plan has been produced on a 5 yearly basis since 1985. Two other policies contained within the District Plan and which are of particular relevance to the Country Park are detailed below: Policy 4BW Within the Landscape Conservation Areas delineated on the proposals map there will be a presumption against development which could prejudice the existing rural character or visual quality of the landscape. Policy 4 ET National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and Local Naturalist's Trusts reserves will be safeguarded by resisting development within, adjacent or in close proximity to them if this conflicts significantly with nature conservation interests. The above policies contained within the Local Plan are intended to reflect the general management objectives as set out in the Borough Council's Policy Statement of 1976 (and which formed the basis of the submission for Country Park status) and the County Council's earlier Conservation Study of the Great Orme. The Gwynedd Structure Plan was revised, and a new plan adopted in 1993. The following policies are relevant: Policy D1 It is the policy of the County Council to protect and enhance the environment of Gwynedd and in particular of (i) Snowdonia National Park (ii) Llyn and Ynys Mon AONBS (iii) Heritage Coast Policy D3 Outside of the Snowdonia National Park and the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, local planning authorities will identify Landscape Conservation Areas, including those shown on the key diagram, in order to conserve their attributes and they will have particular regard to the special character of each locality when considering proposals for development. In order to minimise its impact, development will only be permitted if it is capable of being satisfactorily integrated into the landscape. Policy D5

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There will be a presumption against proposals to develop sites along the coastline outside the main settlements which would conflict with its landscape character and nature conservation value. Policy DIO To ensure that the County's heritage of wild flora and fauna and geological and physiographic features are safeguarded, particularly NNR's, SSSI's, RSPB reserves, wetlands, Ramsar sites, Special Protection Areas (under EC Bird Directive 74/409), Local Nature Reserves and other areas of high nature conservation interest. Policy D15 In considering proposals for development the planning authorities will ensure that: i. scheduled ancient monuments and their settings will be preserved intact and planning permission will normally be refused ii. areas of archaeological importance and unscheduled archaeological sites (including those important sites which are presently unknown but which may be discovered during the plan period) and their settings which are considered to be of sufficient regional, local or academic interest to merit preservation will be preserved and planning permission will be refused. iii. for archaeological sites not meriting preservation, planning consent will be with-held until provision has been made by the developer for an appropriate archaeological response before and during the development, either through written legal agreement or through the attachment of conditions to any planning consent iv. for archaeological sites of unknown importance and areas of high archaeological potential provision will be made for investigation before and during development v. schemes for development of visitor and educational facilities at and management of appropriate archaeological sites will be encouraged provided they comply with the above. Policy D16 There will be a presumption in favour of retaining a representative selection of industrial, archaeological sites and monuments, which will be protected from redevelopment and derelict land reclamation schemes. Relevant policies from Conwy County Borough Council’s consultation draft Unitary Development Plan (2001) include: Policy ST5 Development that has a significant adverse effect on the existing character of the landscape will not be permitted. Policy E6 Areas of Landscape Value are designated on the proposals map. Development in these areas will only be permitted where: 1 The development does not have a material adverse effect upon the characteristics which justify the designation. Particular attention will be given to the cumulative effect of individual developments on local distinctiveness 2 The design of all buildings and structures, and the materials proposed, closely reflect the built form of the locality; and

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3 In appropriate cases, the proposed development is accompanied by a landscaping scheme which takes into account both the effect and views of the development. Policy E10 Development which would harm the character or appearance of the Great Orme will not be permitted. Policy E15 Development which is likely to have an adverse effect on nature conservation sites identified by the European Union will not be permitted.

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APPENDIX 2 - MAP COVERAGE OF THE GREAT ORME Ordnance Survey Maps 1:50,000 Landranger sheet 115 1:25,000 Pathfinder sheet 736 1:25,000 Outdoor Leisure Series –Snowdonia National Park - Conwy Valley 1977 1:10,000 (Six inches to 1 mile 1993 edition) SH78 SE (and part of SH 78 SW) 1:2,500 (26.344 inches to 1 mile – revised Sept 1959 unless otherwise stated) SH 7484 - SH 7584 SH 7684 - SH 7784 SH 7483 - SH 7583 SH 7683 - SH 7783 SH 7582 SH 7682 - SH 7782 SH 7882 - SH 7982 (revised 1960) SH 7683 SH 7783 SH 7583 1:1250 (50.688 inches to 1 mile) SH 7782 NE (1991) SH 7782 NW (1991) SH 7782 SW (1959) SH 7883 SW (1959) SH 7882 NW (1991) Soil Survey Maps 1:250,000 National Soil Map, Sheet 2 Wales 1:63360 (1 inch to 1 mile) Beaumaris Sheet 94 Bangor - Beaumaris area soils memoir Geological Survey 1:25,000 British Geological Survey Map, sheet SH77/78

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APPENDIX 3 - FULL SSSI SITE CITATION & LIST OF OPERATIONS LIKELY TO DAMAGE THE SCIENTIFIC INTEREST COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST CITATION CONWY PEN Y GOGARTH/GREAT ORMES HEAD Date of Notification: 1957, 1982, 2002 National Grid Reference: SH 767833 O.S. Maps: 1:50,000 Sheet number: 118, 1:10,000 Sheet number: SH 78 SE Site Area: 329.2 ha (approx.) Description: Pen y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head is of special interest for its geological, botanical, entomological, ornithological and marine biological features. The limestone headland, which rises to a height of 207 m, includes sea cliffs and boulder strewn shores, and extends for nearly 8km along the North Wales coastline, separating Conwy Bay and Llandudno Bay. There are sheer limestone cliffs on the north-eastern side, with less severe slopes with a series of low tiers of limestone ridges falling to soft sediment cliffs to the south-west. The site supports the following features of special interest. The site is significant for its Carboniferous Limestone which contains nationally important faunal assemblages in coastal cliffs, inland outcrops, disused quarries and road sections. Additionally, the Great Orme Copper Mines provide the best UK example of an internationally important class of ore referred to as the Copper-Dolomite association. The limestone and associated sedimentary deposits supports sizable areas of calcicolous (lime-loving) grassland, limestone and acidic heath, maritime cliff vegetation and a mixture of other plant communities and habitats. The endemic wild cotoneaster Cotoneaster cambricus, spiked speedwell Veronica spicata ssp. hybrida, goldilocks aster Aster linosyris and spotted cat’s-ear Hypochaeris maculata and a variety of nationally scarce species are present, along with an isolated population of horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa, here at its only site in North Wales and the rare, nationally endemic Welsh hawkweed, Hieracium cambricum. An assemblage of bryophytes and lichens including the nationally vulnerable species Collema fragile and Synalissa symphorea are present. The Great Orme supports populations of the silky wave moth Idaea dilutaria, silver-studded blue Plebejus argus caernensis and grayling Hipparchia semele thyone endemic butterflies. It also supports the weevil Helianthemapion aciculare, the rare pollen beetle Meligethes brevis and a large grassland invertebrate assemblage. It has the largest extent of moderately exposed rock, supporting a complete zonation of marine biotopes as well as specialised and nationally scarce animals and algae most typically associated with rock pool, cave and limestone rock habitats found between The Great Orme and the Solway Firth. The sea cliffs regularly support a large colony of breeding sea birds. Geology: There are two separate geological features on the Great Orme.

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Great Orme (Lower Carboniferous) - Historically one of the classic Dinantian sites in Wales the Great Orme is one of the most widely known Carboniferous Limestone faunal sites in Britain and is the type-locality for numerous species. Its Asbian-Brigantian section has received little sedimentological or palaeoecological study in modern terms and has great research potential. The locality is of great importance for studies of Welsh palaeogeography, sedimentation and faunas in the late Dinantian.Great Orme Copper Mines (Mineralogy of Wales) - The old copper mines on the Great Orme headland constitute the first and prime UK example of the internationally important class of ore deposits referred to as the Copper-Dolomite association. In other metallogenic provinces of the world, this class of mineralization is spatially associated with cogenetic, exhalative lead-zinc deposits of the Irish type. The primary mineralization at Great Orme consists of chalcopyrite crystals scattered over a dolomite gangue, in a matrix of cavernous and highly dolomitized Carboniferous Limestone. This mineralization also includes Mississippi Valley Type vein-type lead and uraniferous hydrocarbons, with which attempts have been made radiometrically to date the mineralization. Secondary modification of the primary carbonates and sulphides has led to the development of a complex, multiphase supergene assemblage featuring several generations of malachite and calcite. The Great Orme is also of international archaeological importance as a site of Bronze Age copper mining, and as such has been the focus of much excavation, which continues to reveal many features of metallogenic and archaeological interest. Biology: The distribution of the grassland and heath plant communities is intimately bound to the pattern of soils, which in turn are influenced by slope and aspect. Soils are derived from three main sources, limestone bedrock, wind blown sand or loess and glacial till. The former gives rise to base-rich shallow soils with an organic-enriched mineral surface horizon, whilst the latter two give rise to deeper soils less influenced by the underlying limestone. All soils are free-draining. The combination of bedrock, soils, topography and bioclimatic conditions interacting with past and present human activities has given rise to a complex mosaic of plant communities, exemplified in the zonations between acid heath, various forms of limestone heath and limestone grassland and vegetated sea cliffs, all of which are of outstanding ecological interest. The occurrence of medieval ridge and furrow and older field enclosures indicate past cultivation of some of the site. Maritime influences upon the heath and grassland are not strong with only local occurrences of species such as sea plantain Plantago maritima, spring squill Scilla verna and thrift Armeria maritima. The latter occurs either in association with grassy ledges amongst the sea cliffs on the northern and western sides or where there are spoil banks arising from old mine sites. The rockiest and thinnest soils (to 4 cm deep) occupy the drought prone edges and tops of the tiers of south facing limestone cliffs and crags. This supports open short turf containing sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, crested hair grass Koeleria macrantha, meadow oat-grass Avenula pratensis and quaking grass Briza media with abundant herbs that include wild thyme Thymus polytrichus, salad burnet Sanguisorba minor, carline thistle Carlina vulgaris, common rock rose Helianthemum nummularium, kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria and the nationally scarce hoary rock-rose Helianthemum canum. The Great Orme supports the largest expanse of this grassland type in Great Britain. Mosses such as Weissia controversa, Tortella tortuosa and Trichostomum brachydontium are also common. Where soils are deeper (to 15 cm deep) on less steep slopes away from cliff and crag tops, the most extensive grassland community is a closed sward of grasses

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and sedges, including sheep’s fescue, crested hair-grass, quaking grass, common bent Agrostis capillaris, spring sedge Carex caryophyllea and glaucous sedge Carex flacca. Herbs remain prominent with common rock-rose, salad burnet, wild thyme, common bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus, lady’s bedstraw Galium verum, dropwort Filipendula ulmaria, and harebell Campanula rotundifolia among the most frequent of the many species present. Spring squill Scilla verna occurs where maritime influences are greatest. Mosses common in this sward include Dicranum scoparium and Scleropodium purum. Local modifications to this sward brought about by either more intensive livestock grazing or the trampling of the many visitors reduce the moss component and lead to increases in species such as crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus and white clover Trifolium repens. Overlooking Llandudno, on south-facing slopes where grazing is less intense, is a taller rank sward where downy oat-grass Helictotrichon pubescens and red fescue Festuca rubra are the principal grasses and where fewer herbs such as wild thyme and mouse-ear hawkweed Hieracium pilosella occur. In extreme cases this gives way to scrub encroachment by for example, gorse Ulex europaeus, non-native shrubs including Cotoneaster spp. and secondary woodland dominated by ash Fraxinus excelsior. North-facing slopes support small stands of a grassland dominated by sheep’s fescue, common bent and thyme Thymus praecox and includes species indicative of cooler, shadier and less base-rich conditions such as tormentil Potentilla erecta, common dog violet Viola riviniana, heath grass Danthonia decumbens, and the mosses Hylocomium splendens and Thuidium tamariscinum. The bulk of the heath vegetation is dominated by heather, Calluna vulgaris and western gorse Ulex gallii mainly where lenses of loess overlie glacigenic deposits on the less steep slopes. The heath occurs in an intimate mosaic with the grassland communities throughout the site and also includes a vegetation type characterised as calcicolous grass heath where western gorse is conspicuous by its virtual absence but where ericoids are abundant. This heath also contains many species typical of the ‘species-rich’ calcicolous grassland. The area occupied by calcicolous grass heath is similar in extent to the heather and western gorse heath, where western gorse is co-dominant with bell heather Erica cinerea. This heath can be described in three forms; species-poor, where the dominant shrubs form a tall closed canopy with small amounts of heather and herbs such as harebell, heath bedstraw Galium saxatile and tormentil are present but rare, shorter and more open heath, where grasses such as heath-grass and bent Agrostis spp. are present in quantity with other herbs that include slender St John’s-wort Hypericum pulchrum and very open species-rich heath, where the dominant shrubs share dominance with calcicolous species that include common rock-rose, dropwort, glaucous sedge, wild thyme and common bird’s-foot-trefoil making it floristically very similar to the sheep’s fescue and meadow oat-grass Helictotrichon pratense grassland that often occurs in close proximity. There are a number of both calcicolous (lime-loving) and calcifugous (lime-hating) species present in this species-rich heath vegetation. Salad burnet, lady’s bedstraw, quaking-grass and fairy flax Linum catharticum are calcicolous species, whereas slender St John’s-wort, heath-grass and tormentil are calcifugous. Almost entirely confined to the north-facing slopes above and below the Marine Drive to the east of the lighthouse and only thinly scattered elsewhere is a different heath vegetation, characterized by heather and bell heather Erica cinerea which is present in small quantity. This short vegetation also contains bent, sheep’s fescue and tormentil but with few calcicolous species.

