SITES

SUR

Carlt

MERTHS OF IMPO

RVEY & A

on House, 5Te

HYR TYDORTANC

GET

ASSESSM

F

David C5 Herbert Tel: 029 20 3

clem

DFIL COCE FOR N

THIN FO

MENT FO

February 2

Clements ETerrace, Pe50120 Fax

ments-d@dce

UNTY BONATURE

OREST

OR SINC D

2013

cology Ltdnarth, Glamx: 029 20 71e.org.uk

OROUGHCONSER

DESIGNA

morgan, CF11997

H RVATION

ATION

F64 2AH

N

DCE 664:M

Site Na

Grid R SO 034SO 055 Status: assessed

The whrange of Situatedslopes s The siteoccur ptowardswoodlanareas. Susually in smalland proscatterehave bethe site Plants oseveral (Osmunincluded The sitebreedingor overwstarling Pond nerare and Meets SIH1, H3, H

Primary Mosaic Hplantationstanding

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

ame: GETH

ef(s): 4 031(W); 017 (S) Site survey

d against re

hole site quaf flora and f

d between Msupporting e

e is largely predominants the east ond indicatoSmaller areaoccurring il open areas

ovides a mod scrub as w

een felled asupports a r

of note inclulocations w

nda regalis)d ivy leaved

e is importag and overwwinter withi, common b

etworks andd protected g

INC SelectionH6, H7, H9, H

Features i.e.Habitats and n, semi naturaopen water, fl

NCs: Gethin Fore

HIN FORE

SO 024 05

yed in Novelevant criter

Summaalifies as a cfauna.

Mynydd Gextensive ‘F

conifer platly along stof the site –or species. Yas of heathlin a mosaics along the osaic of hawell as rocknd now crerich variety

ude stags hwithin the s which havd bellflower

ant for specwintering hin the site inbullfinch, ra

d their surrogreat creste

n Criteria NoH10, H12, H1

Qualifying ccommon land

al broad leavedlushes and sup

est: SINC Assess

ST

2 (N); SO

ember 2012,ria January

ary - Reasocandidate S

ethin and tFfridd’ habit

antations, wtreams with– both wooYoung wooand are preswith acid aslopes to th

abitats incluk outcrops weate open ar of fauna, in

horn clubmosite, togethe also been r (Wahlenbe

cialist breedabitats for bnclude linneaven, pied fl

ounding semed newt, whi

.s: 15, H16, H18

criteria: d (H20) – Mod, wet and reppporting scrub

sment Survey: v.

059 30 (E)

, and 2013

ons for SeleSINC for its

the A470, ttat.

with areas ofhin the site odland typeodland and sent along tand or marshe east. A quding pondswith dwarf sreas within ncluding sp

oss (Lycopoher with cro

recorded frergia heder

ding birds sbarn owl. Oet, lesser red

flycatcher, g

mi natural hich are know

, H20, H21, HCr

osaic of uplandplanted ancienb, neutral gras

1: Feb 2013

); Site No.

CandidateProposedConfirme

ection/Inters mosaic of

the site is l

f semi naturand form w

es supportinscrub surro

the majorityshy grasslanquarry is pres, marshy gshrub heaththe forestry

pecies which

odium clavaowberry (Emrom the site

racea).

such as nigOther impodpoll, comm

green woodp

habitats witwn to breed

H22, S1, S2, Sriteria in use

d and semi upnt woodland, hssland and ffri

.:

e Da Da

d Da

rest of Site:habitats, w

largely upla

ral broad lewet woodlang a good aounds matuy of woodlannd. Brackeesent in the grassland, rh. Many of y. This mosh are rare in

atum) whichmpetrum nie. Other loc

ghtjar and gortant speciemon cuckoopecker and E

thin the sited within the

S4, S7 : WBP (2008)

pland habitats heathland, aciddd

ate: January 2ate: ate:

: which suppo

and with se

eaved woodand in low assemblageure woodlanand tracks anen/ffridd hab north westruderal vegthe conifer saic of hab

n the County

h has been igrum) andcally import

goshawk, anes known too, woodchatEurasian wo

e are impor local area.

)Mid Valleys

comprising cod grassland, w

2013

ort a diverse

emi upland

dland whichlying areas

e of ancientnd in thesend margins,bitat occurst of the site,etation andplantationsitats within

y Borough.

recorded atd royal ferntant species

nd provideso breed andt, stonechat,oodcock

rtant for the

SINC criteria

onifer watercourses,

e

d

h s t e , s ,

d s n

t n s

s d ,

e

a

DCE 664:M

Woodlansupport rewoodland Acid graHeath anBog HabWatercoStandingBirds (S2AmphibiPlants (SSecondarScrub CoMarshy GFfridd (HRock ExpMammalBirds (S2common Plants (S

UK BA

LBAP

Protected

PreviousNone

Other staGwm GloBlaencan

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

nd (H1) – replemnant heathld indicators an

assland (H7) –nd Grass heatbitats and Fluurses (H15) –

g water (H16)2) including bians (S4) inclu

S7) including sry Features iommunities (Grassland (HH9) Mineral Sposures (H2)ls (S1) Contri2) Contributorbullfinch, rav

S7) Contributo

AP PriorityLowlanUpland Wet woUpland Purple mRivers aPonds Upland Inland rOpen mland

Key HaBroad leGrasslanHeathlaWetlandRivers aInland rConiferFfridd

d Species: GC

sly identified

atutory/non-so SSSI & SIN

naid, Rhyd Y C

NCs: Gethin Fore

lanted woodlaland/acid grasnd planted anc

– acid grasslanth (H10) – we

ushes (H12) – – several strea) – network of

breeding nightjuding great crstag horn club.e. Contribut(H3) H7) Spoil and Pos) ibutory speciery species incl

ven, pied flycaory species incy Habitats: d mixed decidoakwood

oodland heathland

moor grass anand streams

flushes, fens rock outcrops

mosaic habitats

abitats: eaved woodland

and d and streams rock ous plantation

CN, Barn owl,

areas of inter

Sstatutory wild

NC Car West, Cw

est: SINC Assess

and with a ranssland mosaicscient woodlan

nd with 12 indet and dry heanumerous un

ams throughouf ponds suppojar, goshawk arested newt bmoss. tory criteria:

st-industrial

s include browlude linnet, leatcher, green wclude crowber

duous woodlan

d rush pasture

and swamps and scree hab

s on previously

and

n

, common cro

rest contained

ee continuatiodlife sites con

wm Woods, Cr

sment Survey: v.

nge of semi nas, wet woodla

nd

dicator speciesathland nmodified flusut the site orting great creand barn owl.

land (H18)

wn hare & badesser redpoll, cwoodpecker anrry and royal f

nd

e

bitats y developed

ossbill, goshaw

d within SIN

on sheet: ntained by/ad

raig Gethin, B

1: Feb 2013

atural woodlanand, semi natu

s

hes

ested newts

dgers common cucknd Eurasian wfern.

Priority SBats Great cresTree pipitNightjar Lesser redCommon lCommon cCurlew Wood warDunnockCommon bStarling Song thrusBarn owl Lapwing Key SpeciGCN Nightjar Common lCommon cCommon bSong thrusBarn owlLapwing Red necke

wk (green sand

NC:

djacent to SIN

uarth Waunyd

nd indicators, cural woodland

koo, woodchatwoodcock

Species:

ted newts

dpoll linnet cuckoo

rbler

bullfinch

sh

ies:

linnet crossbill bullfinch sh

ed footman

dpiper, and fie

See ConfNC:

dd, CNWC SI

conifer woodlwith a range

t, stonechat, st

eldfare)

fidential File:

INCs

lands that of ancient

tarling,

Yes No

DCE 664:M

Main soForestry CSouth EaMerthyr T Validat

Remark

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

ources of dCommission st Wales BiodTydfil County

tion survey

ks:

NCs: Gethin Fore

data:

diversity Recoy Borough Cou

y(s):

est: SINC Assess

ords Centre (Suncil

sment Survey: v.

SEWBReC)

1: Feb 2013

SC Pooley

Surveyor y Nov

Date v 2012

DCE 664:M

1.0 1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7 1.7.1

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

INTROD

This repoinstructionresults of Forest’ in one of sevthat have (SINC) ansite is wor

The site cwest towaThe site isbetween athe top of

Conifer pbroadleaf areas withheathland associatedformed whthe site.