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The intergrading mixtures of limestone grassland and dry heathland are particularly well displayed at Great Ormes Head, and there are extensive repeated sequences of limestone grassland and basic to acidic heath along the south-western flank of the promontory. Limestone pavements at the western end have grikes (cracks in the rock) containing a rich scrub woodland flora that includes blackthorn Prunus spinosa, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, wild privet Ligustrum vulgare, ivy Hedera helix, wild madder Rubia peregrina, wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum, dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis and herb-robert Geranium robertianum. In addition, the ferns black spleenwort Asplenium adiantum-nigrum hart’s-tongue Phyllitis scolopendrium and brittle bladder-fern Cystopteris fragilis are present. The occurrence of Danish scurvygrass Cochlearia danica and pellitory-of-the-wall Parietaria judaica here is unique for limestone pavement in North Wales. The precipitous cliffs to the west of the lighthouse and above the Marine Drive at Pen Trwyn support a maritime cliff-ledge community with wild cabbage Brassica oleracea, thrift and sea plantain clinging onto narrow ledges and crevices in the sheer cliff faces accompanied by calcicolous species intolerant of livestock grazing such as bloody cranesbill Geranium sanguineum. Other vegetation includes dense stands of bracken Pteridium aquilinum where soils are deepest in the vicinity of Pant yr Eglwys, Mynydd Isaf and the glacial till slopes to the west of Llys Helig Drive where they present a threat to grassland and species-rich heath. Small stands of secondary woodland occupy the steepest slopes above Llandudno where livestock grazing has diminished since the nineteenth century. These have a canopy of ash Fraxinus excelsior and sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus over a shrub layer of hawthorn, hazel Corylus avellana and elder Sambucus nigra. The ground and field layer are dominated by dog’s mercury, false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, ivy and bramble Rubus fruticosus. Scrubby fringes of this woodland support the nationally scarce ivy broomrape Orobanche hederae. Important species present on the site that have a disjunct distribution in the British Isles include hoary rock-rose, goldilocks aster Aster linosyris, spotted cat’s-ear Hypochaeris maculata spiked speedwell Veronica spicata ssp. hybrida, Nottingham catchfly Silene nutans and hutchinsia Hornungia petraea. A northern element is represented by mountain everlasting Antennaria dioica, spring sandwort Minuartia verna and dark-red helleborine Epipactis helleborine. Other rare species of note include Welsh hawkweed Hieracium cambricum, spring cinquefoil Potentilla neumanniana and white horehound Marrubium vulgare. A large population of horseshoe vetch occurs here, remote from its main centre of distribution. The native endemic species wild cotoneaster Cotoneaster cambricus is present at its only location in the world where a small population maintains a grip on limestone crags. This site supports a notable assemblage of rock and soil-inhabiting bryophytes and lichens, characteristic of Carboniferous Limestone cliff, outcrops and crevices. The lichen population includes the nationally vulnerable species Collema fragile and Synalissa symphorea and the nationally rare Opegrapha parasitica and Rinodina immersa. The bryophyte population includes the nationally rare species Bryum funckii and Funaria pulchella.

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The limestone grasslands of the Great Orme support an outstanding assemblage of invertebrates. The majority of the most significant species are thermophilous i.e. they are confined to the hot, south and west facing slopes of the headland, particularly where mosaics of low scrub and herb-rich grassland develop under reduced grazing pressure. The site is especially noteworthy for two unique butterfly sub-species, the grayling Hipparchia semele thyone and the silver-studded blue Plebejus argus caernensis, whilst the weevil Helianthemapion aciculare occurs here at its only British site. The latter two species breed on luxuriant growth of the rockrose and this plant is also the host for the nationally rare pollen beetle Meligethes brevis, which occurs here in its strongest British population. Rockrose is also believed to be the main food plant of the silky wave moth Idaea dilutaria, which is otherwise known in Britain only from the South Gower coast and the Avon Gorge. Another highly restricted species nationally is the horehound plume moth Wheeleria spilodactyla which feeds as a larva on white horehound Marrubium vulgare growing in disturbed limestone grassland. Other scarce invertebrate species of the grasslands on the Great Orme include the chalk carpet moth Scotopteryx bipunctaria, the ground beetle Amara curta, the weevil Limobius borealis and the spider Episinus truncatus. In a few places where springs emanate from the limestone slopes shallow seepages support an important fly fauna which includes the nationally rare craneflies Limonia goritiensis and Orimarga virgo and the scarce soldier-flies Oxycera pygmaea and Oxycera pardalina. The site is important as it supports the largest breeding colony of seabirds in the East Gwynedd Area of Search. These occur on the sea cliffs predominantly between March and August of each year and include guillemot Uria aalge, razorbill Alca torda, and kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. Breeding pairs of cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis are also present. The headland caves support hibernating populations of lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros. Marine Biology: The marine biology of the site is of special interest because the shoreline is the largest extent of moderately exposed rock between the Great Ormes Head and the Solway Firth. In addition, it exhibits the best example of intertidal moderately exposed rock communities expected to occur on this type of coastline. A complete zonation of marine communities on cliff faces and across the shoreline, occurs with a variety of specialised habitats and species associated with cave, boulder and rock pool habitats. Nationally important populations of ‘piddock’ rock-boring bivalves Pholadidae spp. occur in a continuous band around the headland on rock outcrops and boulders amongst oarweed Laminaria digitata or serrated wrack Fucus serratus seaweeds. Steep sea cliffs exhibit an almost uninterrupted zonation with broad bands of yellow and grey lichens, the black tar lichen Verrucaria maura, acorn barnacles Chthamalus montagui, Semibalanus balanoides and limpets Patella vulgata, and the common mussel Mytilus edulis. The western extent of the intertidal adjacent to Hornby Cave has the greatest wave exposure, here acorn barnacles and common mussels dominate the mid shore, whereas less exposed eastward cliffs display a zonation of the red seaweeds carragheen moss Mastocarpus stellatus and dulse Osmundia pinnatifida amongst serrated wrack and oarweed to seaward. All of the lower shore rock and boulder is pitted with ‘piddock’ holes. Within the eastward cliffs are numerous narrow caves of varying depth which support sponges including Halichondria panicea, Hymeniacidon perleve,

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Halisarca dujardini and Myxilla incrustans, anemones Sargatia elegans, Actinia equina and Metridium senile, and sea squirts such as Dendrodoa grossularia, Botryllus schlosseri and Morchellium argus. Broken cliffs above bedrock and boulder platforms are found on the north side of the site. Here the shore is wider and consequently, whilst exhibiting a similar zonation to the vertical cliffs, there are broader bands of acorn barnacles and limpets with distinct areas of brown and red seaweeds such as dulce Palmaria palmata and occasional carragheen moss Mastocarpus stellatus. Frequent seepages of freshwater through the rock substrata promote ephemeral seaweeds such as gutweed Enteromorpha species. Mid to upper shore mobile cobbles and boulders are sparsely colonised, whereas lower shore examples have ephemeral gutweed and laver seaweed Porphyra purpurea. The eastern extent of the intertidal between Pen Trwyn and Llandudno pier is similarly composed of boulders in front of hard limestone rock. The lichen zonation continues around the shoreline where hard rock backs the shore. Channel wrack Pelvetia caniculata and spiral wrack Fucus spiralis with an abundance of acorn barnacles and periwinkles Littorina spp., occuring to seaward. Knotted wrack Ascophylum nodosum is more typical of sheltered upper shores. An area of large common mussels occur to seaward with serrated wrack, dulse or carragheen moss. As boulder size decreases near low water mark, serrated wrack is superceded by wide bands of oarweed. Large under-boulder communities of common starfish Asterias rubens, edible crab Cancer pagurus and velvet swimming crab Necora puber are common. Larger boulder shaded overhangs are dominated by sponges such as Hymeniacidon perleve, the breadcrumb sponge Halichondria panicea and red algae such as dulce, Membranoptera alata and Plocamium cartinagineum. Sea squirts such as Botryllus schlosseri, Botrylloides leachi and Aplidium spp. and bryozoans such as Scrupocellaria rupens with abundant ‘dead man’s fingers’ Alcyonium digitatum, occur lower down the shore. Remarks: 1. Part of the site is leased by the North Wales Wildlife Trust. 2. Terrestrial areas of the site support ‘European Dry Heath’, ‘Semi-Natural Dry Grassland’ and ‘Vegetated Sea Cliff’ habitat as described under Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) these are a component part of the Great Ormes Head / Pen y Gogarth Special Area of Conservation (SAC). 3. The intertidal section of this site contains ‘reef’ habitat features as described under Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive. Areas of this site below Mean Low Water mark are part of the Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC. 4. Wild cotoneaster and spiked speedwell are schedule 8 species in the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended). 5. Wild cotoneaster, goldilocks aster, hairy-fruited cornsalad, Welsh hawkweed and spotted cat’s-ear are Red Data Book species. 6. The lichens Collema fragile and Synalissa symphorea are listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the Red Data Book list.

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7. The grayling, silver-studded blue, silky wave moth and horehound plume moth, and the weevil Helianthemapion aciculare and the pollen beetle Meligethes brevis are Red Data Book species. This document is NOT a definitive legal version and has been formatted, updated and partially edited for use on the CCW Web site. This document should not be used in any legal proceedings, public enquiry or any other hearing or appeal. If you require a full legal copy of the document please contact CCW in writing. Appendix 3 continued – SSSI Site Management Statement COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST: MANAGEMENT STATEMENT CONWY PEN Y GOGARTH / GREAT ORMES HEAD Date of Notification: 19 September 2002 Site Area: 329.2 ha (approx.) 1. Introduction: This management statement contains CCW’s opinion of the way in which the SSSI should be managed in order to maintain its special interest. It also provides a basis for future discussions and decisions on the conservation management of the SSSI. It is important that any works described in this statement are fully discussed with and formally consented by CCW, before any of these management activities are started. The document sets out a vision for the features of interest; it describes the key issues affecting those features and outlines any management considered necessary to safeguard the features. It is very important to recognise that management may need to change with time. Problems that we are aware of today may be resolved or completely removed and new unforeseen problems may arise. New improved management techniques may also become available. Consequently the management outlined in this document is considered appropriate for the short term but may need to change in the long term. 2. Features of Special Scientific Interest: 2.1 Carboniferous Limestone exposed in coastal cliffs, inland outcrops and disused Quarries 2.2 Mine dumps and exposed mineral veins at the Great Orme Copper Mines 2.3 A rare assemblage of lichens and mosses 2.4 Grassland, heath and sea cliff communities 2.5 Rare plant species, associated with the limestone, boulder clay and loess (wind blown sand) substrate of the headland 2.6 A grassland assemblage of insects 2.7 Intertidal habitats and species associated with moderately exposed rock

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2.8 A variety of specialised and nationally important marine animals and algae associated with rock-pool, overhang, cave and limestone rock habitats 2.9 Sea cliffs regularly supporting a large colony of breeding birds As well as the features listed above, Pen y Gogarth / Great Ormes Head has other habitats and species that also contribute to the special wildlife interest. These include acid, neutral and marshy grasslands, gorse, broad-leaved woodland, inland cliff, rock outcrops, as well as quarry and limestone pavement. This diversity of habitats is important for a wide range of species. Except where specified below, management of this site should aim to look after these habitats as well as the listed features of interest. 3. Long-term Vision for the Site and Features 3.1 The Carboniferous Limestone exposed in coastal cliffs, road sections, inland outcrops and disused quarries should remain in their current excellent condition and the current level of exposure should be maintained. This should ensure that the cliffs are accessible allowing continued study by geologists into the Carboniferous geology of North Wales. 3.2 The mine dumps and exposed mineral veins should continue to provide an opportunity to study the copper sulphides and associated minerals exposed throughout the site. The spoil tips and exposed mineral veins should not be removed or concealed and should remain accessible to geologists. 3.3 The limestone rock and alkaline soils should continue to support a rich population of rare lichens and mosses, including Collema fragile and Synalissa symphorea. 3.4 The Great Orme headland should continue to support species-rich grassland communities of lime-loving plants, heathland and maritime sea cliff vegetation. In addition, rare and scarce species such as wild cotoneaster, spiked speedwell, goldilocks aster, hoary rockrose, spring cinquefoil, dwarf mouse-ear and sea cabbage should be maintained. 3.5 Populations of rare insects should be maintained especially the silky wave moth, the silver-studded blue and grayling butterflies, the weevil Helianthemapion aciculare, and the rare pollen beetle Meligethes brevis. 3.6 The intertidal rock and boulders should continue to support a wide variety of specialised and nationally important habitats, animals and algae typical of this moderately exposed limestone coastline. This should include communities of nationally important limestone-boring bivalve piddocks. In addition, populations of specialised animals and algae associated with bedrock, boulder, rock pool and cave habitats should be maintained. 3.7 A combined breeding colony of at least 1500 pairs of kittiwake, razorbill and guillemot should be maintained annually on sea cliff ledges. 4. Key Management Issues:

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4.1 Carboniferous limestone exposed in coastal cliffs, inland outcrops and disused quarries 4.2 Mine dumps and exposed mineral veins at the Great Orme Copper Mines Visibility Activities that obscure the rock faces such as engineering work or dumping of earth, spoil or waste material, should be avoided. Current land-use practices Current land-use practices on and surrounding this site should not affect the geological interest of the site. Care should be taken that any changes in land-use, for example, sea defence, drainage or extraction of rock, do not affect the geological interest of the site. Accessibility The rock and soft sediment exposures should remain accessible allowing further study and research into the Carboniferous geology and mineralogy of the Great Orme. 4.3 A rare assemblage of lichens and mosses 4.4 Grassland heath and sea cliff communities 4.5 Rare plant species associated with the limestone, boulder clay and loess substrate of the headland Grazing - grassland To maintain the range of calcicolous (lime-loving) plant species, grassland and sea cliff communities and the assemblage of lichens and mosses, an appropriate grazing regime should be maintained. In the main this should be achieved by moderate levels of grazing by sheep, throughout the year, although light or no stock grazing will be appropriate for some small parts of the site. Some adjustments to grazing intensity, pattern and frequency, to protect vulnerable parts of the site, may be necessary subject to consultation with owners and occupiers. Grazing – heath To maintain the heathland with structural and age diversity, light grazing, except during the winter period, is required. Mowing on a rotational basis will assist this providing that regeneration is not suppressed by inappropriate grazing levels. Burning as a means of heathland management should not be promoted, given the risks of encouraging unauthorised burning by the public. CCW will work with landowners and occupiers to achieve this. Control of invasive species To maintain the diversity of plant, moss and lichen communities, where feasible, the removal of invasive species such as native scrub (including gorse), bracken and non-native cotoneaster should be encouraged. CCW will work with landowners and occupiers to achieve this. Public pressure Grassland can be degraded by trampling and widening of the existing footpath network. CCW will work with Conwy Council Borough Council to monitor the effects of visitor pressure upon plant communities. Agricultural improvement Although not foreseen as a problem at present, CCW will work with private owners of land within the site, to ensure that agricultural improvement of land does not occur. 4.6 A grassland assemblage of insects Without exception, the 'key' invertebrate species prefer lightly-grazed limestone grassland and all are effectively confined to the hot south and west facing slopes of the Orme. Historically, grazing levels have been too high for most of these species and some are restricted to the area between Haulfre Gardens and the mini golf course

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at Cwlach, where sheep and goat grazing is limited. Efforts to extend the area of light grazing on these slopes would be beneficial to the invertebrate fauna as a whole. 4.7 Intertidal habitats and species associated with moderately exposed rock and boulders 4.8 A variety of specialised and nationally important marine animals and algae associated with rock-pool, overhang, cave and limestone rock habitats Foreshore usage The intertidal communities are not threatened by current levels of activity or land usage, although any possible future pollution incidents could have serious negative impacts on these features. Disturbance to shellfish and under boulder communities may occur through bait collection. Reclamation or foreshore reinforcement adjacent to the Great Orme headland may have deleterious effects upon adjacent intertidal communities. CCW will work with landowners and statutory authorities to minimise such risks. 4.9 Sea cliffs regularly supporting a large colony of breeding birds Disturbance to breeding colonies In order to maintain nationally important numbers of breeding sea birds on the sea cliffs and ledges, it is important to keep human disturbance of these sites to a minimum, especially during periods of breeding. Additionally, the maintenance of rare sea cliff plant communities requires minimal disturbance. Therefore CCW will work to ensure that the existing voluntary ban on rock climbing by British Mountaineering Council members between 1 March and 31 July each year is maintained. Appendix 3 continued – Operations Likely to Damage the Scientific Interest (OLDSI) of the Site COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST: OPERATIONS REQUIRING CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES (CCW) SITE NAME: PEN Y GOGARTH/GREAT ORMES HEAD UNITARY AUTHORITY: CONWY DATE OF NOTIFICATION: 2002 The operations listed below may damage the features of interest of Pen y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head SSSI. Before any of these operations are undertaken you must consult CCW, and may require our consent. The list of operations is not a prohibited list. It is usually possible to carry out some of these operations in certain ways, or at specific times of year, or on certain parts of the SSSI, without damaging the features of interest. If you wish to carry out any of these activities please contact the local office of CCW, a Conservation Officer will give you advice and where appropriate issue a consent. Please help us by using the enclosed form to ask us for consent to carry out these operations. In certain circumstances it will not be possible to consent these operations, because they would damage the features of interest. Where possible the Conservation Officer will suggest alternative ways in which you may proceed, which would enable a consent to be issued. To proceed without CCW's consent may constitute an offence. If consent is refused, or conditions attached to it, which are not acceptable to you, you will be provided with details of how you may appeal to the National Assembly of Wales.

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Ref No Type of operation 1. Cultivation, including ploughing, rotovating, harrowing and re-seeding. 2. Grazing and alterations to the grazing regime (including type of stock, intensity or seasonal pattern of grazing). 3. Stock feeding, the introduction of stock feeding and alterations to stock feeding practice. 4. Mowing or cutting vegetation, the introduction of mowing or cutting and alterations to the mowing or cutting regime (such as from haymaking to silage). 5. Application of manure, slurry, silage liquor, fertilisers and lime. 6. Application of pesticides and herbicides (weedkillers). 7. Dumping, spreading or discharging of any materials. 8. Burning of vegetation. 9. Release into the site of any wild, feral, captive-bred or domestic animal*, plant, seed or micro-organism and any genetically modified organism. 10. Killing, injuring, taking or removal of any wild animal*, or the eggs/nests of any wild animal or the disturbing, taking, damaging or destroying of any wild animal in its place of shelter, excluding pest control. 11. Destruction, displacement, removal or cutting of any plant or plant remains, including tree, shrub, herb, hedge, dead or decaying wood, moss, lichen, fungus, or turf. 12. Tree and/or woodland management, the introduction of tree and/or woodland management and alterations to tree and/or woodland management including planting, felling, pruning and tree surgery, thinning, coppicing, changes in species composition and removal of fallen timber. 13b. Modification to the structure of water courses including springs, ditches, drains, including their banks and beds, by re-alignment, regrading, damming or dredging. 15. Infilling or digging of ditches, dykes, drains, ponds, pools, marshes, quarries or pits. 16b. Alterations to coastal fishing practice or fisheries management and seafood or marine life collection. 18. Bait collection in intertidal areas. 19. Erection and repair of sea defences or coast protection works, including cliff or landslip drainage or stabilisation measures. 20. Extraction of minerals including shingle, hard rock, sand and gravel, topsoil, subsoil, lime, limestone pavement, shells and spoil.

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21. Destruction, construction, removal, rerouting, or regrading of roads, tracks, walls, fences, hardstands, banks, ditches or other earthworks, including soil and rock exposures. 22. Storage of materials. 23. Erection of permanent or temporary structures or the undertaking of engineering works, including drilling or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines and cables, above or below ground. 24. Modification of natural or man-made features (including cave entrances) and clearance of boulders, large stones, loose rock or scree and the battering, buttressing or grading of geological exposures and cuttings (rock and soil). 26. Use of vehicles or craft, except on public roads. 27. Recreational activities. 28. Introduction of game management. Notes: i. This is a list of operations appearing to CCW to be likely to damage the special features of

this SSSI, as required under section 28(4)(b) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as substituted by Schedule 9 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

ii. Where an operation has been granted a consent, licence or permission from another authority separate consent will not normally be required from CCW, however you should always give notice to CCW prior to exercising such consent, licence or permission.

iii. Any reference to animal in this list shall be taken to include any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish or invertebrate (including honey bees). This document is NOT a definitive legal version and has been formatted, updated and partially edited for use on the CCW Web site. This document should not be used in any legal proceedings, public enquiry or any other hearing or appeal. If you require a full legal copy of the document please contact CCW in writing.

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APPENDIX 4 - GREAT ORME’S HEAD GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION REVIEW AND COPPER MINES GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION REVIEW STATEMENTS The statement of interest within the GCR describes the Orme as: “Historically one of the classic Dinantian sites in Wales, the Great Orme is one of the most widely known Carboniferous Limestone faunal sites in Britain and is the type locality for numerous species. Its Asbian-Brigantian section has received little sedimentological or palaeontological study in modern times and has great research potential. A locality with great importance to studies of Welsh palaeogeography sedimentation and faunas in the late Dinantian.” The statement of interest contained within the, ‘GCR Review of Metal Mines in Gwynedd’ describes the copper mines as: “Metallogenically outside the main run of Gwynedd sites, the old copper mines of the Great Orme are more strictly related to the Carboniferous-hosted NE Wales orefield, one of the well-known Pennine-type orefields of the UK. They constitute the prime UK example of the Copper-Dolomite class of ore deposits, which are associated both with exhalative lead-zinc deposits of Irish-type and with Mississippi Valley-type deposits (as present in the Pennine orefields). Great Orme is an historically important site, with working having been proved back to Bronze Age times; the ongoing excavations are also revealing exposures of mineralisation and samples of the complex, multiphase ore.” The headland can briefly be described as a tilted Carboniferous Limestone syncline (downfold), being the northern outcrop of an arc of limestone, which extends south-west to Llanidlan in Clwyd. The various cliffs, quarries and rock outcrops on the site provide clear evidence of sedimentation on a marine platform adjacent to a land mass, which occasionally suffered aerial exposure. The stratigraphy of the Great Orme has not been specifically researched in any detail, but it is mentioned in various works. The mainly carbonate sequence of rocks is of Lower Carboniferous age in particular the two uppermost series in that period, namely Asbian and Brigantian strata, and was laid down in a variety of shallow water marine environments. However, in view of the excellence of geological exposure and the diversity of sedimentary features, recently published information is surprisingly -sparse, an account and geological map by Smyth (1925) remaining the most satisfactory guide to the stratigraphic succession. Aspects of the stratigraphy are, however, discussed in short thesis (Rowley C.R. 1983). A GCR Site Management Report (1993) has been prepared by CCW however, this only deals with the Carboniferous Limestone and will require review to incorporate the Copper Mine interest.

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APPENDIX 5 - CLIMATIC INFORMATION The site has been classified as having two distinct bioclimatic zones. The North and Western part of the headland has been classified as C4V and the South Eastern slopes as D3P. This may be interpreted as: Thermal Qualities Accumulated Temperatures (days above 5.6c)* C Moderately Cool 1375 – 1650 D Slightly Cool 1650 – 1925 Moisture Qualities Moisture Deficit (mm)** 3 Moderately Cool 60 – 100 4 Slightly Moist 100 – 180 Exposure Qualities Approx. Average Annual Vegetation Effect Windspeed (m per second) P Exposed 4.8 – 6.6 Poor tree growth V Very Exposed More than 6.6 Heather very short, trees absent. *Accumulated Temperature is a measurement of accumulated values in degrees when the mean temperature is above 5.6c (the minimum temperature at which grasses can start to grow). ** Moisture Deficit is a measurement of the average maximum potential soil moisture deficit ie actual rainfall minus potential transpiration. (Bendelow, V.C. & Hartnup, R, ‘Climatic Classification of England and Wales’ Soil Survey Technical monograph No 15, Harpenden 1980)

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APPENDIX 6 - BYELAWS

IS-DDEDDFAU PARC GWLEDIG Y GOGARTH

Is-ddeddfau sydd wedi eu gwneud gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy dan Adran 41 Deddf Cefn Gwlad 168, mewn perthynas â Pharc Gwledig y Gogarth, Llandudno.

GREAT ORME COUNTRY PARK BYELAWS

Byelaws made by the Council of the County Borough of Conwy under Section 41 of the Countryside Act 1968, with respect to Great Orme Country Park, Llandudno.

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IS-DDEDDFAU PARC GWLEDIG Y GOGARTH Is-ddeddfau sydd wedi eu gwneud gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy dan Adran 41 Deddf Cefn Gwlad 168, mewn perthynas â Pharc Gwledig y Gogarth, Llandudno. Dehongliad 1. Yn yr is-ddeddfau hyn: mae "y Cyngor" yn golygu Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy; mae "y tir" yn golygu Parc Gwledig Y Gogarth, Llandudno, ym Mwrdeistref Sirol Conwy, fel y dangosir ef ar y cynllun sydd wedi ei atodi yma. Cerbydau 2. (1) Ni chaiff unrhyw berson, heb reswm rhesymol, reidio na gyrru beic, beic modur, cerbyd modur neu unrhyw gerbyd arall a yrrir yn fecanyddol ar y tir, neu achosi i unrhyw feic modur, gerbyd modur, trelar neu unrhyw gerbyd arall a yrrir yn fecanyddol (heblaw am feic seiclo) fod ar y tir, ag eithrio ar unrhyw ran o'r tir lle mae hawl tramwy i gerbyd yn y dosbarth hwnnw. (2) Os yw'r Cyngor wedi neilltuo llecyn ar y tir i'w ddefnyddio gan gerbydau o unrhyw ddosbarth, ni fydd yr is-ddeddf hon yn atal reidio neu yrru y cerbydau hynny yn y llecyn a ddynodwyd, neu ar lwybr, a ddangosir gan arwyddion sydd wedi eu gosod mewn safleoedd amlwg, rhyngddo a'r mynediad i'r tir. (3) Nid fydd yr is-ddeddf hon yn ymestyn i gynnwys cerbyd person gydag anabledd.

GREAT ORME COUNTRY PARK BYELAWS

Byelaws made by the Council of the County Borough of Conwy under Section 41 of the Countryside Act 1968, with respect to Great Orme Country Park, Llandudno.

Interpretation 1. In these byelaws: “the Council” means Conwy County Borough Council;“the land” means the Great Orme Country Park, Llandudno, in the County Borough of Conwy as shown on the plan attached hereto.

Vehicles 2. (1) No person shall, without reasonable excuse, ride or drive a cycle, motor cycle, motor vehicle or any other mechanically propelled vehicle on the land, or bring or cause to be brought on to the land a motor cycle, motor vehicle, trailer or any other mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a cycle), except on any part of the land where there is a right of way for that class of vehicle. (2) If the Council has set apart a space on the land for use by vehicles of any class, this byelaw shall not prevent the riding or driving of those vehicles in the space so set apart, or on a route, indicated by signs placed in conspicuous positions, between it and the entrance to the land. (3) This byelaw shall not extend to invalid

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(4) Yn yr is-ddeddf hon: mae "beic" yn cynnwys beic, beic tair olwyn neu feic sydd â phedair neu fwy o olwynion, heb fod mewn unrhyw achos yn feic modur neu'n gerbyd modur; mae "cerbyd person gydag anabledd" yn golygu cerbyd, pa un ai a yw'n un a yrrir yn fecanyddol ai peidio, heb fod â phwysau gweili dros 150 cilogram, heb fod yn lletach na 0.85 metr ac sydd wedi cael ei adeiladu neu ei addasu i'w ddefnyddio i gludo un person, sef person sy'n dioddef o fath o ddiffyg corfforol neu anabledd ac sy'n cael ei ddefnyddio gan y person hwnnw yn unig; mae "beic modur" yn golygu cerbyd a yrrir yn fecanyddol, heb fod yn gerbyd person gydag anabledd, sydd â llai na phedair olwyn ac sydd heb fod â phwysau gweili dros 410 cilogram; mae "cerbyd modur" yn golygu cerbyd a yrrir yn fecanyddol, heb fod yn gerbyd person gydag anabledd, sydd wedi ei fwriadu neu ei addasu i'w ddefnyddio ar ffyrdd; mae "trelar" yn golygu cerbyd a dynnir gan gerbyd modur ac sy'n cynnwys carafán. Dringo 3. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson, heb reswm digonol, ddringo wyneb unrhyw graig, wal na ffens sydd ar neu'n amgáu'r tir, neu unrhyw goeden, neu unrhyw atalfa, rheilin, bostyn nac unrhyw strwythur arall. Symud Strwythurau 4. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson, heb reswm digonol, symud neu ddisodli oddi ar y tir unrhyw atalfa, rheilin, bostyn na sedd, neu unrhyw ran o strwythur neu addurn, neu unrhyw offeryn a ddarparwyd i'w ddefnyddio ar gyfer gweddlunio neu gynnal y tir.

carriages. (4) In this byelaw: “cycle” means a bicycle, a tricycle or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor cycle or motor vehicle; “invalid carriage” means a vehicle, whether mechanically propelled or not, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 150 kilograms, the width of which does not exceed 0.85 meters and which has been constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of one person, being a person suffering from some physical defect or disability and is used solely by such a person; “motor cycle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle, not being an invalid carriage, with less than four wheels and the weight of which unladen does not exceed 410 kilograms; “motor vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle, not being an invalid carriage, intended or adapted for use on roads; “trailer” means a vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle and includes a caravan. Climbing

3. No person shall, without reasonable excuse, climb any rock face, wall or fence on or enclosing the land, or any tree, or any barrier, railing, post or other structure. Removal of Structures 4. No person shall, without reasonable excuse, remove from or displace on the land any barrier, railing, post or seat, or any part of any structure or ornament, or any implement provided for use in the laying out or maintenance of the land.

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Gwersylla 5. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson, heb ganiatâd y Cyngor, godi pabell neu ddefnyddio unrhyw gerbyd ar y tir, gan gynnwys carafán, neu unrhyw strwythur arall i bwrpas gwersylla, heblaw ar unrhyw lecyn sydd wedi ei neilltuo a'i ddangos gan hysbysiad fel man lle caniateir gwersylla. Tanau 6. (1) Ni chaiff unrhyw berson gynnau tân yn fwriadol, na gosod, taflu neu ganiatáu i ddisgyn unrhyw fatsien wedi ei thanio neu unrhyw beth arall sy'n debygol o achosi tân. achosi tân. (2) Ni fydd yr is-ddeddf hon yn atal rhag tanio neu ddefnyddio stôf neu offer coginio gwersylla sydd wedi ei adeiladu'n iawn, mewn modd na fydd yn achosi perygl o dân neu ddifrod ganddo. Masnachu 7. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson ar y tir, heb ganiatâd y Cyngor, werthu, neu gynnig neu arddangos i werthu, na gosod neu hurio, neu gynnig neu arddangos i osod neu hurio, unrhyw nwydd neu wrthrych. Gwarchod Bywyd Gwyllt 8. (1) Ni chaiff person ar y tir hwn yn fwriadol ladd, anafu, cymryd neu amharu ar unrhyw anifail neu bysgodyn, na chymryd rhan mewn hela, saethu neu bysgota, na gosod trapiau neu rwydi, na gosod maglau. (2) Nid yw'r is-ddeddf hon yn gwahardd unrhyw bysgota neu saethu sydd wedi ei awdurdodi gan y Cyngor. Pori

Camping 5. No person shall on the land, without the consent of the Council, erect a tent or use any vehicle, including a caravan, or any other structure for the purpose of camping, except on any area which may be set apart and indicated by notice as a place where camping is permitted. Fires 6. (1) No person shall on the land intentionally light a fire, or place, throw or let fall a lighted match or any other thing so as to be likely to cause a fire. (2) This byelaw shall not prevent the lighting or use of a properly constructed camping stove or cooker in any area set aside for the purpose, in such a manner as not to cause danger of or damage by fire. Trading 7. No person shall on the land, without the consent of the Council, sell, or offer or expose for sale, or let to hire, or offer or expose for letting to hire, any commodity or article. Protection of wildlife 8. (1) No person shall on the land intentionally kill, injure, take or disturb any animal or fish, or engage in hunting, shooting or fishing, or the setting of traps or nets, or the laying of snares. (2) This byelaw shall not prohibit any fishing or shooting which may be authorised by the Council. Grazing

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9. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson, heb ganiatâd y Cyngor, ryddhau neu ganiatáu i unrhyw anifail bori ar y tir. Giatiau 10. Pan fo'r Cyngor yn dynodi drwy hysbysiad sy'n cael ei arddangos yn amlwg ar neu gen ochr unrhyw giât ar y tir ei fod yn waharddedig i adael y giât honno ar agor, ni chaiff unrhyw bersonau sydd wedi agor y giât, neu wedi achosi i'r giât agor, ei gadael ar agor. Dyfrffosydd 11. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson yn fwriadol achosi na chaniatáu i lif unrhyw ddraen neu ddyfrffos ar y tir gael ei rhwystro na'i hallwyro neu agor, gau neu weithio neu weithredu mewn modd arall unrhyw lifddor neu offer tebyg ar y tir. Llygru dyfrffyrdd 12. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson o fwriad, yn ddiofal neu'n esgeulus ddifwyno na llygru unrhyw ddyfrffordd yn y tir. Symud Deunyddiau Ymaith 13. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson symud na disodli ar y tir unrhyw garreg, bridd neu dywarchen, na'r cyfan neu ran o unrhyw blanhigyn, llwyn neu goeden. Darganfyddwyr Metel 14. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson ar y tir ddefnyddio unrhyw ddyfais sydd wedi ei chynllunio neu ei haddasu i ddarganfod neu leoli unrhyw fetel neu fwyn yn y ddaear. Hysbysebion 15. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson, heb ganiatâd y Cyngor, osod neu achosi i osod unrhyw hysbyseb, poster, placard, neu hysbysiad ar unrhyw adeilad, wal, ffens, giât, piler drws, postyn, coeden, craig na charreg ar

9. No person shall, without the consent of the Council, turn out or permit any animal to graze on the land. Gates 10. Where the Council indicates by a notice conspicuously exhibited on or alongside any gate on the land that leaving that gate open is prohibited, no persons having opened the gate, or caused it to be opened, shall leave it open. Watercourses 11. No person shall knowingly cause or permit the flow of any drain or watercourse on the land to be obstructed or diverted, or open, shut or otherwise work or operate any sluice or similar apparatus on the land. Pollution of waterways 12. No person shall intentionally, carelessly or negligently foul or pollute any waterway comprised in the land. Removal of Materials 13. No person shall remove or displace on the land any stone, soil or turf, or the whole or any part of any plant, shrub or tree. Metal detectors 14. No person shall on the land use any device designed or adapted for detecting or locating any metal or mineral in the ground. Advertisements 15. No person shall, without the consent of the Council, affix or cause to be affixed any advertisement, bill, placard, or notice upon any building, wall, fence, gate, door

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y tir nag o'i amgylch. Cwn 16. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson achosi na chaniatáu i gi sy'n berchen iddo/iddi neu yn ei ofal aros ar y tir onibai fod y ci hwnnw o dan ac yn aros dan reolaeth iawn, a'i fod yn cael ei atal yn effeithiol rhag achosi unrhyw annifyrrwch i unrhyw berson a rhag poeni neu amharu ar unrhyw anifail. Rhwystr 17. Ni chaiff unrhyw berson ar y tir: (a) rhwystro'n fwriadol unrhyw swyddog o'r Cyngor rhag gwneud ei ddyletswyddau'n iawn. (b) rhwystro'n fwriadol unrhyw berson sy'n gwneud unrhyw weithred sydd ei hangen er mwyn cyflawni'n iawn unrhyw gytundeb efo'r Cyngor; neu (c) rhwystro'n fwriadol unrhyw berson arall rhag defnyddio'r tir yn iawn, neu ymddwyn mewn modd a fydd yn rhoi sail rhesymol dros achosi annifyrrwch i bersonau eraill ar y tir. Amodau 18. (1) Ni fydd gweithred gan swyddog o'r Cyngor sydd ei hangen er mwyn cyflawni ei ddyletswyddau'n iawn ar y tir, neu unrhyw weithred sydd ei hangen er mwyn cyflawni unrhyw gytundeb yn iawn efo'r Cyngor, yn drosedd dan yr is-ddeddfau hyn. (2) Ni fydd unrhyw beth yn neu a wneir dan unrhyw rai o ddarpariaethau'r is-ddeddfau hyn mewn unrhyw ffordd yn rhagfarnu nac yn niweidio unrhyw hawl tramwy cyhoeddus drwy'r tir, neu hawliau unrhyw berson sy'n gweithredu'n gyfreithlon yn rhinwedd rhyw ystad, hawl neu ddiddordeb mewn, Cosb 19. Bydd unrhyw berson sy'n troseddu yn erbyn unrhyw un o'r is-

pillar, post, tree, rock or stone on or enclosing the land. Dogs 16. No person shall cause or suffer a dog belonging to him or in his charge to remain on the land unless such a dog is and continues to be under proper control, and be effectively restrained from causing annoyance to any person and from worrying or disturbing any animal. Obstruction 17. No person shall on the land: (a) intentionally obstruct any officer of the Council in the proper execution of his duties (b) intentionally obstruct any person carrying out an act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council; or (c) intentionally obstruct any other person in the proper use of the land, or behave so as to give reasonable grounds for annoyance to other persons on the land. Savings 18. (1) An act necessary to the proper execution of his duty on the land by an officer of the Council, or any act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council, shall not be an offence under these byelaws. (2) Nothing in or done under any of the provisions of these byelaws shall in any respect prejudice or injuriously affect any public right of way through the land, or the rights of any person acting legally by virtue of some estate, right or interest in, over or affecting the land or any part thereof. Penalty 19. Any person offending against any of

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ddeddfau hyn yn agored ar gollfarn ddiannod i ddirwy nad yw'n uwch na lefel 2 ar y raddfa safonol. Dirymiad 20. Mae'r is-ddeddfau a wnaed gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Aberconwy ar Awst 8fed 1983 ac a gadarnhawyd gan yr Is-Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cynorthwyol, Adran Gartref, ar Dachwedd 15fed 1983 yn ymwneud â'r tir drwy hyn yn cael eu dirymu. RHODDWYD DAN SÊL GYFFREDIN CYNGOR BWRDEISTREF SIROL CONWY y 24ain dydd hwn o Mai 2001. R. Evans Mae’r is-ddeddfau uchod drwy hyn yn cael eu cadarnhau gan Swyddog a swdurdodwyd I weithredu ar ran Gweirnidog y Cynulliad dros yr Amgylchedd. Bydd yr is-ddeddfau uchod yn dod I rym ar 1af Ebrill 2002.

June Milligan Pennaeth Adran yr Cefn Gwlad Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

these byelaws shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

Revocation 20. The byelaws made by Aberconwy Borough Council on 8th August 1983 and confirmed by the Assistant Under Secretary of State, Home Department on 15th November 1983 relating to the land are hereby revoked. GIVEN UNDER THE COMMON SEAL OF CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL This 24th day of May 2001. R. Evans The foregoing byelaws are hereby confirmed by an officer authorized to act on behalf of the Assembly Minister for Environment. The foregoing byelaws shall come into effect on 1st April 2002

June Milligan Head of Countryside Division National Assembly for Wales

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APPENDIX 7 - SPECIES LISTS Vascular Plants Latin English Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore* Achillea millefolium Yarrow Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Agrostis capillaris Common Bent grass A. vinealis Brown Bent grass A.stolonifera Fiorin Aira caryophyllea Silvery Hair grass A.praecox Early Hair grass Ajuga reptans Bugle Allium ursinum Ramsons A.vineale Crow Garlic Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid A. morio Green-winged Orchid Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel A.tenella Bog Pimpernel Anchusa arvensis Bugloss Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Antennaria dioica Mountain Everlasting Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Anthyllis vulneraria Lady’s Fingers *Antirrhinum majus Snapdragon Aphanes arvensis Parsley Piert Apium graveolens Wild Celery A.nodiflorum Fool’s Watercress Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock Cress *Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Arctium minus s. l. Lesser Burdock Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme leaved Sandwort Armeria maritima Thrift Arrhenatherum elatius Oat Grass Artemisia absinthium Wormwood A. vulgaris Mugwort Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort A. marinum Sea Spleenwort A. ruta-muraria Wall Rue A. scolopendrium Hart’s-tongue Fern A. trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort

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Aster linosyris Goldilocks Athyrium filix femina Lady Fern Atriplex hastata Hastate Orache Avenula pratense Meadow Oat Avenula pubescens Hairy Oat Ballota nigra Black Horehound Betula pendula Silver Birch Bellis perennis Daisy *Berberis wilsoniae Chinese Barberry Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow wort Botrychium lunaria Moonwort Brachypodium sylvaticum Slender False-brome Brassica oleracea Wild Cabbage Briza media Quaking Grass Bromopsis ramosa Hairy Brome Buddleja davidii Buddleia Bromus hordeaceus agg. Soft Brome Calluna vulgaris Ling Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse Cardamine flexuosa Wood Bitter-cress C. Hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress C. Pratense Lady’s Smock Carduus nutans Musk Thistle C. tenuiflorus Slender Thistle Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge C. Distans Distant Sedge C. Flacca Glaucous Sedge C. Hirta Hammer Sedge C. Panicea Carnation Sedge C. Otrubae False Fox Sedge C. pulicaris Flea Sedge C. spicata Spiked Sedge C. sylvatica Wood Sedge Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle Catapodium marinum Darnel Poa C. rigidum, Fern Grass Centaurea nigra Lesser Knapweed C. scabiosa Greater Knapweed Centaurium erythrea Common Centuary C. littorale Seaside Centuary Centranthus ruber Red Valarian* Cerastium diffusum Dark-green Mouse-ear Chickweed C. fontanum ssp. Vulgare Common Mouse-ear Chickweed C. glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Chickweed C. pumilum Curtis’s Mouse-ear