The site osoils that hwith a peasteeply slosurrounde

The remaian assessmagainst theThese attrthe UK, GlamBAG

A SINC bone or oth

Designate

The site dSpecial ANational Nlies adjaceSites’ adjaSites of Im

NCs: Gethin Fore

UCTION

ort has beens of Merthan ecologithe Merthy

veral areas been iden

nd require frthy of cons

consists of aards the A47s largely upabout 200mthe ridge in

plantations woodland r

hin the plaand acid g

d tributarieshere draina

verlies Carbhave develoaty surface woping ground by very th

inder of thiment of thee Criteria foributes are a

Wales, CoG 1999; MT

boundary is her of the SI

ed Sites of B

does not coAreas of CoNature Reseent to the siacent (See

mportance fo

est: SINC Assess

en preparehyr Tydfil ical survey yr Tydfil cou

of conifer ntified as pofurther assesideration as

a large area70, which ispland, with s

m AoD alonn the west.

are extensremain, par

antations sugrassland. A, run througge is imped

boniferous oped over thwhere drainnd. Rocky hin and dry

s report sete biodiversifor the selecalso assesseounty and

TBP 2008).

proposed toINC designa

Biodiversit

ontain any onservation erves (NNRite (see AppAppendix 6

for Nature C

sment Survey: v.1

ed by DavCounty Boand assess

unty borougwoodlandsotential Sitessment. Ths a SINC.

a of FC lands located fusemi upland

ng the easte

sive across rticularly aloupport marsA number ogh the site inded. A disu

shales and hese rocks nage is impeoutcrops, wacidic soils

ts out the reity value ofction of SINed against t

County B

o enclose alation guidel

ty Interest

statutory si(SACs), S

Rs) or Locapendix 3). T6), which a

Conservation

1: Feb 2013

id Clemenorough Cousment of angh of Glamos, owned bytes of Impohis report a

d, which slurther to thed areas alon

ern margin,

the site, ong streamsshy grasslanof streams,n addition tused quarry

sandstones are generalleded, and frwhich are a s.

esults of thef the habitaNCs in the ‘the biodiverBorough lev

ll of the lanlines.

ites of natuSites of Spal Nature ReThere are aare non-statn (SINCs).

ts Ecologyuncil (MTCn area of laorgan, in Soy the Forestortance for ims to esta

opes from Me east (See Png the easterising to ap

although as that run thnd, brackenincluding t

o acid flushy is present

of the Uppely acidic in reely draininfeature of t

e ecologicalats, features‘Mid Valleyrsity conservel (BRIG

nd areas wh

ure conservaecial Scieneserves (LNlso a numbeutory sites,

y Ltd (DCCBC). It sand known outh Walestry Commi

r Nature Coablish the w

Mynydd GePlan 1 & Aern boundarapproximate

areas of sehrough the n stands anthe Nant C

hes and pooin the north

er Coal Men nature, being and loamthe within t

l survey, tos and specieys Area’ (Wrvation prio

G 2007; W

hich are judg

ation interentific IntereNRs). Cwmer of ‘Coun, recognised

1

CE) on thesets out the

as ‘Gethin. The site isssion (FC),onservation

whether this

ethin in theppendix 3).

ries and liesely 450m at

emi naturalsite. Open

nd areas ofCannaid and

ls that havehern part of

asures. Theing wet andmy on morethe site, are

gether withes recorded

WBP 2008).orities set at

WAG 2007;

ged to meet

est, such asest (SSSIs),m Glo SSSInty Wildlifed locally as

e e n s ,

n s

e . s t

l n f d e f

e d e e

h d . t ;

t

s , I e s

DCE 664:M

1.7.2

1.7.3

1.7.4

1.7.5

1.7.6

1.7.7

1.7.8

1.7.9

1.7.10

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Cwm Glo

Cwm Glo its wet pawoodland grassland best sites i

SSSIs are Countrysiphysiograp

County W

To the imdesignatedBryn y Gwand dry hhabitats inponds.

To the noabove in supportinggrassland,and neutrawith semi

Blaencanacomprisesconifer pla

Rhydycar semi naturwoodlandThere are

Immediatesemi natuplantationscrub, mar

To the imwoodland and areas streams wwoodland

To the soffridd hab

NCs: Gethin Fore

SSSI

SSSI is locastures andand heath.fungi, incluin Britain fo

‘National sde Act 198phic feature

Wildlife Sites

mmediate nod for its mowyddel/Bry

heathland, wnclude acid

orth of the paragraph

g semi upl with extenal grasslandnatural bro

aid SINC iss areas of antations.

West SINCral woodlan, conifer walso areas o

ely to the eural oak ans. The sitrshy and ac

mmediate easslopes, supof bilberry

within the srides.

uth/south ebitat with m

est: SINC Assess

cated immed species-ric

The site iuding 32 spor fungi.

sites’, being1. SSSI arees of special

s

orth/north wosaic of moyn y Badellwhich provid grassland

site, Cwm 1.6.2. The

land and lonsive areas hd, bracken, aoad leaved w

s present to acid and m

C is located nd fragmen

woodlands aof scrub, bra

east of the snd birch we also suppid grassland

st/south easpporting exty and heathsite. There

east is Buarmarshy gras

sment Survey: v.1

diately to thch grasslanis importantpecies of wa

g notified bye areas of lal interest.

west of the soorland andl/Mynydd Aide the mos

d, marshy g

Glo SINCe SINC coowland vegheathland inacid flushes

woodland.

the immedmarshy gras

to the northnts as well aand areas oacken and p

site is Cwmwoodland cports associd.

st of the sitetensive semh. Alder ane are also a

rth Waunydssland, acid

1: Feb 2013

he north of nds, and tht for its excaxcap (Hygr

y CCW undand which s

site is Wincffridd habi

Aberdar hillst extensivegrassland, a

is containeomprises exgetation. Tn addition ts and small

diate north/nssland with

h/north eastas semi natf heathland

ponds.

m Woods SIcontained wiated habita

e is Graig Gmi natural oand birch wareas of we

dd SINC. Td grassland

the site. Thhe mosaic oceptionally rocybe spp)

der section support flor

chfawr Wesitats, on thel system. He coverage acid flushes

ed within thxtensive moThe majorio other hab ponds and

north east oh wet wood

t of the site ural broad

d, marshy a

INC. The Swithin largats includin

Gethin SINCak woodlanoodland ocet heath oc

The SINC cand flushe

The SSSI is of these hadiverse ass), making it

28 of the Wra, fauna, ge

st SINC. Te eastern slHabitats coin the cous, scrub, st

he SSSI, aosaic of ffrity of habi

bitats includd streams, la

of the site. dland, hedg

and comprileaved woo

and neutral

SINC incluger coniferng bracken,

NC. The SINnd with bracccur particuccurring alo

comprises ses, heath, b

2

notified forabitats withemblage oft one of the

Wildlife andeological or

The SINC isopes of the

omprise wetnty. Othertreams and

s describedridd habitatitat is acid

ding marshyargely lined

The SINCgerows and

ises ancientodland, wetgrasslands.

udes ancientr woodland heathland,

NC containscken slopes

ularly alongong conifer

emi uplandbracken and

r h f e

d r

s e t r d

d t d y d

C d

t t .

t d ,

s s g r

d d

DCE 664:M

1.7.11

1.7.12

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

semi naturinclude ne

The Cnwcupland ffrbilberry omature treareas. Tw

County WdesignatioCounty Ware of intehave subscontext. relevant lorelevant sdesignatioreferred toNature Co

NCs: Gethin Fore

ral broad leeutral grassl

c SINC is ridd habitaton the mouees in addit

wo reservoir

Wildlife Sions which a

Wildlife Sitesernational o

stantive natuThey are uocal plannistatutory d

on of ‘Wildo in Plannonservation

est: SINC Assess

eaved woodlland and scr

located immt with brackuntain tops.ion to marss are also pr

tes are onare recognis are so-calor national ure conservusually desiing authoritdevelopmentdlife Sites’ ing Policy & Planning

sment Survey: v.1

land includrub.

mediately sken covered. Other hashy grasslanresent withi

ne of a cised througlled ‘third tibiodiversit

vation valueignated at ty, and are t plan. Tis set out Wales (20

g, 2009.