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C. Semidecandrum Little Mouse ear Chenopodium album Fat Hen C. parthenium Feverfew Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle C. palustre Marsh Thistle C. vulgare Spear Thistle Clematis vitalba Old Man’s Beard Clinopodium acinos Basil Thyme Clinopodium ascendens Common Calamint Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvy Grass C.officinalis Common Scurvy Grass Conium maculatum Hemlock Conopodium majus Pignut Convolvulus arvensis Bindweed Corylus avellana Hazel Cotoneaster horizontalis Wallspray* C. integerrimus Rockspray * C.cambricus Wild Cotoneaster C. integrifolius Khasia Berry* Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawksbeard C. vesicaria Beaked Hawksbeard Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Crocus vernus Spring Crocus* Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leafed Toadflax Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue Cynosurus cristatus Brittle Bladder Fern Cystoperis fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot Grass Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid D. maculata s.sp. ericetorum Heath Spotted Orchid Danthonia decumbens Heath Grass Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Daucus carota s.sp carota Wild Carrot Diplotaxis muralis Annual Wall Rocket Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler Fern D. felix-mas Male Fern Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss Elymus caninus Bearded Couch-grass Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb E. montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb E. obscurum Short-fruited Willowherb E. parviflorum Lesser Hairy Willowherb Epipactis atrorubens Dark-red Helliborne Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail

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Erica cinerea Bell Heather Erigeron mucronatus Mexican Fleabane* Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill E. maritimum Sea Storksbill E. moschatum Musk Storksbill Erophila verna Common Whitlow Grass Erysimum cheiri Wallflower* Euonymus europaea Spindle Tree Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Euphrasia officinalis agg. Eyebright Fagus sylvatica Beech* Fallopia convolvulus Black Bindweed Festuca ovina Sheep’s Fescue F. rubra Red Fescue Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet F. vulgaris Dropwort Foeniculum vulgare Fennel* Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Fraxinus excelsior Ash Galium aparine Goose Grass G. saxatile Heath Bedstraw G. verum Lady’s Bedstraw Gentianalla amarella s.l. Felwort Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Cranesbill G.dissectum Cut-leaved Cranesbill G.lucidum Shining Cranesbill G.molle Dove’s-foot Cranesbill G. robertanium Herb Robert G. sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill Geum urbanun Wood Avens Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned Poppy Glaux martima Sea Milkwort Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Hedera helix Ivy Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose H. oelandicum Hoary Rockrose Helminthotheca echioides Bristly Ox-tongue Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Hippocrepis comosa Horse-shoe Vetch Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog H. mollis Creeping Soft Grass Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Hornungia petraea Rock Hutchinsia Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell

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Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort Hyoscyamus niger Henbane Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan H. montanum Mountain St. John’s Wort H. perforatum Common St. John’s Wort H. pulchrum Slender St. John’s Wort H. tetrapterum Square-stemmed St. John’s Wort Hypochaeris maculata Spotted Cat’s Ear H. radicata Cat’s Ear Ilex aquifolium Holly Inula conyza Ploughman’s Spikenard Iris foetidissima Stinking Iris Juncus articulatus Jointed rush J. bufonius Toad Rush J. inflexus Hard Rush J. maritimus Sea Rush Juniperus communis Juniper Koeleria macrantha Crested Hair-grass. Lapsana communis Nipplewort Larix decidua European Larch Lathyrus latifolius Everlasting Pea L. linifolius Bitter Vetch L. pratensis Meadow Vetchling Lavatera arborea Tree Mallow Leontodon saxatilis Hairy Hawkbit Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Ligustrum vulgare Privet Limonium binervosum Rock sea Lavender Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax L. vulgaris Yellow Toadflax Linum catharticum Purging Flax Lolium perenne Rye Grass Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Lotus corniculatus Birdsfoot Trefoil Luzula campestris Field Woodrush Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Mahonia aquilifolium Oregon Grape* Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow M. sylvestris Common Mallow Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Meconopsis cambrica Welsh Poppy Medicago arabica Spotted Medick M. lupulina Black Medick Melica uniflora Wood Medick Mentha aquatica Water Mint Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury

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Minuartia verna Vernal Sandwort Moehringia trinervia Three veined Sandwort Molinea caerulea Purple Moor Grass Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Myosotis arvensis Common Forget-me-not Neottia nidus-avis Birds’s Nest Orchid N. ovata Common Twayblade Nepeta cataria Cat Mint Odontites verna Red Bartsia Ononis repens Restharrow Onopordum acanthium Scotch Thistle* Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Origanum vulgare Marjoram Ornithogalum umbellatum Star-of-Bethlehem* Orobanche hederae Ivy Broomrape Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall Pentaglottis Sempervirens Green Alleanet Phleum pratense Timothy Phragmites australis Reed Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear Hawkweed Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet Saxifrage Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Pinus radiata Monterey Pine* Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine* Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain P. lanceolata Ribwort P. major Rat-tail Plantain P. maritima Sea Plantain Poa annua Annual Poa P. nemoralis Wood Poa P. pratensis Smooth-stalked Meadow-grass P. trivialis Rough-stalked Meadow Grass Polygala serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Milkwort P. vulgaris Common Milkwort Polypodium cambricum Polypody P. vulgare Polypody Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern Potentilla anserina Silverweed P. erecta Common Tormentil P. reptans Creeping Cinquefoil P. sterilis Barren Strawberry P. tabernaemontani Spring Cinquefoil Poterium sanguisorba Salad Burnet Primula veris Cowslip

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P. veris x vulgaris False Oxlip P. vulgaris Primrose Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Prunus avium Gean P. domestica Plum* P. spinosa Blackthorn Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Pulicaria dysenterica Fleabane Quercus cerris Turkey Oak* Q. petraea Sessile Oak Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup R. auricomus Goldilocks R. bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup R. ficaria Lesser Celandine R. repens Creeping Buttercup Reseda luteola Weld Rhamnus alaternus Meditarranean Buckthorn* Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry Rosa canina Dog Rose R. spinosissima Burnet Rose Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Rubus caesius Dewberry R. fruticusus Blackberry Rumex acetosa Sorral R. acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel R. crispus Curled Dock R. obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Sagina filicaulis Fringed Pearlwort S. procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Salix repens Creeping Willow Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Sambucus nigra Elder Samolus valerandi Brookweed Sanicula europaea Sanicle Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious Scilla verna Spring Squill Scorzoneroides autumnalis Autumnal Hawkbit # Scrophularia vernalis Yellow Figwort Sedum acre Wall Pepper S. album White Stonecrop S. dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Senecio jacobaea Ragwort S. squalidus Oxford Ragwort S. viscosus Stinking Groundsel

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S. vulgaris Groundsel Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Silene dioica Red Campion S. nutans Nottingham Catchfly S. uniflora Sea Campion S. vulgaris Bladder Campion Silybum marianum Milk Thistle* Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard S. orientale Eastern Rocket* Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet S. nigrum Black Nightshade Solidago virgaurea Golden-rod Sonchus arvensis Field Milk Thistle S. asper Spiny Sow Thistle S. oleraceus Sow Thistle Sorbus aria Whitebeam S. intermedia Swedish Whitebeam S. rupicola Rock Whitebeam Spergularia rupicola Cliff Sea-spurry Spiranthes spiralis Autumn Lady’s Tresses Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort S. media Chickweed S. pallida Lene Chickweed Succisa pratensis Devil’s-bit Scabious Tamus communis Black Bryony Taraxacum officinale s.l. Common Dandelion Taxus baccata Yew Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow Rue Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Tilia x europaea Common Lime* Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley T. nodosa Knotted Hedge-parsley Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil T. dubium Lesser Yellow Trefoil T. pratense Red Clover T.repens White Clover T. striatum Soft Trefoil Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Ulex europaeus Gorse U. gallii Western Gorse

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Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle Valerianella Carinata Keeled Cornsalad Dentata Lamb’s Lettuce Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s Rod Verbena officinalis Vervain Veronica agrestis Field Speedwell* V. arvensis Wall Speedwell* V. beccabunga Brooklime V. chamaedrys Germander Speedwell V. hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell* V. officinalis Common Speedwell V. spicata s. sp hybrida Western Spiked Speedwell Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare V. sativa Common Vetch Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Viola hirta Hairy Violet V. odorata Sweet Violet V. reichenbachiana Pale Wood Violet V. riviniana Common Dog Violet Vulpia bromoides Barren Fescue * Non-native or of doubtful origin

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Bryophytes Acrocladium cuspidatum G. orbicularis Barbula acuta G. pulvinata B. convoluta Hylocomium splendens B. cylindrical Hypnum cupresiforme var. lacunosumB. recurvirostra Leiocolea turbinata Breutelia chrysocoma Leucobrym glaucum Bryum capillare var. torquescens Marchesinia mackaii B. pallens Mnium hornum B. rubens Neckera crispa B. ruderale Pellia endiviifolia Camptothecium lutescens Plagiochila asplenioides C. sericeum Plagiothecium undulatum Campylium stellatum Pleurozium schreberi Ceratodon purpureus Polytrichum commune Climacium dendroides P. juniperinum

Preissia quadrata Cratoneuron commutatum var. commutatum Pseudoscleropodium purum C. filicinum Rhacomitrium canescens Ctenidium molluscum R. lanuginosum Dicranum scoparium Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Ditrichum flexicaule R. triquetrus Eurhynchium striatum Solenostoma triste Frullania tamarisci Thudium tamariscinum Grimma apocarpa Tortella tortuosa T. intermedia

Liverworts DAFOR Scale of Abundance - d = dominant, a =abundant, f = frequent, o = occasional, r = rare, vr = very rare

Species Name DAFOR Aneum pinguis r, flushes and springs Cephaloziella sp. (unidemiliable, as not fertile)

r, above Great Orme Copper Mines

Cephalaziella stellulifera r, above Great Orme Copper Mines Frullania dilatata o, epiphytic on ash and hawthorn,

scrub at Gogarth Frullania tamarisci f/la Jungermannia atrovirens r, damp north-facing slopes Leiocolea badensis o, damp north-facing slopes Leiocolea turbinata o Lejeunea lamacerina o/lf Lophocolea bidentata o Marchesinia mackaii r/lf, shaded dry rocks

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Metzgeria furcata o Pellia endiviifolia r, springs Plagiochila porelloides o Porella cordaeana r, shaded rocks Porella obtusata r, limestone rocks Reboulia hemisphaerica r, Hafnant Riccardia chamedryfolia f Riccia sorocarpa r Riccia subbifurca r, Hafnant Scapania aspera o Reboulia hemisphaerica 1, Hafnant ‘Bryophyte Survey of Great Orme’s Head SSSI’ – Nick Hodgetts 20

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Mosses

DAFOR Scale of Abundance - d = dominant, a =abundant, f = frequent, o = occasional, r = rare, vr = very rare

Species Name DAFOR

Alaina aloides

r

Anomadcn viticulosus f/la Barbula unguiculata

o/lf

Brachythecium glareosum o/lf Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum o Bryum bicolor o Bryum canariense r Bryum capillare f Bryum dunense r Bryum funckii r, W. of Toll Gate Lodge Bryum imbricatum r Bryum pseudotriquetrum r Bryum radiculosum r Bryum rubens o Calliergonella cuspidata o Campyliadelphus chrysophyllus o Campylium stellatum o Campylium stellatum var. protensum o Campylopus introflexus o/la Ceratodon purpureus o/lf Cratoneuron filicinum o/lf Ctenidium molluscum a Dicranella staphylina r Dicranella varia o/la Dicranoweisia cirrata r Dicranum bonjeanii r Dicranum majus r Dicranum scoparium f/la Didymodon acutus o/lf Didymodon fallax f/la Didymodon insulanus o Didymodon luridus r Didymodon rigidulus o Didymodon tophaceus r Didymodon vinealis r Ditrichum flexicaule s.s. o/lf Ditrichum gracile o/lf Encalypta streptocarpa o/lf Encalvpta vulgaris o Eucladium verticillatum r, springs Eurhynchium crassinervium r, wood above ski centre

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Species Name DAFOR Eurhynchium hians o/lf Eurhynchium praelongum o/lf Eurhynchium striatulum r, shaded rocks Eurhynchium striatum f Fissidens bryoides r Fissidens dubius f Fissidens incurvus o Fissidens pusillus o Fissidens taxifolius o Funaria hygrometrica r Funaria pulchella r, Hafnant Grimmia orbicularis f/la Grimmia pulvinata f Grimmia tergestina r, Ogof Deuben Gymnostomum aeruginosum r, flushed rocks Gymnostomum viridulum r, Ogof Deuben Homalothecium lutescens f/la Homalothecium sericeum f/la Hylocomium splendens f Hymenostylium recurvirostrum r, wet rocks by cave Hypnum cupressiforme f Hypnum jutlandicum o/lf Hypnum lacunosum a Hypnum resupinatum o Isothecium alopecuroides r Isothecium myosuroides o Microbryum curvicolle o/lf Microbryum davallianum o Microbryum rectum o/lf Microbryum starckeanum o/lf Mnium hornum r Neckera complanata f/la Neckera crispa o/la Orthotrichum anomalum f Orthotrichum cupulatum o Orthotrichum diaphanum r Orthotrichum stramineum r, ash in Happy Valley Palustriella commutata o, springs Palustriella commutata var. falcata

r, Ffynnon-y-Galchog

Plagiomnium rostratum r Plagiomnium undulatum r Pleurochaete squarrosa o Polytrichum juniperinum o Pottiopsis caespitosa

r

Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum f/la

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Species Name DAFOR Racomitrium elongatum r Racomitrium ericoides r Rhynchostegiella tenella o/lf Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus

f/la

Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus f/la Schislidium crassipilum o/lf Scleropodium purum

a

Scleropodium tourettii r Syntrichia intermedia

f

Syntrichia ruraliformis o Syntrichia ruralis o Thamnobryum alopecurum

o

Thuidium philibertii r, Pyllau Road Thuidium tamariscinum f/la Tortella densa

r, Bryniau Poethion & Monk’s Path

Tortella nitida

f

Tortella tortuosa o/lf Tortula atrovirens r, old quarry above Ogof Deuben Tortula lanceola o Tortula modica r, Trwynygogarth Tortula muralis o/lf Torlula protobryoides

r

Tortula truncata r Trichostomum brachydontium a Trichostomum crispulum a Weissia brachycarpa var. obliqua

o/lf

Weissia controversa

a

Weissia contraversa var. crispata

f

Weissia controversa x longifolia o Weissia longifolia var. angustifolia

o

Weissia sp. r Zygodon viridissimus var. stirtonii

r

‘Bryophyte Survey of Great Orme’s Head SSSI’ – Nick Hodgetts 2003

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Lichens

Column 1 - BLS No. = Unique British Lichen Society number; Lichen taxa = species, subspecies or form names Column 2 - DAFOR = Abundance (D= dominant, A = abundant, F = frequent, O = occasional, R = rare, VR = very rare)

Column 1 Column 2 10 Acarospora fuscata R 11 Acarospora glaucocarpa O 25 Acarospora smaragdula R 33 Acrocordia conoidea F 34 Acrocordia gemmata R 38 Agonimia tristicula A 212 Amandinea punctata O 46 Anaptychia ciliaris ssp. mamillata

R

49 Anisomeridium polypori R 1501 Arthonia apotheciorum R 72 Arthonia cinnabarina O 56 Arthonia didyma O 64 Arthonia lapidicola R 63 Arthonia pruinata O 68 Arthonia punctiformis O 69 Arthonia radiata F 1540 Armopyrenia analepta O 1542 Arthopyrenia punctiformis O 90 Arthopyrenia saxicola O 103 Aspicilia calcarea D-A 107 Aspicilia contorta ssp. contorta O-F 131 Bacidia arceutina R 158 Bacidia bagliettoana O 144 Bacidia delicata VR 164 Bacidia rubella R 176 Baeomyces rufus R 179 Belonia nidarosiensis O 1826 Biatorella fossarum VR 200 Buellia aethelia R 207 Buellia griseovirens R 217 Buellia subdisciformis R 233 Caloplaca alociza R 235 Caloplaca arenaria VR 236 Caloplaca arnoldii VR 239 Caloplaca aurantia F 279 Caloplaca cerinelloides R

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Column 1 Column 2 243 Caloplaca chalybaea VR 263 Caloplaca chlorina R 246 Caloplaca cirrochroa D 247 Caloplaca citrina s.lat F 253 Caloplaca crenularia R 285 Caloplaca dalmatica O 259 Caloplaca flavescens A 2315 Caloplaca flavocitrina O 255 Caloplaca flavovirescens O 261 Caloplaca holocarpa F 264 Caloplaca lactea F 267 Caloplaca marina F 268 Caloplaca microthallina R 271 Caloplaca obscurella R 272 Caloplaca ochracea O 1244 Caloplaca polycarpa R-O 277 Caloplaca saxicola F-A 281 Caloplaca teicholyta R 282 Caloplaca thallincola O 284 Caloplaca variabilis R 286 Caloplaca verruculifera O 291 Candelariella aurella f. aurella O 296 Candelariella medians f. medians R 297 Candelariella reflexa O 298 Candelariella vitellina f. vitellina O 301 Catapyrenium lachneum OF 1586 Catapyrenium pilosellum O 1608 Catapyrenium squamulosum R 306 Catillaria chalybeia var. chalybeia O 311 Catillaria lentitcularis A 316 Catillaria nigroclavata R 339 Cetrelia olivetorum VR 901 Chromatochlamys muscorum var. muscorum

O

369 Cladonia cervicornis ssp. cervicornis

R

371 Cladonia chlorophaea s. lat R 384 Cladonia fimbriata R 387 Cladonia foliacea O 389 Cladonia furcata ssp. furcata R 390 Cladonia furcata ssp. subrangiformis

R

376 Cladonia humilis O 407 Cladonia pocillum F 409 Cladonia portentosa R-O 412 Cladonia rangiformis F 734 Clauzadea immersa A 749 Clauzadea metzleri O 751 Clauzadea monticola O-F Column 1 Column 2

115

429 Cliostomum griffithii O 433 Collema auriforme F 440 Collema crispum var. crispum O 442 Collema cristatum var. cristatum R-O 447 Collema fragile R 463 Collema fuscovirens O 452 Collema multipartitum O 455 Collema polycarpon R 460 Collema tenax var. ceranoides O 459 Collema tenax var. tenax F 475 Cyphelium notarisii VR 484 Dermatocarpon miniatum var. miniatum

R-O

489 Dimerella pineti O 491 Diploicia canescens O-F 493 Diploschistes gypsaceus VR 496 Diplotomma alboatrum O 498 Diplotomma venustum O-F 499 Dirina massiliensis f. massiliensis O 500 Dirina massiliansis f. sorediata F-A 504 Enterographa crassa R 511 Evemia prunastri O 863 Famoldia jurana VR 987 Flavoparmelia caperata O 515 Fuscidea cyathoides var. cyathoides

R

521 Fuscidea lightfootii O 527 Fuscidea lygaea R 533 Graphis scripta R 539 Gyalecta jenensis var. jenensis O 548 Gyalideopsis muscicola R 1704 Halecania viridescens R 574 Hymenelia prevostii O 582 Hypogymnia physodes O 583 Hypogymnia tubulosa R 1125 Hypeyphyscia adglutinata O 611 Lecania atrynoides O 143 Lecania cuprea F-A 613 Lecania cyrtella O 616 Lecania erysibe O 159 Lecania naegelii O 1708 Lecania rabenhortsii F 624 Lecanora actophila O 625 Lecanora agardhiana O-F 626 Lecanora aitema var. aitema R 627 Lecanora albescens F 629 Lacanora andrewii VR 635 Lecanora campestris ssp. campestris

O

Column 1 Column 2 636 Lecanora carpinea R

116

639 Lecanora chlarotera O 641 Lecanora confusa O 643 Lecanora conizaeoides f. conizaeoides

R

644 Lecancra crenulata F 645 Lecanora dispersa F 649 Lecanora expallens O 655 Lecanora helicopis O 656 Lecanora intricata O 661 Lecanora muralis R 757 Lecanora orosthea R 1836 Lecanora persimilis O 667 Lecanora polytropa O 672 Lecancra pulicaris R 674 Lecanora rupicola var. rupicola R 679 Leoancra soralifera R 783 Lecanora sulphurea O 688 Lecanora symmicta O 690 Lecanora varia O 712 Lecanora xanthostoma O 2287 Lecanora zosterae O 724 Lecidea fuscoatra O 737 Lecidea lactea R 738 Lecidea lapicida R 764 Lecidea plana R 797 Lecidella elaeochroma f. elaeochroma

F

798 Lecidella elaeochroma f. soralifera

O

802 Lecidella scabra O 803 Lecidella stigmatea O 810 Lempholemma botryosum O 813 Lempholemma chalazanum VR N/Av Lempholemma (sp. unknown) R 1712 Lepraria eburnea R 1974 Lepraria incana O 1628 Lepraria lesdainii O 1629 Lepraria lobificans F 1714 Lepraria nivalis O 1604 Leproloma vouauxii R 825 Leproplaca chrysodeta R 826 Leproplaca xantholyta O-F 829 Leptogium britannicum R 835 Leptogium diffractum R-O 846 Leptogium gelatinosum F 839 Leptogium lichenoides R 843 Leptogium plicatile R-O Column 1 Column 2 845 Leptogium schrederi O-F 848 Leptogium teretiusculum R 849 Leptogium turgidum R

117

851 Lichina confinis O 852 Lichina pygmaea O 971 Megaspora verrucosa R-O 995 Melanelia exasperata O 997 Melanelia fuliginosa ssp. glabratula

O

1020 Melanelia subaurifera O 877 Micarea denigrata R-O 886 Micarea peliocarpa O 887 Micarea prasina s. lat O 838 Micarea viridileprosa O 1422 Myxobilimbia lobulata O 165 Myxobilimbia sabuletorum F-A 921 Ochrolechia androgyna R 926 Ochrolechia parella O 927 Ochrolechia subviridis R 937 Opegrapha areniseda VR 938 Opegrapha atra F 959 Opegrapha calcarea F 960 Opegrapha dolomitica R 952 Opegrapha mougeotii O 953 Opegrapha niveoatra R 1842 Opegrapha parasitica R 1232 Opegrapha rupestris O 964 Opegrapha varia O 965 Opegrapha vermicellifera R 943 Opegrapha vulgata O 1015 Parmelia saxatilis R 1022 Parmelia suncata O 1039 Peltigera canina O 1053 Peltigera didactyla R 1042 Peltigera horizontalis VR 1043 Peltigera hymenina O 1045 Peltigera leucophlebia R 1048 Peltigera neckeri R 1051 Peltigera rufescens O 1056 Pertusaria albescens var. albescens

O-F

1058 Pertusaria amara f. amara R 1076 Pertusaria hymenea R 1087 Pertusaria pertusa O-F 1098 Petractis clausa O 1100 Phaeographis dendritica R 1107 Phaeophyscia orbicularis O 1110 Phlyctis argena O 1112 Physcia adscendens F Column 1 Column 2 1120 Physcia tenella ssp. tenella O 1122 Physcia tribacia VR 1127 Physconia grisea O

118

1132 Placidiopsis custnani VR 2436 Placynthium hungaricum R 1139 Placynthium nigrum F 1142 Placynthium subradiatum O 1148 Polyblastia albida O 1151 Polyblastia cupularis R 1152 Polyblastia deminuta O 1153 Polyblastia dermatodes R 206 Polyblastia philaea O 1167 Polysporina simplex O 1168 Porina aenea O 1170 Porina borreri var. borreri R 1182 Porina linearis F 568 Porpidia macrocarpa R 572 Porpidia tuberculosa R 1186 Protoblastenia calva F 1188 Protoblastenia incrustans O-F 1189 Protoblastenia rupestris F 1201 Psora decipiens R 1202 Psora lurida F 1208 Psorotichia schaereri VR 2070 Punctelia subrudecta O 1989 Punctelia ulophylla O 85 Pyrenocollema halodytes F 93 Pyrenocollema sublitorale O 1228 Pyrrhospora quernea O 1230 Ramalina canariensis R 1234 Ramalina farinacea O 1235 Ramalina fastigiata R 1233 Ramalina lacera R 1240 Ramalina siliquosa R 1241 Ramalina subfarinacea R 1257 Rhizocarpon geographicum R 1249 Rhizocarpon petraeum O 1266 Rhizocarpon reductum R 1250 Rhizocarpon richardii R 1279 Rhizocarpon umbilicatum O 1283 Rinodina bischoffii O 1289 Rinodina gennarii O 1802 Rinodina immersa O 1306 Sarcogyne regularis O-F 1305 Sarcogyne privigna R 1320 Scoliciosporum chlorococcum O 1322 Scoliciosporum umbrinum R Column 1 Column 2 1324 Solenospora candicans O-F 1330 Solorina saccata R 1337 Squamarina cartilaginea var. cartilaginea

F-A

1341 Staurothele caesia O

119

1617 Staurothele guestphalica R 1379 Synalissa symphorea O 630 Tephromela atra O 1385 Thelidium decipiens O 1389 Thelidium incavatum O 1395 Thelidium pyrenophorum R 1392 Thelidium zwackhii R 1415 Toninia aromatica F 1904 Toninia episema O 1416 Toninia sedifolia F 1431 Trapelia coarctata R 1595 Trapelia placodioides VR 692 Trapeliopsis flexuosa R 1471 Usnea subfloridana R 1478 Verrucaria aspiciliicola (syn. canella)

RO

1479 Verrucaria baldensis A 1481 Verrucaria caerulea F 1484 Verrucaria cyanea VR 1487 Verrucaria dufourii OF 1871 Verrucaria elaeina O 1492 Verrucaria glaucina (syn. fuscella)

O

1495 Verrucaria hochstetteri O 1620 Verrucaria latericola R 1504 Verrucaria maura A 1506 Verrucaria mucosa F 1507 Verrucaria muralis O 1510 Verrucaria nigrescens F 1518 Verrucaria viridula OF 1520 Vezdaea aestivalis O 1526 Xanthoria calcicola R-O 1527 Xanthoria candelaria s.lat R 1528 Xanthoria elegans R 1530 Xanthoria parietina O-F 1531 Xanthoria polycarpa O

120

Birds Black-throated Diver Great Northern Diver Red-throated Diver Great Crested Grebe Red-necked Grebe Slavonian Grebe Black-necked Grebe Fulmar Manx Shearwater (Balearic Shearwater) Sooty Shearwater Storm Petrel Leach’s Petrel Gannet Cormorant Shag Grey Heron Mallard Teal Wigeon Goldeneye Velvet Scoter Common Scoter Eider Red-breasted Merganser Goosander Smew Shelduck Brent Goose Canada Goose Pink-footed Goose Mute Swan Bewick’s Swan Buzzard Honey Buzzard Sparrow Hawk Goshawk Marsh Harrier Osprey Peregrine Merlin Hobby Red-footed Falcon Kestrel Redstart Black Redstart Nightingale Robin