1: Feb 2013

ing wet wo

south of thed slopes anabitats inclnds, acid fluin the SINC

lass of nohout the Uier’ sites, gety significane in the subthe county recognised

The framewin various

011) and Te

odland with

e site. Thend acid grasude semi nushes and w

C.

on-statutoryUK under aenerally rannce, but whb-national (i

or county d as a planwork for t

Governmeechnical Ad

h alder. Oth

e SINC supssland withnatural woowet heath in

y nature coa wide rangnked below hich are co(ie regional

borough lenning constrthe identifient documedvice Note

3

her habitats

pports semih heath andodland andn low lying

onservationge of titles.sites whichnsidered toor district)

evel by theraint in theication andents, and is

(Wales) 5:

s

i d d g

n .

h o ) e e d s :

DCE 664:M

2.0 2.1

2.2.

2.3 2.4 2.4.1

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

METHOD

The studyExtended (IEA 199developedand standabased primcategoriesprepared f

The methoherptiles (idragonflieprotected s

The metho

Data Traw

In additionany existibodies in t

- Mer- Sou- Fore SEWBReC

NCs: Gethin Fore

DS AND A

y area was Phase 1 sur5). This w

d by the formard method marily on th. Dominant

for any featu

odology alsoi.e. amphibis, paying paspecies.

odology for

wl

n to originaing informathe region.

rthyr Tydfiluth-East Waestry Comm

C is the mai

est: SINC Assess

APPROACH

surveyed orvey as recowas based mer Nature

for the raphe recordingt and conspiures of partic

o requires thians and reparticular atte

the assessm

al survey, aation aboutThe bodies

County Boles Biodive

mission (FC)

in repositor

sment Survey: v.1

H

on 21 and ommended bon the PhaConservanc

pid survey ag of vegetaticuous flora cular interes

he recordingptiles), mamention to the

ment of the si

a data trawl t the site ws contacted

orough Counersity Recor)

ry for biolog

1: Feb 2013

27 Novembby the Institase 1 vegecy Council (and appraistion and its species wer

st.

g of conspicmmals and ine presence (o

ite is give at

was carriewhich may included:

ncil (MTCBrds Centre (S

gical data an

ber 2012, atute of Envitation class

(NCC 1990)al of ecologclassificatio

re recorded

cuous faunanvertebrates or possible p

t Section 4.0

d out in ordbe held by

BC) SEWBReC)

nd species r

and was suironmental sification m), a nationalgical habitaon into defiand ‘target

a species su such as butpresence) of

0.

der to obtaiy nature co

); and

records in th

4

ubject to anAssessment

methodologylly-acceptedats which isfined habitatnotes’ were

uch as birds,tterflies andf any rare or

in access toonservation

he region.

n t y d s t e

, d r

o n

DCE 664:M

3.0 3.1 3.1.1

3.1.2

3.1.3

3.1.4

3.1.5

3.1.6

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

SURVEY

Vegetatio

The resultare descriRepresent

Notable P

Stag’s-horWales, haStag’s-horMid Vallesite as a S(Empetrumwithin theregional/lo

Notable H

None of importancupland heBiodiversi

Broadleav

Semi natueast of thethe conife

Along thedominatedoccasional(Betula pe(Corylus understory

Where thestreams (Tdiversity oppositifoacetosella(Carex rem(Polytrichcespitosa)

NCs: Gethin Fore

Y RESULTS

on and Hab

ts of the vegibed brieflytative photo

Plants

rn clubmosas been recorn clubmosseys SINC cSINC. Them nigrum) (e south Walocal context

Habitats

the habitatce. Howeveeathland anity Action P

ved Woodla

ural broad lee site. Thesr woodland

e streams and by alder (l pedunculaendula) as avellana)

y, as well as

e land is loTarget Note

of herbs lium), cree

a). In these mota) and s

hum commu) occurs freq

est: SINC Assess

S

bitats

getation andy below. Ls are includ

s (Lycopodorded in sevs is also lis

criteria (SWe site also (SEWBReCles and Midt include ivy

ts identifieer, the site cnd upland Plan (UK BA

and

eaved woodse areas of

d, in which t

nd tributarie(Alnus glutiate oak (Qwell as doand willows occasional

ow-lying, the 1, Plan 1)

such as eping-jenny

areas sedgsoft rush (Jne v. commquently.

sment Survey: v.1

d habitats suLists of the ded in Appe

dium clavatuveral locati

sted as a ‘PrWWSP 2004

supports roC data, 2012d valleys Sy leaved be

ed are concontains ha

flushes, wAP: BRIG 2

dland, of vawoodland a

they are con

es running inosa) with

Q. robur). owny birchws (Salix sl common h

he mature), and the g

opposite-y (Lysimach

es and rushJuncus effusmune) are ab

1: Feb 2013

urvey are shspecies rec

endix 2.

um), a ‘Prioons across rimary Spec

4; WBP 200oyal fern (O2), which arINC Criteri

ellflower (W

sidered to abitats such which are 2007) and i

arying charaare comparntained.

through thefrequent seAsh (Frax(B. pubesc

spp) also ohawthorn (C

oak woodlground floraleaved go

hia nummuhes are also sus). Mossebundant, an

hown on Placorded are

ority speciethe site (SEcies’ within08) and its Osmunda rere listed as ‘ia. Other s

Wahlenbergia

be of inteas lowland‘Priority H

ts Welsh eq

acter, is founatively sma

e site, the wessile oak (xinus excelscens) occuroccur frequCrataegus m

and is wet,a supports alden-saxifralaria) and frequent, in

es such as cnd tufted ha

an 1 of this given at A

es’ for consEWBReC dn the South presence qegalis) and‘Contributospecies of iia hederacea

ernational d deciduousHabitats’ oquivalent (W

und largely tall in size c

woodlands (Quercus pesior) and sr occasionauently thromonogyna).

, particulara good abunage (Chry

wood sorncluding recommon ha

air grass (De

5

report, andAppendix 1.

servation indata, 2012).

Wales andqualifies thed crowberryory Species’nterest in aa).

or nationals woodland,of the UKWBP 2007).

to the northompared to

are mature,etraea) andsilver birchally. Hazelughout the

ly near thendance and

ysospleniumrrel (Oxalismote sedge

aircap mosseschampsia

d .

n .

d e y ’ a

l ,

K

h o

, d h l e

e d m s e s a

DCE 664:M

3.1.7

3.1.8

3.1.9

3.1.10

3.1.11

3.1.12

3.1.13

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

On drier sbirch andcomprisesground flwith occa(Potentillasoft grass trivialis), stolonifera(Hedera hand bilbefrequent. in these arspp), poly(Blechnum

Larger areground florushes.

There are pure standpatchy disgrass, with

The broadwhich arecriteria (W

Conifer w

Conifer pllarch (Larhemlock (although i

Where threasonablyYorkshireDryopteriswoodland buttercup jenny. Ivyalong withare often frequently

In the sprushade crealitter, alth

NCs: Gethin Fore

slopes, oak d occasionas largely hazora compriasional gera sterilis) an(Holcus msweet ver

a) and comhelix). Wavrry (VaccinHeath bedsreas. A goo

ypody (Polypm spinant), a

eas are domora is domi

also some ds with typistribution oh occasiona

dleaved woe listed as bWBP 2008).

woodlands

lantations crix spp), spr(Tsuga hetein some area

he plantatioy diverse g fog, creepis spp, hard

floor. H(Ranunculuy is also abh patches odamp, and

y. Sedges su

uce plantatiated by this ough there

est: SINC Assess

forms the dal sycamorzel, which ises abundarmander spnd wood avollis), Yorkrnal-grass

mmon bentvy hair-grasnium myrtilstraw (Galiuod diversitypodium sppall of which

minated by inated by d

small areasically sparseof grasses sual herbs such

odlands of being indic

cover an exruce (Picea erophylla). as there is a

ons are maground floraing bent, swd fern and Herbs incluus repens),bundant acrof rosebay w

d rushes sucuch as glauc

ions, the grspecies. Inare occasio

sment Survey: v.1

dominant care (Acer psis distributeant wood speedwell (

vens (Geum kshire fog ((Anthoxant(Agrostis

ss (Deschamllus) and lum saxatiley of ferns isp), soft shielh occur freq

young bircdense bramb

s of mature e and speciuch as comh as herb-ro

the site cocative of an

xtensive are spp), pines The majo

also some ex

ature, partica including weet vernal-soft-shield

ude abundawith occasioss the woo

willowherb ch as soft rcous sedge

round flora n these areaonal ferns,

1: Feb 2013

anopy specieseudoplataned frequentsorrel, herbVeronica curbanum),

(Holcus lanthum odoracapillaris),mpsia fexuoling heather) and tormes present anld-fern (Poly

quently throu

ch woodlanble (Rubus

beech (Fages-poor gro

mmon bent, obert, wood

ollectively sncient wood

a within ths (Pinus sppority of thesxtensive you

cularly in abundant

-grass and cfern. Moss

ant wood sional speedwodland floor(Chamerionrush and h(Carex flac

is generallyas, the groungrasses and

es and occunus) and aly througho

b-robert (Gechamaedrysamongst gr

natus), rougatum), cree in additioosa) is alsor (Calluna

entil (Potentnd include mlystichum seughout thes

nds, with abfructicosus

gus sylvaticound flora.