Red-legged Partridge Partridge Pheasant Water Rail Moorhen Oystercatcher Lapwing Ringed Plover Golden Plover Dotterel Turnstone Snipe Woodcock Curlew Whimbrel Black-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Common sandpiper Redshank Greenshank Purple Sandpiper Little Stint Dunlin Great Skua Pomaine Skua Arctic Skua Long-tailed Skua Great Black-backed GullLesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull Common Gull Mediterranean Gull Black-headed Gull Little Gull Kittiwake Common Tern Arctic Tern Forster’s Tern Sandwich Tern Razorbill Little Auk Guillemot Black Guillemot Goldcrest Firecrest Spotted Flycatcher Pied Flycatcher

Puffin Stock Dove Woodpigeon Turtle Dove Collared Dove Cuckoo Little Owl Tawny Owl Short-eared Owl Swift Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Wryneck Skylark Shore Lark House Martin Sand Martin Raven Carrion Crow Rook Jackdaw Magpie Jay Chough Great Grey Shrike Great Tit Blue Tit Coal Tit Long-tailed Tit Nuthatch Tree creeper Wren Waxwing Mistle Thrush Fieldfare Song Thrush Redwing Ring Ouzel Blackbird Wheatear Stonechat Red-legged Partridge Partridge Pheasant Whinchat Greenfinch Siskin Linnet

121

Grasshopper Warbler Sedge Warbler Blackcap Garden Warbler Sardinian Warbler Whitethroat Lesser Whitethroat Willow Warbler Chiffchaff Wood Warbler Yellow-browed Warbler Pallas’s Warbler

Red-breasted Flycatcher Dunnock Meadow Pipit Tree Pipit Rock Pipit Richard’s Pipit Pied Wagtail (White Wagtail) Grey Wagtail Yellow Wagtail Golden Oriole Starling Hawfinch

Twite Redpoll Bullfinch Crossbill Chaffinch Brambling Yellowhammer Reed Bunting Lapland Bunting Ortolan Bunting Snow Bunting House Sparrow Tree Sparrow

122

Mammals Apodemus sylvaticus Woodmouse Capra (domestic) Feral Goat *Globicephala meleana Pilot whale *Halichoerus grypus Grey Seal Meles meles Badger (historical records but no

longer present) Mustella Erminea Stoat Mustella nivalis Weasel Oryctolagus cunniculus Rabbit Lepus capensis Brown Hare (historical records but no

longer present) Ovis (domestic) Sheep *Phocaena phocaena Harbour Porpoise Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser Horseshoe Bat Scirurus carolinensis Grey Squirrel Sorex araneus Common Shrew Talpa europaea Mole *Tursiops truncates Bottle-nosed Dolphin Delphinus delphis Common Dolphin Vulpes vulpes Fox Microtus agrestis Field Vole Rattus norvegicus Rat Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Mustela putorius Polecat * - Observed close inshore

123

Reptiles and Amphibians Reptiles Angus fragilis Slow worm Lacerta vivipara Common lizard Amphibians Bufo bufo Common Toad Rana temporaria Common Frog Triturusw Vulgaris Common Newt

124

Invertebrates Lepidoptera - Butterflies/Moths Aglais urticae Small tortoiseshell Argynnis aglaja Dark Green Fritillary Aricia agestis Brown Argus Boloria selene Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary # Callophrys rubi Green Hairstreak Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath Cynthia cardui Painted Lady Erynnis tages Dingy Skipper Hipparchia semele Grayling H. semele ssp thyone Grayling (sub species) Inachis io Peacock Lasiommata megra Wall Brown Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown Nymphalis polychloros Large Tortoiseshell # Ochlodes ventana Large Skipper Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood Pieris brassicae Large White P. napi Green-veined white P. repae Small white Plebejus argus s.sp caernensis Silver-studded Blue Polygonia c-album Comma Polyommatus icarus Common Blue Pyronia titonus Gatekeeper # Quercusia quercus Purple Hairstreak Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral * Single record 1975 # Single record 1986 Moths Abraxus glossulariata Magpie Acleris aspersana A. variegana Adscita geryon Cistus Forester Aethes cnicana Agapeta hamana A. zoegana Aglossa pinguinalis Tabby Moth Agonopterix arenella A. carduella A. heracliana A. nervosa A. subpropinquella Agoropterix arenella A. heracliana

125

Agriphila geniculea A. inquinatella A. lathionella A. nemorella A. pascuella A. perlella A. selasella A. straminella A. tristella Agrotis clavis Heart and Club A. denticulatus Light Feathered Rustic A. exclamationis Hart and Dart A. ipsilon Dark Sword Grass A. puta Shuttle-shaped Dart A. segetum Turnip Moth A. trux Crescent Dart A. vestigialis Archer’s Dart Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty Allophaes oxycanthae Green-Brindled Crescent Alsophila aescularia March Moth Alucita spilodactyla Horehound Plume A. tridactyla Thyme Plume Amathes ashworthii Ashworth’s Rustic A. baja Dotted Clay A. c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character A. sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic A. xanthographa Square-spot Rustic Amblyptilia acanthodactyla Ammogrotis lucernea Northern Rustic Amphipyra berbera Svennson’s Copper Underwing A. tragopogonis Mouse Anania funerris Ancylis comptana Aniatis plagiata Treble-bar Anthophila fabriciana Nettle Tap Anticlea badiata Shoulder Stripe A. derivata Streamer Antitype chi Grey chi Apamea crenata Cloud-bordered Brindle A. furva s.sp. britannica The Confused A. lithoxylaea Light Arches A. monoglypha Dark Arches A. remissa Dusky Brocade A. secalis Common Rustic A. sordens Rustic Shoulder-knot Apatele psi Grey Dagger A. rumicis The knot Grass Aphomia sociella Bee Moth Aplocera plagiata Treble Bar Apocheima pilosaria Pale Brindled Beauty

126

Apodia bifractella Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic Aproaerema anthyllidella Archips xylosteana Arctia caja Garden Tiger Aspilapteryx tringipenella Batia lamdbella Blastodacna hellerella Brachmia rufescens Bryotropha politella B. terella Cacoecimorpha pronudana Callistege mi Mother Shipton Caloptilia syringella Capua vulgana Caradrina alsines The Uncertain C. blanda The Rustic C. clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow C. morpheus Mottled Rustic Carciona quercana Caryocolum vicinella Catoptria falsella Celypha striana Ceramica pisi Broom Moth Cerapteryx graminis Antler Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines Chloroclysta truncata Marbled Carpet Chloroclystis rectangulata Green Pug C. V-ata Chrysoteuchia culmella Cidaria fulvata Barred Yellow Cilix glaucata Chinese Character Cleora rhomboidaria Willow Beauty Clepsis rurinana Cnephasia stephensiana Cochylis dubitana Coleophora albicosta C. albitarsella C. cerasivorella C. discordella C. inulae C. lineola C. lixella C. serpylletorum C. troglodytella Colostygia didymata Twin-spot Carpet C. pectinataria Green Carpet Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn Conistra vaccinii Chestnut Cosmia trapezina Dunbar

127

C. affinis Lesser-spot Pinion Crambus culmellus C. inquinatellus C. tristellus Craniophora ligustri Coronet Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak Croesia forsskaleana Cryphia perla Marbled beauty Cucullia absinthii The Wormwood C. umbratica Cydia internana C. succedana Dasychira pudibunda Pale Tussock Diarsia mendica Ingrained Clay D. rubi Small Square Spot Diataraxia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye Dicestra trifolii Nutmeg Dichrorampha montanana D. plumbana Digitivalva pulicariae Discolaxia blomeri Blomer’s Rivulet Diurnea fagella Euphyia biangulata Cloaked Carpet E. bilineata Yellow-shell Eupithecia abbreviata Brindled Pug E. adsinthia Wormwood Pug E. castigata Grey Pug E. centaureta Lime-speck Pug E. distinctaria Thyme Pug E. icterata Tawney-speck Pug E. linariata Toadflax Pug E. pimpinellata Pimpernel Pug (Seen in 1960

only) E. pulchellata Foxglove Pug E. sobrinata Juniper Pug E. subfuscata Grey Pug E. succenturiata Bordered Pug E. venosata Nettled Pug E. vulgata Common Pug Euplexia lucipara Small Angle-shades Eupoecilia angustana Euproctis similis Yellow tail Eurhodope marmorea Eurrhypara coronata E. hortulata Small Magpie Euchesis comes Lesser Yellow Underwing E. interjecta Least Yellow Underwing E. janthina Lesser Broad-border Euxoa nigricans Garden Dart E. obelisca Square-spot Dart

128

Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble Gelechia politella Glyphipterix fuscoviridella G. simpliciella G. thrasonella Gnophos obscuratus Annulet Gymnoscelisn rufifasciata Double-striped Pug Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches Hada nana The Shears Hadena bicolorata Broad-barred white H. confusa Marble Coronet Hedya nubiferana H. pruniana Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald Hepialus hecta Gold Swift H. lupulina Common Swift Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House Moth Homoesoma nebulella Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer Hypena proboscidalis The Snout Hypochalacia ahenella Incurvaria masculella Isotrias rectifasciana Jodis lactearia Little Emerald Lacanobia thalassina Pale-shouldered Brocade Lasiocampa quercus Oak Eggar Leioptilus lithodactylus L. osteodactylus Leucania conigera Brown-line Bright-eye L. impura Smokey Wainscot L. pallens Common Wainscot Lithina chlorosata Brown Silver-line Lobesia littoralis Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver Lozotaenia forsterana Luffia ferchaultella Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic Lycophotia porphyrea True-lover’s Knot Lyncometra ocellata Purple Bar Lyonetia scitella Macroglossum stellatarum Humming-bird Hawk Mamestra brassicae Cabbage moth Mecyna asinalis Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor M. literosa Rosy Minor M. strigilis Marbled Minor Metzneria aestivella M. metzneriella Micropterynx aruncella M. calthella

129

Mompha miscella Monochora tenebrella Monopis rusticella Mormo maura Old Lady Mythimna conigera Brown-Line Bright-eye M. ferrago Clay M. impura Smokey Wainscot M. pallens Common Wainscot Neofaculta ericetella Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Nola confusalis Least Black Arches N. cucullatella Short-cloaked Moth Numonia advenella N. marmorea Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor O.latruncula Tawny-marbled Minor O. versicolor Rufous minor Olethreutes lacunana Operophtera brumata Winter Moth Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Ortholitha bipunctaria Chalk Carpet O. chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar O.plumbaria July Belle Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character O. incerta Clouded Drab O. stabilis Common Quaker Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth Pammene regina P. rhediella Pandemis cerasana P. corylana P. heparana Panemeria tenebrata Small Yellow Underwing Paraswarmmerdamia lutarea P. spiniella Paronix anglicella P. torquiellella Pempelia dilutella Perizoma affinitana Phalera bucephala Buff-tip Philudoria potatoria The Drinker Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger Phycitodes binaevella P. carlinella Phyllonorycter corylifoliella P.oxycanthae P. spinicolella Phytometra viridaria Small Purple Barred Platyptilia pallidactyla

130

Pleuroptya ruralis

Mother of Pearl

Plusia chrysitis Burnished Brass P. gamma Silver Y. P. jota Plain Golden Y. P. pulchrina Beautiful Golden Y. Plutella xylostella Diamond Back Poecilocampa populi December Moth Prays fraxinella Procris geryon Cistus Forester Pseudoterpna pruinata Grass Emerald Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume P.spilodactyla Horehound Plume P. tridactyla Thyme Plume Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent Pyla fusca Pyrausta aurata P. cespitalis P. cingulata P. nigrata P. ostrinalis P. purpuralis Rusina ferruginea Brown Rustic Schiffermuelleria subaquilea Scoparia ambigalis S. pyralella S. subfusca Scopula conjugata Mullein Wave S. imitaria Small Blood-vein S. floslactata Cream Wave Scropibalpa artemisiella Selenia dentaria Early Thorn Sparganothis pilleriana Spilosoma lubricepeda White Ermine S. luteum Buff Ermine Stenoptilia bipunctidacyla S. zophodactyla Riband Wave S. biselata Small Four-footed Wave S. dilutaria Silky Wave S. dimidiata Single-dotted Wave S. interjectaria Dwarf Cream Wave S. seriata Small Dusty Wave S. subsericeata Satin Wave Stigmella anomlella S. aurella S. plagicolella Stilbia anomala The Anomalous Syndemis musculana Teleiodes sequax T. vulgella

131

Thera cognata Chestnut-coloured Carpet T. jumiperata Juniper Carpet T. obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet Theria primaria Early Moth Tholera popularis Feathered Gothic Thyatira batis Peach-blossom Tischeria marginea Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar Udea elutalis U. ferrugalis U. prunalis Xanthorhoe ferrugata Dark-barred Twin-spot carpet X. fluctuata Garden Carpet X. montanata Silver-Ground Carpet X. spadicearia Red Twin-spot Carpet Xestia ashworthii Ashworth’s Rustic X. baja Dotted Clay X. c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character X. ditrapezium Triple-spotted Clay X. sexstigata Six-striped Rustic X. triangulum Double Square-spot X. xanthographa Square-spot rustic Xylocampa areola Early Grey Yponomeuta padella Ypsolopha sequella Zygaena filipendulae Six-spot Burnet Mollusca – Molluscs (Snails etc) Pomatias elegans Carychium minimum seq. Pyramidula rupestris Pyramidula pusilla Vertigo pygmaea Pupilla muscorum, Lauria cylindracea Vallonia excentrica Ena obscura Discus rotundatus Vitrea contracta Oxychilus alliarius Oxychilus cellarius Oxychilus draparnaudi Milax budapestensis Ceciliodes acicula Clausilia bidentata Candidula intersecta Cepaea nemoralis Helix aspersa Aegopinella nitidula