Yorkshire sorrel and v

support at ldlands in th

e site, comp) and, to ase stands arung larch.

the stands grasses suc

common benses form a sorrel, herbwell (Veronr, and bramn angustifolard rush (J

cca) also occ

y less divernd cover comd herbs simi

urs along wiash. The out. In theseranium ros), barren rasses such gh meadow eping bent

on to mosso abundant t

vulgaris) tilla erecta)male-ferns (etiferum) anse woodland

bundant wis agg), with

ca) plantatioThese areafog and swvarious fern

least 12 of he Mid Va

mprising pura lesser exteare mature p

of larch, ch as wavy nt, and ferndense mat

b-robert annica spp) an

mble is locallium). The Juncus inflecur occasion

rse as a resuomprises larilar to thos

6

ith frequentunderstory

se areas theobertanium)

strawberryas creepinggrass (Poa

t (Agrostises and ivythroughout,are locally) also occur(Dryopterisnd hard fernds.

illow. Theh ferns and

on, formingas support aweet vernal-ns.

the specieslleys SINC

re stands ofent, westernplantations,

there is ahair-grass,

ns includingacross the

nd creepingnd creepinglly frequentwoodlands

exus) occurnally.

ult of densegely needlee described

t y e ) y g a s y ,

y r s n

e d

g a -

s C

f n ,

a ,

g e g g t s r

e e d

DCE 664:M

3.1.14

3.1.15

3.1.16

3.1.17

3.1.18

3.1.19

3.1.20

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

above. Wdiverse beforming d(Molinia cfrequent a

In some pbilberry owavy hairwhich is fo

Young laroccasionaldominate greater divthese area

A large prtime of thareas werecomprisedwoodland

An area oAppendix the east. the site bo

The conifelisted as b2008).

Acid Gras

Within thwhich at comprisesbrown benstricta). grasses. HBracken (frequent occasionalthat these acid grass

Smaller aalong woobracken/ff

NCs: Gethin Fore

Where rides eing often ddense hummcaerulea) a

along the dri

plantations,ccurs frequ

r grass. Linfound occasi

rch plantatiol young wilmuch of thversity of gs.

roportion ohe survey de disturbed,d of tree .

of ancient w3) (Target

Parts of theoundary but

er woodlandbeing indica

ssland

e centre ofthe time o

s of commont (AgriostiHeath rush

Herbs includ(Pteridium along withlly throughoareas are cland.

areas of aciodland marfridd habitat

est: SINC Assess

were createdamp, partimocks mixeand sedges,ier rides and

, particularluently throung heather iionally.

ons also ocllow. Bramhe ground fground flora

f larch planue to the p, crossed wibranches a

woodland is Note 2, Pla

e ancient wremains sem

ds of the sitative of anci

f the site thof the survn bent and is vineale), h (Juncus sqde heath bedaquilinum)

h soft and out the grasleared coni

d grasslandgins and pat. Wavy ha

sment Survey: v.1

ed through icularly aloned with tus, as well ad woodland

ly the pineughout the gis scarce bu

ccur within mble and othflora, althoua is evident

ntations, hapresence of ith muddy tand other

located to an 1), whic

woodland apmi-natural i

te collectiveient woodla

here is an ovey was besheeps fescwavy hair-quarrosis) dstraw, torm is present

hard rushssland. Prevfer plantatio

d also occuaths, whereairy-grass is

1: Feb 2013

these areasng flushessocky grass occasiona

d edges.

e plantationground floraut still found

the site, coher tall rudugh along tht. Ferns an

ave been recthe fungus

tracks and cvegetation

the south ech encompapear to havimmediately

ely support ands in the

open area oeing grazedcue (Festuca-grass, Yorkand sedges

mentil and sthroughou

h. Bilberrvious phaseons which h

ur throughoe they occurs abundant,

s, the grounwhere mosses, includial hard fern

ns to the noa, along wid throughou

omprising yerals such ahe edges an

nd rushes ar

cently or w, Phytophthcovered wit, from the

ast of the ssses a large

ve been plany to the east

at least 9 ofMid Valley

of semi impd by horsesa ovina), wkshire fog a occur occ

sheeps sorret the grassl

ry and linge 1 surveys have subseq

ut the site r in a mosawith comm

nd flora is msses are abuing purple n. Bilberry

north west oith heath beut, as well a

young larch as rosebay nd more opre frequent

were being fhora ramorth piles of be previousl

site (Sotherner area of wnted where t.

f the specieys SINC cri

proved acids. The slo

with sweet vand mat-graasionally a

el (Rumex aland, althoug heather (Appendix quently dev

within woaic with hea

mon bent, sh

7

much moreundant, andmoor-grass

y is locally

of the site,edstraw andas tormentil

along withwillowherb

pen areas, athroughout

felled at theum. These

brash whichly existing

n 1986; seewoodland to

it is within

s which areteria (WBP

d grassland,oping fieldernal-grass,ass (Nardusmongst the

acestosella).ugh locallyalso occur4), indicate

veloped into

odland andathland andeeps fescue

e d s y

, d l

h b a t

e e h g

e o n

e P

, d , s e .

y r e o

d d e

DCE 664:M

3.1.21

3.1.22

3.1.23

3.1.24

3.1.25

3.1.26

3.1.27

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

and sweetheather oc

The dry aare listed criteria (Wrecorded f

Neutral G

Damp neuwoodlandbent, red crested dograss (Arrsuch as pratense),(Centaureas commodamper arflexuosa) a

The neutraare listed aCriteria (Wrecorded f

Marshy G

Marshy grheathland.margins cohard rush.frequentlycross-leav

Where adjflower, grflammula)articulatus

The marshwhich areCriteria (Wbeen recor

Bracken C

Open areabracken, w

NCs: Gethin Fore

t vernal-graccasional. T

cid grasslanas being in

WBP 2008)from other h

Grassland

utral grassl. These arfescue (F

og’s-tail (Cyrhenatherumcreeping b ribwort pla

ea nigra) alson ragwort reas, cuckooare also loc

al grasslandas being indWBP 2008from other h

Grassland

rassland is p. Along theomprise abu. Bilberry

y along withved heath (E

jacent to a reater bird’) and brooks) and a num

hy grassland listed as b

WBP 2008)rded from o

Communitie

as of grasslwhich often

est: SINC Assess

ass. In thesTormentil oc

nds of the sndicative of. A furthehabitats on t

ands occurreas compri

Festuca rubynosurus crim elatius). buttercup, antain (Planso occurs o(Senecio j

oflower (Caally frequen

ds of the sitdicative of s). One ot

habitats on t

present alonese clearingundant tussois also loc

h occasionaErica tetralix

network ofs-foot trefoklime (Vermber of sed

d habitats oeing indica

). An additother habitat

es

land, such an forms a d

sment Survey: v.1

se areas, bilccurs scarce

site collectivf species-ricer two acid the site.

r along the ise tall swa

bra), sweet istatus), cocSoft and haself-heal (Pntago lance

occasionallyjacobaea) a

Cardamine pnt.

te collectivespecies-richther neutralthe site.

ng woodlangs, where smocks of purally frequenal tormentilx) also occu

f ponds, othoil (Lotus pronica beccdges (Carex

of the site cative of spectional five mts on the sit

as those disdense and co

1: Feb 2013

lberry is locely.

vely supporch acid gras

grassland

margins oards domin

vernal-grack’s-foot (Dard rushes oPrunella v

eolata) and y, along withand creepinpratensis) a

ely support h neutral gral grassland

nd clearingsmall tracks lrple moor-grnt, and herl. Ling heaurs in some

her herbs arpedunculatucabunga), aspp).

collectively cies-rich exmarshy grase.