132

Aegopinella pura Arion ater Arion subfuscus Cernuella virgata Cochicella acuta Cochlicopa lubrica Deroceras reticulatum Helicella capitata Limax maximum Tricha hispida Trichia striolata Succinia pfeifferi Cornu aspersum Limacus maculatus Trochulus striolatus Vallonia excentrica Merdigera obscura Vertigo pygmaea Cepaea nemoralis Nesovitrea hammonis Trochoides striolatus Tandonia budapestensis Nematoda – Nematodes (Worms) Crenobia alpina Polycelis felina Crustacea – Crustaceans (Shrimps, Crabs etc) Gammarus pulex Grmadillum vulgare Philoscia musconum Porcellio scaber Oniscus asellus Andronicus dentiger Diplopoda Polyxenus lagurus Glomeris marginata Ommatoiulus sabulosus Lithobius sabulosus Orthoptera – (Grasshoppers, Crickets)

133

Pholidoptera griseoaptera Leptophyes punctatissima Omecestus viridulus Chorthippus brunneus Chorthippus parrallelus Myrmeleotettix maculates Hemiptera – (Aphids, Bugs etc) Aelia acuninata Agallia laevis Dolycoris baccarum Adarrus multinotatus Campylosteira verna Neophilaenus lineatus Acalypta parvula Aptus mirmicoides Sadula saltatoria Dicyphus errans Centrotus cornutus Megophalmus scabripennis Agramma laeta Aphrodes makarovi Deltocephalus pulicaris Issus coleoptratus Conomelus anceps Coleoptera – (Beetles, Weevils) Carabus violaceus Carabus problematicus Notiophilus germinyi Pterostichus madidus Calathus fuscipes Abax parallelepipedus Amara aenea Amara curta Amara tibialis Harpalus affinis Centorphynchidius troglodytes Cteniopus sulphurous Haltica oleracea Anacaena globulus Drusilla canaliculata Platydracus stercorarius Quedius tristis ?cpedophilus nigripennis ?crotrichis atomaria Barpalus latus Badister bipustulatus

134

Dromius linearis Dromius melanocephlaus Metabletus foveatus Leiodes polita Liocyrtusa vittata Stenichunus collaris Ocypus olens Cidnopus minutes Agriotes acuminatus Agriotes obscurus Rhagonycha fulva Malthodes pumilus Ochina ptinoides Anobium inexspectatum Brachypterolus pulicarius Meligethes brevis Meligethes aeneus Cryptophagus distinguendus Cryptophagus scanicus Cryptophagus setulosus Rhyzobius litura Coccinella septempunctata Aridus nodifer Enicmus transverses Corticarina fuscula Cylindrinotus laevioctostriatus Lagria hirta Isomira murina Cteniopus sulphurous Anaspis maculata Anaspis pulicaria Grammoptera ruficornis Bruchidius cisti Cryptocephalus bipunctatus Cryptocephalus aureolus Cryptocephalus labiatus Cryptocephalus pusillus Chyllotreta nodicornis Aphthona herbigrada Longitarsus luridus Longitarsus obliteratus Mantura matthewsi Choragus sheppardi Rhynchites germanicus Apion (Helianthempion) aciculare Apion carduorum Apion lacertense Apion onopordi Apion loti

135

Apion urticarium Apion dichroum Otiorhynchus desertus Otiorhynchus ligneous Otiortynchus ovatus Otiorhynchus singularis Otiorhynchus sulcatus Orachyphloeus aristatus Trachyphloeus alternans Polydrusus cervinus Barypeithes pellucidus Sciaphilus asperatus Brachysomus echinatus Strophosoma melanogrammum Amphimallon ochraceum Ischnomera sanguinicollis Chaetocema hortensis Crepidodera transversa Sitona lineatus Sitona lineellus Sitona regensteinensis Hypera plantaginis Hypera venusta Limobius borealis Alophus triguttatus Euophryum confine Acalles misellus Orthochaetes setiger Zacladus geranii Ceutorhynchus resedae Anthonomus rubi Miarus campanulae Gymnetron antirrhini Lampyris noctiluca Onthophagus joannae Aphodius ater Aphodius contaminatus Trichoptera Apatania muliebris Peraea maurus

136

Diptera – True Flies Pachygaster atra Chloromyia formosa Tomosvaryella nigritula Paragus haemorrhous Episyrphus balteatus Meliscaeva auricollis Scaeva pyrastri Herina lugubris Tolophilus obscurus Tipula lateralis Oxycera morrisii Medetera saxatilis Medetera truncorum Teuchophorus spinigerellus Lonchoptera furcata Leptocera fontinalis Leptocera nigra Opacifrons coxata Calliphora vicina Hymenoptera – (Bees, Wasps, Ants) Trichrysis cyanea Myrmica ruginodis Myrmica scabrinodis Leptothorax tuberum Lormica fusca Lasius alienus Lasius flavus Lasius niger Ectemnius sexcinctus Halictus tumulorum Lasioglossum fulvicorne Mellinus arvensis Bombus monticola

Isopoda – (Woodlice, Slaters etc) Androniscus dentiger Trichoniscus pusillus Trichoniscus pygmaeus Oniscus asellus Philoscia muscorum Platyarthrus hoffmannseggi Armadillidium vulgare

137

Porcellio scaber Porcellio spinicornis Opiliones Lophopilio palpinalis Odiellus spinosus Araneae – (Spiders) Alopecosa pulverulenta Atypus affinis Amaurobius fenestralis Harpactea hombergi Drassodes lapidosus Drassodes cupreus Heliophanus cupreus Ballus depressus Pardosa monticola Pardosa agrestis Pardosa nigriceps Pisaura mirabilis Episinus angulatus Crustulina guttata Eicrargus laudatus Erigone dentipalpis Meioneta rurestris Lepthyphantes tenuis Oxyptila sanctuaria Lepthyphantes mengei

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APPENDIX 8 - TREE SAFETY POLICY

CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Tree Safety Policy for sites within the control of the Countryside Service 1. Zonation: Each site is to be zoned, the zoning being related to the frequency of use or

value of adjoining property (therefore reflecting the risk), viz:-

Zone A (high risk) - areas in use 24 hours a day (eg highways) or in frequent use by ‘groups’ of people (e.g. school grounds) or in close proximity to high value or high hazard structures e.g. houses, petrol stations.

Zone B (low risk) - areas in use by someone each day in normal weather conditions e.g. woodland paths, or areas with low value structures e.g. fences, garden sheds.

Unzoned (very low risk) - areas with no trees, very young trees or not used regularly. 2. Frequency of Survey: Zone A to be surveyed every three years, in addition to regular assessment of obvious hazards in the context of regular site safety audits.

Zone B does not have a programmed survey, but hazards will be assessed in the context of regular site safety audits.

No programmed survey for unzoned areas. 3. Degree of Work Required: This is related to the zone and therefore to the risk.

Zone A - appropriate works carried out down to deadwooding of large branches.

Zone B - assumed that people using woodland paths on a windy day are aware that there is an inherent risk, therefore work limited to trees/branches that present an immediate danger e.g. hung-up trees, snapped branches.

4. Hazard Survey: To be carried out by site manager (Warden) who will have received

some training to enable him/her to undertake the assessment. In cases of doubt, a second opinion will be sought.

5. Timing of Works: Work to be carried out within three months unless second opinion

awaited or “closed season” for works. 6. Reports by the Public: To be investigated asap, and works carried out as indicated

above. 7. Recording:

• the zones for each site to be recorded on a map base • survey reports to include assessment, recommendations and map • relevant letters, quotations and notes of work undertaken • accident records: accidents, near misses and insurance claims • reports by the public

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APPENDIX 9 - COMMUNITIES AND NATURE INITIATIVE, ‘CONWY/DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTRY PARKS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME’ Projects relating to the Great Orme Country Park

CAN Country Parks Bid – Conwy Project Table Project Category Cost Funding Completion date Interactive weather station

Capital infrastructure

£8k CCBC and CAN 31.1.2013

Information point Capital infrastructure


Films (heathland and caring for the Orme)



Kids Corner - “brass” rubbings blocks and feely boxes



Landscape model – additional features



Contingency Capital infrastructure


Wood pellet boiler Capital infrastructure

£20k CCBC and CAN -

Wind turbine Capital infrastructure


Solar panels Capital infrastructure


Contingency Capital infrastructure


Path / access improvements

Capital site works £10k CCBC and CAN 31.5.2012

Off-site signage and info


24 hour vandal-proof toilet


Habitat and goat management through s15

Revenue site works

£42k CCBC and CCW (and other partners)

31.1.2013

Student placement for project delivery

Revenue project worker

£8k CCBC and CCW

31.8.2012

Project Officer (2 days per week)

Revenue project worker

£12k CCBC, DCC and CAN

31.10.2012

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APPENDIX 10 – RARE VASCULAR PLANTS, BRYOPHYTES AND LICHENS AND THEIR STATUS The following vascular plants occur within the Country Park and are noteworthy GB Red List

Wales Red List


CR CR Cotoneaster cambricus Wild cotoneaster W&C Act 1981 - Schedule 8

LC LC Veronica spicata Spiked speedwell W&C Act 1981 – Schedule 8

LC VU Aster linosyris Goldilocks aster

NT EN Hypochaeris maculata Spotted cat’s-ear

LC LC Brassica oleracea Wild cabbage

LC LC Centaurium littorale Seaside centaury

NT NT Cerastium pumilum Dwarf mouse-ear

LC EN Epipactis atrorubens Dark-red helleborine

LC LC Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. incanum

Hoary rock-rose

LC LC Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia

LC NT Marrubium vulgare White horehound

NT VU Minuartia verna Spring sandwort

LC LC Orobanche hederae Ivy broomrape

LC LC Potentilla neumanniana Spring cinquefoil

NT NT Silene nutans Nottingham catchfly

LC VU Sorbus rupicola

WL VU Hieracium britannicoides

Limonium procerum Sea-lavender

VU VU Hieracium pseudoleyi

LC EN Valerianella eriocarpa Hairy-fruited cornsalad

LC LC Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe vetch Edge of range

LC LC Genista tinctoria Dyer’s greenweed

LC LC Antennaria dioica Mountain everlasting

The following bryophytes (Liverworts and Mosses) are noteworthy (Hodgetts - Survey 2003) Conservation Status


Liverworts NS Cephaloziella

stellulifera Heath threadwort On metal-rich spoil

NS Porella obtusata Broad scalewort On rocks

NS Riccia subbifurca Least crystalwort On earth, Hafnant Gully

Mosses

NS Bryum canariense A Thread-moss In skeletal turf

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LC Bryum dunense A Thread-moss On soil - Synonymous with Bryum bicolor / B. dichotomum?

NtEv /NR (VU?)

Bryum funckii A Thread-moss Now Bryum kunzei?

NS Didymodon acutus Pointed beard-moss

On skeletal soils (Barbula acuta)

DD (NS?) Ditrichum flexicaule s.s.

Bendy Ditrichum On/among rocks

NS Eurhynchium striatulum

Lesser striated feather-moss

On shaded rocks (Plasteurhynchium striatulum / Isothecium striatulum)

NT Funaria pulchella Very rare, Hafnant Gully

NS Grimmia orbicularis Exposed S-facing rocks – Nationally important population

VU (NR) Grimmia tergestina New to Wales

NS Gymnostomum viridulum

Luisier’s tufa-moss Old quarry workngs – only known site in North Wales

NS Microbryum starckeanum

Starke’s Pottia On parched skeletal soil (Pottia starkeana)

NS Pleurochaete squarrosa

Side-fruited crisp-moss

On skeletal soil – New VC49 record

NS Pottiopsis caespitosa Round-fruited Pottia

In skeletal grassland – New to Wales (Pottia caespitosa)

NS Racomitrium elongatum

Long fringe-moss On bank, Pyllau Road

NS Tortella densa A Crisp-moss Limestone rock crevices

NS Tortula atrovirens Rib-leaf moss On skeletal soil (Desmatodon convolutus)

LC Tortula protobryoides Tall Pottia No longer NS but scarce in Wales (Protobryum bryoides/Pottia bryoides)

NtEv Weissia controversa var. crispata

Green-tufted stubble-moss

There are 76 species of noteworthy lichens; 17 Nationally Rare (NR), 59 Nationally Scarce (NS) and 19 Red Data Book (RDB) species. Only the RBD and NR species are listed below (Giavarini - Survey 2007). RDB – threat category

Rarity Status

Scientific Name Comments

NT NS Anaptychia ciliaris ssp. mamillata Siliceous rock near summit

EN NR Biatorella fossarum On compacted soil of track

NR Caloplaca polycarpa

NT NS Catapyrenium pilosellum On soil on south-facing slopes

VU NR Collema fragile Seepages on limestone cliffs

NT NS Cyphelium notarisii On wooden seat near Ffynnon Gaseg

NT NS Dirina massiliensis f. massiliensis North-facing cliffs above Marine Drive

NT NR Halecania viridescens Sycamore twigs at Pen Dinas

DD NR Lecanora agardhiana Cliff ledges and Cottage Loaf glacial erratic

DD NS Lempholemma chalazanum Not found in 2007 survey (limestone terraces – 1991)

NT NR Leptogium diffractum Limestone pavement and seepages on cliffs

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NT NS Megaspora verrucosa Thin (skeletal) soils amongst thyme and fescue

NR Micarea viridileprosa

NT NR Opegrapha areniseda Limestone cliffs

NR Opeographa rupestris Limestone cliffs

NT NS Placidiopsis custnani On compressed soil amongst broken rock path

NR Placynthium hungaricum Not found in 2007 survey

DD NR Polyblastia philaea On soily slopes (Polyblastia gelatinosa)

DD NR Rinodinia immersa Limestone terraces, ledges and pavement

DD NR Staurothele guestphalica Limestone pavement or terraced ledges

VU NR Synalissa symphorea On limestone boulders, cliff ledges and pavement

DD NR Verrucaria cyanea Limestone pavement

NR Verrucaria canella

DD NR Verrucaria latericola Dry limestone cliffs and terraces – parasitic on Caloplaca lichens

Key to abbreviations; CR – Critically Endangered EN - Endangered NR – Nationally Rare NS – Nationally Scarce DD – Data Deficient (threat suspected but there is insufficient data for analysis) NtEv – Not Evaluated VU – Vulnerable LC – Least Concern

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