scussed aboontinuous c

cally freque

rt at least 10sslands in tindicator sp

of some of nated by Yoass, rye-graDactylus glooccur frequevulgaris), rherb-roberth other morng thistle (Cnd wavy bi

at least fouasslands in tindicator s

and in somlead throughrass and rusbs such as

ather is alsoareas, altho

re also frequs), lesser spalong with

support at xamples in tssland indic

ove, supporcover. Alon

ent occurrin

0 of the spethe Mid Vapecies have

f the tracksorkshire fogass (Loliumomerata) anently, alongred clover t. Commonre ruderal spCirsium aritter-cress (

ur of the spethe Mid Vaspecies has

me areas borgh dense woshes includiheath beds

o locally freough only ra

quent includspearwort (R

jointed ru

least 10 of the Mid Vacator specie

rt frequentlyng woodlan

8

ng with ling

ecies whichalleys SINCe also been

, borderingg, common

m perenne),nd false oat-g with herbs

(Trifoliumn knapweedpecies such

rvense). In(Cardamine

ecies whichalleys SINCs also been

rdering wetoodland, theing soft andstraw occurequent, andarely.

ding cuckooRanunculus

ush (Juncus

the speciesalleys SINCes have also

y-occurringnd margins,

g

h C n

g n , -s

m d h n e

h C n

t e d r d

o s s

s C o

g ,

DCE 664:M

3.1.28

3.1.29

3.1.30

3.1.31

3.1.32

3.1.33

3.1.34

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

adjacent tassociated

Other Tal

Along parruderal veYorkshirewillowherwith youneuropaeus

Dry Heath

Dry heathwoodlandwith wavysheeps fesforms the

Along somamongst glarger area

Wet Heath

In the centsite opensadjacent mtussocks obilberry. rushes, he

Cross-leavgrows witeared haw

Acid Flus

Several smheathland overlying lesser spea(Wahlenbe

Ponds

Several poquarry in larger pon

NCs: Gethin Fore

to tracks, brd with this h

ll Ruderal V

rts of the tregetation o fog, growi

rb (Epilobiung bushes os).

hland

hland occurs. Mature y hair-grassscue and tomost domin

me tracks, lgrassland aas of acid gr

hland

tre of the sis up into mmoorland inof purple m

Other specath bedstraw

ved heath ah sedges, he

wkweed (Pil

sh

mall acid flhabitats. Ta carpet of

arwort, marergia heder

onds are prthe north w

nds with ope

est: SINC Assess

racken alsohabitat inclu

Vegetation

racks, and wccurs. Thing amongsum hirsutumof willow,

rs along mling heathe

s and heathrmentil. Innant dwarf-

ling heatherand tall rudrassland, as

ite, along thoorland com

nto woodlanoor-grass wcies associaw, heath rus

lso occurs seath rush, sosella offici

ushes occuThese flushf moss. Asrsh bedstrawracea) also o

resent withiwest of the en water and

sment Survey: v.1

o forms denude rosebay

within one his comprisest ragwort, m) and rose

broom (Cy

many of theer grows a

h bedstraw, n some areashrub speci

r occurs wideral vegetas discussed a

he border wimprising wnd rides witwith ling heated with tsh and abun

sparingly aloft rush andinarum).

ur within wohes are domssociated spw (Gallium occurs spar

in the site. site (Targetd associated

1: Feb 2013

nse stands awillowherb

larger areaes tall grastufted hair-

ebay willowytisus scopa

tracks, formongst humand other

as ling heaties.

ithout bilbeation. Lingabove.

ith Rhonddaet heathlanthin the siteather, and othis habitat ndant mosse

long tracksd other shor

oodland cleminated by pecies inclupalustre) aingly.

A networt Note 3, Pld aquatic ve

amongst brb, which is l

a adjacent tsses such a-grass, soft wherb. Thearius) and

rming widemmocks of species inc

ther is less

rry and hasg heather al

a Cynon Tad. This habe. These aroccasional c

include abes.

where the grt perennial

earings and soft rush an

ude violets (and sedges.

rk of pondslan 1). In tegetation. G

ramble. Otlocally freq

to the quarras false oarush, hard

ese areas arcommon g

e margins f bilberry acluding comabundant a

s a patchy also occurs

aff county babitat extendreas are docross-leavedbundant har

ground is dspecies suc

at the margand purple m(Viola spp) Ivy leaved

s has formethis area thGreat reedm

9

ther speciesuent.

ry face, tallt-grass andrush, great

re scatteredgorse (Ulex

adjacent toand mosses,mmon bent,and bilberry

distributionthroughout

orough, theds from theminated byd heath andrd and soft

damper, andch as mouse

gins of wetmoor-grass,), tormentil,d bellflower

ed near theere are two

mace (Typha

s

l d t d x

o , , y

n t

e e y d t

d e

t , , r

e o a

DCE 664:M

3.1.35

3.1.36

3.1.37

3.1.38

3.1.39

3.1.40

3.1.41

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

latifolia) irushes arooccasionalmarshy htrefoil, cubrooklimecrowfoot (

Adjacent number ograss and

A networkPlan 1). AThe largeralder treescrowfoot smaller pothe smalle

Streams &

A numberalong the short sectiof smallerGraig and

Woodlandsurvey, fa

Exposed R

Previous qthe north wferns growbodies occ

Short Per

Along theSpecies ohawkweedfoot and c

Bare grou

A numbervehicles a

NCs: Gethin Fore

is present aound the plly along therb species

uckooflowere occurs wit(Ranunculu

to these pof pools andrushes.

k of smallerA slightly lr pond supps in one coand commo

onds, whicher ponds are

& Ditches

r of streamssouthern bo

ions within r streams thr

Nant Cann

ds surroundst flowing w

Rock

quarrying awest of the w along thcur below th

rennial Veg

e majority occurring ind, sedges sureeping ben

und

r of bare trnd machine

est: SINC Assess

along the eperiphery. he edges ans such as r and wavyth lesser spe

us (Batrachi

onds, thered ditches ha

r ponds is aarger pond ports abundrner. Floation starworth are muche seasonal.

s run througoundary of the easternroughout th

naid.

ing these stwater with m

activity has site. Theree bottom, he cliff face

etation

f the tracksn these areauch as glaucnt, as well a

racks run thery associate

sment Survey: v.1

edges, in adFloating s

nd within tlesser spea

y bitter cresearwort, comium) sp) and

e is a largeave formed

also found tis located a

dant rushes ing sweet-gt occur in shallower a

gh the site fthe site, wh

n parts of thhe north east

treams, whiminimal aqu

exposed sae is little veamongst ot

e, as describ

s there is a nas includes cous sedge as toad rush

hrough the ed with fore

1: Feb 2013

ddition to ysweet-grass the pond, aarwort, marss. Within mmon starwd a forget-m

e area of md amongst h

towards the adjacent to around the

grass also grthe open wand with le

from west thilst the Nae site to thetern part of

ich comprisuatic vegeta

andstone to egetation onther tall rubed above.

narrow marcoltsfoot (

and grasses(Juncus buf

site, manyestry operat

young willo(Glyceria

and amongsrsh bedstrawthe shallow

wort (Callitrme-not speci

marshy grashummocks

centre of thtwo smalleopen wate

rows arounwater. Rushss open wa

o east. Theant Graig ane north. Thef the site, wh

se a rocky bation.

form a sman the steep cderal veget

rgin of shor(Tussilago fs including Yfonius).

y of which tions.

ow and witfluitans) a

st the rushew, greater wer parts otriche stagnies (Myostis

ssland withof moss, p

he site (Tarer areas of oer, with sevnd the pondhes domina

ater. It is p

e Nant Cwmnd Nant Ca

here are a larhich feed in

bed and, at

all area of ccliff face, butation. Sev

rt perennial farfara), mYorkshire f

are used re

10

h abundantalso occurses there are

bird’s-footf the pond,alis), waters sp).

in which aurple moor

rget Note 4,open water.eral mature, and waterate the twoossible that

m Ddu runsannaid haverge number

nto the Nant

the time of

cliff face inut abundantveral water

vegetation.mouse earedfog, cock’s-

egularly by

t s e t , r

a r

, . e r o t

s e r t

f

n t r

. d -

y

DCE 664:M

3.1.42

3.1.43

3.2 3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Historic R

Data was by the forAppendix plantationwith semibracken, dwhich in pBare grou

The site re1979 and that now mosaics, popen due scattered woodland

Fauna

Mammals

There wassurvey of consideredwoodlandof potentiapotentiallynatural broHowever nto the site

Water volimmediatewaterbodiin extent being to soperationsrecent reco

No otter rRiver Tafffor otter. which supIt is likelparticularl

NCs: Gethin Fore

Records

obtained frormer Nature4). This e

n with a smai natural brdry dwarf sparts are scnd and shor

emains larg1997 still rappear to

presumably to recent fescrub now .

s

s no evidenf the site, ad potentially, partly wital food soury support doadleaf woono records (SEWBReC

le has beenely north ofes present, and supporsubject to s. Records ords dated b

records exisff (SEWBRe

There are pported manly that ottely utilising c

est: SINC Assess

om the Phae Conservaarlier surve

all area of brroad leavedshrub heathcattered witrt perennial/

gely the samemaining. be broadldue to felli

elling. Openappear to

nce of any plthough sevy suitable fohin the siterces includi

dormouse, podland and currently exC data, 201

n recorded f the site (SEthese are c

rting few fehigh levelsof water v

back to 200

st from the eC data, 20a number o

ny mature brs would trconnective

sment Survey: v.1

ase 1 habitatancy Councey classifiedroad leaved

d woodlandh, marshy gth scrub an/ephemeral

me today, wThe excepteaved wooing at somen areas prevhave deve

protected mveral speciefor dormouse and also sing hazel. Tparticularly

remnant anxist of dorm2).

in the paEWBReC d

considered tfeatures whis of disturbvole are scar02.

site but th12). Habita

of streams abroad leavedravel acroshabitat feat

1: Feb 2013

t survey of il (NCC) dd the majorid plantationd. Smaller grassland and a mixturevegetation

with the majtion comprisodland, scru

point sinceviously shoeloped into

mammal spees might bee due to the

surroundingThe conifer where it is

ncient semimouse eithe

st from widata, 2012).to be unsuitich are suit

bance as a rce within t

ey have beats within thand tributarid trees whicss the sitetures such a

the county uring the pity of the si. There are open areas

nd semi impe of broad are also rec

ority of habses some arub and acie the last surwn as domi young scr

ecies recorde expected e extensive

the site, wwoodland w well connenatural bro

r within or

ithin Cwm . Although table for watable for thresult of q

the county

en recordedhe site appeies, connectch could be whilst coms the stream

which was period 1979ite as beingalso a numb

s comprise mproved acid

leaf and cocorded.

bitats mappreas of coniid grassland

urvey or whiminated by b

rub and br

ded during to occur. semi natura

which suppowith the site

nected to exoad leaved r immediate

Glo SINCh there are aater vole behis species, quarrying aborough an

d within 50ear potentiating to the suitable as

mmuting anms and wood

11

undertaken9-1997 (Seeg coniferousber of areascontinuous

d grasslandonifer trees.

ed betweenifer forestryd/heathlandich are now

bramble androad leaved

the presentThe site is

al broadleafort a varietye could alsoxisting semiwoodlands.

ely adjacent

C and SSSIa number ofeing limited

as well asand forestrynd the most

00m, on theally suitableRiver Taff,otter holts.

d foraging,dland.

n e s s s d .

n y d w d d

t s f y o i . t

I f d s y t

e e , . ,

DCE 664:M

3.2.4

3.2.5

3.2.6

3.2.7

3.2.8

3.2.9

3.2.10

3.2.11

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Various sbats, havecommutingood forapotentiallywithin cre

DormouseprotectionSpecies Ras ‘PrioritSpecies A

Evidence although nsite, and thbreeding bUK under

Other mamUK and W(SEWBReto provide

Birds

Thirty sixuncommocuckoo, cuowl and lWelsh equalso been

Other birdoccurring martin, baEurasian w

A numberbeen recocommon crecent pascommon c

Other specinclude sphouse sparsuch as coIt is likelypresent wi

NCs: Gethin Fore

pecies of be been recong (SEWBRaging habitay provide suevices in the

e, water voln under UKRegulations 2ty Species’

Action Plans

of badger ano setts havhere are potbadgers. Bthe Protect

mmals of coWelsh BAP eC data, 20e good habit

x species ofn species suurlew, wooapwing, alluivalent. Precorded w

ds of consewithin the

arn swallowwoodcock, f

r of speciesorded, inclucrossbill. Nst (M. Evancrossbill cou

cially protecpotted flycatrrow and co

ommon redsy that someithin the site

est: SINC Assess

bat, includinorded withi

ReC data, 20at and matuitable rooste quarry face

e, otter andK and EU le

2010 and Wunder the in the Mert

activity hasve been rectentially sui

Badgers andtion of Badg

onservation‘Priority S

12). The wtat for this s

f bird haveuch as treed warbler, dl of which Pied flycatchithin the sit

ervation consite includ

w, lesser blafieldfare, gr

protected uding barn oNightjar anns, pers comuld also bre

cted or constcher, grasshommon keststart, mallare of these se on occasio

sment Survey: v.1

ng commonin and adja012). The wture trees, wting sites foe.

bats, and thegislation,

Wildlife andUK BAP athyr Tydfil

s been recorcorded. It iitable habita

d their nestigers Act 199

n concern reSpecies’, whwoodland anspecies.

e been recoe pipit, nighdunnock, coare listed aher, which te.

ncern in Wde long-tailack-backed reen sandpip

under schedowl, northe

nd goshawkmm, 2012)

eed within th

servation-prhopper wartrel, in addird, sand maspecies wouon.

1: Feb 2013

n pipistrelleacent to thwoodland wwhich are or bats. It is

he habitats tincluding t

d Countrysidand its WelLocal Biod

rded withins likely thaats that woung burrows92.

ecorded in thich has bend adjacent

orded from htjar, lesser ommon bul

as ‘Priority is listed as

ales and/or ed tit, meagull, coal

per, willow

dule 1 of thern goshawkk are known) and it is the site.

riority birdsrbler, merlinition to otheartin and greuld also uti

e, noctule ahe site, eithwithin the snumerous ws also possib

that supporthe Conservde Act 1981lsh equivalediversity Act

n the site (Sat badger would provide s (setts) are

the vicinity en recordedopen areas

the site toredpoll, comlfinch, starlSpecies’ ina Priority

in the UKdow pipit, tit, green wwarbler and

he Wildlife k, green san to have bthought like

s recorded wn, Eurasian ser species ofey heron (SElise at least

and brown her whilst fsite is likelywithin the ble that bat

t them, are vation of H1. They areent, and aretion Plan (L

SEWBReC would forage

shelter for e fully prote

include brod on severaof grasslan

o date. Themmon linneling, song tn the UK BSpecies in

K (RSPB, 20common sw

woodpeckernd mistle thr

and Countrandpiper, fibred on theely that bar

within 500msparrowhawf conservatiEWBReC dt some of t

12

long-earedforaging ory to provide

site, coulds may roost

all affordedHabitats ande also listede subject toLBAP).

data, 2012)e across theresting and

ected in the

own hare, aal occasionsnd are likely

ese includeet, commonthrush, barn

BAP and itsWales, has

009 a & b)wift, house

r, goldcrest,rush.

ryside haveeldfare andsite in the

rn owl and

m of the sitewk, skylark,ion concerndata, 2012).the habitats

d r e d t

d d d o

) e d e

a s y

e n n s s

) e ,

e d e d

e ,

n . s

DCE 664:M

3.2.12

3.2.13

3.2.14

3.2.15

3.2.16

3.2.17

3.2.18

3.2.18

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Records ocarrion cro

Reptiles

No reptilelizard adjaexist withicommon rgrass snak

All reptilelisted as ‘Pwithin the

Amphibia

The rare waterbodispecies coits habitatsthe UK aMerthyr T

Records oexist fromcommon running st

Fish

Brown trolocated abmigratory

Invertebra

The only amoth (Eut

Marsh friSchedule within thewithin thefrom areasgrayling (moth (CosLBAP spe

NCs: Gethin Fore

of commoneow, robin, w

es have beeacent to thein the site anreptiles suchke and adder

es are affordPriority SpeMerthyr Ty

ans

and protees from wi

ould breed ws are protecnd Welsh B

Tydfil LBAP

of other comm areas adja

frog, wouldtreams and d

out, a UK, Wbout 500m fish may be

ates

available intolmis rubri

itillary butt5 of the Wi

e UK BAPe Cwm Glo s adjacent to(Hipparchiassus cossusecies has als

est: SINC Assess

er species frwood pigeon

n recorded e site from wnd it is thereh as slow-wor may also b

ded protectioecies’ under ydfil LBAP.

ected greatithin the swithin watected under EBAPs, as wP.

mmoner amacent to the d occur inditches etc.

Welsh and east of the

e found wit

vertebrate ricollis), a sp

terfly (Euroildlife and Cand its WeSINC and

o the site, ina semele) a). Dark greso been reco

sment Survey: v.1

rom the siten and tawny

from withiwithin openefore likely orm. It is ae found with

on under thethe UK BA

t crested nside and in

erbodies preEU and UKwell as bein

mphibians,site. It iswaterbodie

LBAP spece site. It ithin streams

record frompecies which

odryas aurCountrysideelsh equivaSSSI. Othncluding smand dingy seen fritillarorded nearb

1: Feb 2013

e include bly owl (M. E

in the site,n areas of mthis this spe

also possiblehin the site.

e Wildlife aAP and its W

newt has n habitats aesent withinlegislation,ng subject

including clikely that

es within th

cies, has beis possible s on the site

m within the h is listed in

rinia), a spe Act 1981lent, occurs

her UK and mall pearl boskipper (Eryry (Argynnisby.

ackbird, bluEvans, pers c

but there armarshy grassecies could oe that less co

and CountryWelsh equiv

been recoradjacent. In the site. G

and are ‘Prto a Specie

common tothese specihe site as w

een recordedthat this a.

site is that on the Merthy

pecies whicand listed

s immediateWelsh BAP

ordered fritirynnis tagess aglaja), a

ue tit, wrencomm, 201

re records osland. Simioccur, alongommon spec

yside Act 19valent, and a

rded from It is possibGreat cresteriority Speces Action P

oad and palies, and othwell as in

d from the and other re

of red-neckyr Tydfil LB

ch is proteas a ‘Priori

ely adjacentP species aillary (Bolos) butterflieanother Mer

13

, chaffinch,2).

of commonilar habitatsg with othercies such as

981, and areare included

numerousle that this

ed newt andcies’ in bothPlan in the

mate newt,hers such as

the slower

River Taff,esident and

ked footmanBAP.

ected underity Species’t to the sitere recorded

oria selene),es and goatrthyr Tydfil

,

n s r s

e d

s s d h e

, s r

, d

n

r ’ e d , t l

DCE 664:M

3.2.19

3.2.20

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Other invebees, waspAndrena hConops vNomada lRed Data (SEWBRe

A numberequivalentgrey daggeeight, darkthorn, greymoth, broermine, anrustic (SEWnotable ingrasslands

NCs: Gethin Fore

ertebrates ofps and flies humilis, An

vesicularis, lathburiana

Book speceC data, 201

r of moths t for researcher, knot grask brocade, ly mountain-oom moth, nomalous, hWBReC datnvertebrate s, heathland

est: SINC Assess

f conservatioincluding B

ndrena simiDidea fasc

a, Nomada cies, largely12).

which are h have also ss, flounced latticed heat-carpet, autushoulder-st

hedge rusticta, 2012). I

species, mds and ancie

sment Survey: v.1

on concern Bombus horilis, Brachypciata, Dolicsignata and

y recorded

listed ‘Priorbeen record

d chestnut, eath, small he

umnal rustictriped wainc, cinnabar,It is possiblmay also oent wet woo

1: Feb 2013

found adjacrtorum (an Lpalpus laphchovespula d Trypodenfrom the n

rity Speciesded from wiar moth, duseath, small s, garden dar

nscot, powd, dark-barree that someoccur on thdlands.

cent to the sLBAP spechriformis, C

saxonica, ndron signanearby Cwm

s’ in the UKithin the locsky brocadesquare-spot,rt, rustic, wa

dered quakeed twin-spote of these, ahe site, pa

site include cies), AndreCheilosia ch

Methocha atum, all ofm Bach mo

K BAP andcal area. The, garden tig, small phoall, brindleder, white ert carpet and

and/or otherarticularly

14

a variety ofena apicata,hrysocoma,articulata,

f which areuntain area

d its Welshese incluideer, figure ofenix, dusky

d beauty, dotrmine, buffd neglectedr scarce andin the wet

f

e a

h e f y t f d d t

DCE 664:M

4.0 4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

ASSESSM

There is cof biodiveout by thguidelinesare availaidentificatclosely on

The followthe Gethinborough Sconservatifor the UKpriorities GlamorgaCounty Bo

The assesswhole. Dassessed.

The recomrepresent with the su

NCs: Gethin Fore

MENT OF

urrently no ersity signifhe former s for the ideable for Sotion of SINn the South W

wing assessn Forest siteSINC guidelion prioritieK, Wales afor both M

an county arorough falls

sment resulDuring the a

mmended Cthe definitiurvey data w

est: SINC Assess

THE SITE

nationally ficance beloNature Co

entification outh WalesNCs in the M

Wales guida

ment of thee is therefolines (SWW

es listed in tand at the lMerthyr Tyrea (GlamBAs.

ts are summssessment p

andidate SIive minimuwhich is cur

sment Survey: v.1

E

accepted syow the levelonservancy of non-statu(SWWSP

Merthyr Tyance (WBP

e biodiversiore based onWSP 2004; Wthe Biodiverlocal level. ydfil countAG 1999),

marised in thprocess, how

INC is showum boundarrrently avai

1: Feb 2013

ystem for thl of nationaCouncil (

utory sites o2004), and

ydfil countyP 2008).

ty significan comparisoWBP 2008)rsity Action The latter

y boroughwithin whi

he followinwever, all p

wn at Plan 2ry for any ilable.

he categorisal value, cri1989, as aof county sid there is a

borough c

ance of the hon against t), and also mn Plans whicr comprise

(MTBP 2ch the majo

ng section anparts of the

2. The bouSINC desig

sing of sitesiteria for whamended). ignificance also guidan

context whi

habitats andthe county makes referch have beepublished

2008) and ority of Mer

nd refer to tsite were i

undary is cognation in

15

or featureshich are set However,(ie SINCs)

nce for thech is based

d species ofand countyrence to theen producedaction planthe formerrthyr Tydfil

the site as aindividually

onsidered toaccordance

s t , ) e d

f y e d n r l

a y

o e

DCE 664:M

4.5 4.5.1

4.5.2

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Habitats

The habitaBiodiversitogether wfor the habthe referen

The habitaguidelines

Habitatson

Semi naturalwoodland

Oak woodlan

Wet woodlan

Broad leavedplantation Conifer woo

Semi improv

Semi improvgrassland Marshy gras

Bracken

Tall ruderal Dry heathlan

Wet heathlan

Acid flushes

NCs: Gethin Fore

ats identifieity Action

with any quabitat concernce number

ats are thens for SINCs

Tabl

s Representedn the Site

l Broad leaved

nd

nd

d woodland

odland plantati

ved acid grass

ved neutral

sland

vegetation nd

nd

s

est: SINC Assess

ed to date oPlan priorialificationsrned in the Mr of this is al

n assessed fin South W

le 1: Assess

d

UK

BA

P

Pri

orit

y

d Yes

Yes

Yes

ion

land

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

sment Survey: v.1

on the site aities belowor notes. W

Merthyr Tylso given.

for qualificaWales and M

sment Agai

yH

abit

at

Wal

es B

AP

P

rior

ity

a Yes

b Yes

c Yes

d Yes

e Yes

e Yes

f Yes

1: Feb 2013

are assessed, and any Where a Haydfil Local B

ation againsMerthyr Tyd

inst BAP P

Pri

orit

y h

abit

at

Gla

mor

gan

BA

P P

rior

ity

a

b Yes b

c

d

e

e

f

against thequalifying

abitat ActionBiodiversity

st the relevafil County B

riorities

Merthyr

Yes Browoo(HA

b Yes Browoo(HA

Yes Browoo(HA

Yes Conwoo(HA

Yes Gra(HA

Yes Hea

(HAYes Hea

(HA

Yes Wet

e UK, Welshabitats ar

on Plan (HAy Action Pla

ant habitat Borough.

r Tydfil LBAPPlan

oad leavedodland AP 1)

Lodecandconhab

oad leavedodland AP 1)

Upandconhab

oad leavedodland AP 1)

We

nifer odlands AP 9)

Co

Wo‘Ff10)

assland AP 2)

Ma‘Rh‘Fr10)Wo‘Ff10)

athland AP 3)

Up

athland AP 3)

Upwo‘Ff10)

etland

16

sh and localre indicatedAP) is givenan (LBAP),

designation

P Habitat Acn

owland Mixed ciduous woodld would also ntribute to ‘Ffrbitat (HAP 10)pland oak wood would also ntribute to ‘Ffrbitat (HAP 10)et woodland

onifer woodlan

ould contributefridd’ habitat ()

arshy grasslanhos’ pasture aridd’ habitat (H) ould contributefridd’ habitat ()

pland heathland

pland heathlandould also contrfridd’ habitat ()

l d n ,

n

ction

land

ridd’ ) dland

ridd’ )

nds

e to (HAP

nd and and HAP

e to (HAP

d

d and ribute to(HAP

DCE 664:M

4.5.3

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Ponds

Streams and

Rock exposu

Short perennBare ground

a Lowlac Wet we Uplang Pondsi Inland

Ffridd habracken, acharacteristretching

NCs: Gethin Fore

ditches

ure

nial vegetationd

and mixed decwoodland nd heathland s d rock outcrop

abitats (HAacid grasslastic habitatfrom one e

est: SINC Assess

Yes

Yes

Yes

n

ciduous wood

p & scree habi

P 10): Fridand, woodlat of the M

end of the B

sment Survey: v.1

g Yes

h Yes

i Yes

dland bdf h

itats

dd is a comand, coal sp

Merthyr TydBorough to th

1: Feb 2013

g

h

i

Upland oakPurple mooUpland flusRivers & st

mplex mosaipoil and rhodfil Countyhe other.

(HAYes Wet

(HAYes Riv

stre(HA

Yes Inla(HA

kwood or grass & rushshes, fens & swtreams

c of habitatos pasture. y Borough’

AP 4) etland AP 4)

vers & eams AP 5)

and rock AP 8)

h pasture swamps

ats consistinIt is an imp’s valley s

17

ng of heath,portant andsides, often

, d n

DCE 664:M

4.6 4.6.1

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Assessme

The followhabitats idqualificati

Guideline

The SINCconsidere All ancienincluding P

All semi naancient wo[referred toshould be ‘

All wet wowoodland

All plantedwoodland

Smaller aras SINC iffaunas, or habitats, ohabitats

All coniferassemblagHabitat cri

NCs: Gethin Fore

ent Against

wing sectiodentified ation by the si

e H1: Wood

C designatied for SINC

t woodlands aPlanted Ancie

AopbA

atural woodlaoodland indico in Table 1 o‘significant’]

Sswsu

oodland sites oindicators or

Aw

d woodland ovindicators, or

CatyAh

reas (less thanf they are eithr if they form por fulfil a strat

Soww

r plantations wges, or which siteria (e.g. bog

est: SINC Assess

SINC Desi

on sets out t the Gethiite.

dlands

on guidelinC selection:

as recorded inent Woodland

A small area oof the site. It aplantation and bracken/ffridd Ancient Wood

ands over 0.25ators and/or sf the Guidelin

Semi natural bite, where it li

woodland. Thupports at lea

over 0.25 ha wwetland grou

At least 9 anciewoodland foun

ver 0.25 ha thr other species

Conifer plantatand planted brypes of woodl

Although largehabitats also oc

n 0.25 ha) of sher particularlpart of a largetegic linking f

Smaller compaof beech plantawoodland), occwider site habi

which supporsupport habitags or heathla

sment Survey: v.1

ignation G

the relevanin site, tog

nes for Mid

n the Ancientds (PAWS)

of ancient semappears to havopen areas whabitat. Woo

dland (PAW).

5 ha which susemi natural

nes: no thresho

broad leaved wies adjacent to

his area of semast 12 ancient w

with an assemund floras

ent woodlandnd along strea

hat support ans rich habitat

tion supportsroad leaved wland, remnantely restricted tccur througho

semi natural ly species rich

ger SINC desigfunction betw

artments of seation , wet wocur within laritat mosaic

rt important sptats, which woand)

1: Feb 2013

uidelines

nt SINC selether with

Valleys sta

Woodland In

i natural woodve been replan

with a mosaic oodland in this

upport an assewoodland plaold is set, but

woodland is lao a larger area

mi natural broawoodland ind

mblage of anci

d indicator spems within the

n assemblage ts

at least 9 anciwoodland suppt heathland, acto woodland tout some areas

habitat or weh, support impgnation, or co

ween SINC ar

emi natural brooodland, dry oger areas of co

pecies, or speould qualify u

ection guidan assessm

te that the f

nventories,

dland is locatented and now cof acid and maarea could be

emblage of ant species the number

rgely found ina of remainingadleaved woodicators.

ient

cies occurred site

of ancient

ient woodlandports at least 12cid and marshyracks, margins of woodland

t woodlands portant omplex of eas or other

oad leaved wooak woodlandonifer plantati

ecies under other

delines for ement of the

following sh

ed within the comprises conarshy grasslane considered as

n the north easg ancient semi dland within t

within areas

d indicator spe2 indicators. y grassland oc

ns and rides, thd.

oodland (suchd and young dion but form p

18

each of thee degree of

hould be

south east nifer nd and s Planted

st of the natural

the site

of wet

ecies In both ccurs. hese

as stands eveloping part of the

e f

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCconsidere Parkland ssupport lar

Parkland smature tre

Over-matuindividualsveteran treproportion

Examples which still

NCs: Gethin Fore

Rsfo Ahaww C(wpoc

e H2: Wood

C designatied for SINC

sites which derge mature tre

N

sites, of whateees

N

ure/veteran tres that are estiee characterisn of dead wood

S2

of orchards wl contain sever

N

est: SINC Assess

Remnant heathtreams and po

forming separa

At least 9 anciehabitat. Conifeand 11 marshywoodland edgewoodland.

Conifer woodlwhich is prese

plantation wooother significanharacter of th

Site

d pasture, pa

on guidelinC selection:

erived from anees (often refe

None present

ever origin, co

None present

ees >3.7m cirimated to be astics such as rd

Several mature200 years old

which are, or ral old fruit tr

None present

Site

sment Survey: v.1

hland, acid graonds occur at late habitats wi

ent woodlandfer woodlands y grassland indes and rides, b

lands support ent along wooodland and clent breeding bi

he conifer woo

e qualifies u

arklands, o

nes for Mid

ncient woodlaferred to as ‘c

ontaining goo

rcumference aat least 200 yerot hollow, bra

e trees present

were, traditiorees

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

assland and mleast partly wiithin the site.

d indicator spealso support a

dicators. Largbut in some ar

Stag horn clubodland marginear fell, is impirds (including

odland.

under this g

orchards an

Valleys sta

and and contioedcae’)

od numbers of

at 1.3m from bears old whichacket fungi or

t along stream

onally manage

under this g

marshy grasslanithin conifer p

cies occur witat least 7 acid gely these speceas, occurred

b moss in addns). The mosaportant for breg goshawk) ut

guideline?

d veteran tr

te that the f

inue to

f large over-

base, or h exhibit r a large

ms, which coul

ed and

guideline?

nd as well as plantations bu

thin conifer wd grassland indcies were founthroughout th

dition to crowbaic of mature ceeding nightjartilise the uniqu

rees

following sh

ld potentially

19

flushes, ut also

woodland dicators nd along he

berry conifer r and ue

Yes

hould be

be over

No

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCbe consid Structural[minimum

Significankey associa

Smaller staSINC desigSINCs.

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All examplover 0.2 ha

All stands All stands species frocommunitieasily refer From Tablvery restric

W M So M D A G

NCs: Gethin Fore

e H3: Scrub

C designatiodered for SI

lly-diverse andof six scrub s

N

t stands of goated species

N

ands of scrubgnation or co

Scsuwp

e H4: Neutr

C designatiodered for SI

le of crested da.

of species-ric

of species-ricom Table 1 ovies, which occrable to NVC

le 8, any grascted species in

Wood bitter vetMoon wort

oft- leaved sedMeadow saffroDyer’s greenweAdder’s-tongueGreen winged o

est: SINC Assess

b Communi

on guidelinINC selectio

d species-richspecies is sugg

None present

orse(over 1 ha

None present

b (including leomplex habita

Several areas oomprising larupport bramb

within the widpresent within

Site

ral Grasslan

on guidelinINC selectio

dog’s- tail- co

None present

ch MG1 and M

None presen

ch atypical NVver 0.2 ha. In cur on road v

C community

None recorde

ssland site whn the Mid Valtch

dge on eed e fern orchid

sment Survey: v.1

ities

es for the Mon:

h mixed scrubgested]

a in size) and/

ess species ricat mosaics or f

of scrub occurrgely young wble dominated der site and pro

the site.

e qualifies u

nds

es for the Mon:

ommon knapw

t

MG6 with at l

nt

VC neutral gr particular im

verges, brown

ed

hich supports alleys area:

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valleys

sites over 1 h

/or stands whi

ch areas) if thfulfil a strateg

r across the sitwillow & birch

ground flora. ovide importa

under this g

Mid Valleys

weed grasslan

least 8 species

rassland, withmportant grass

field sites, ar

a population

state that th

ha in size

ich support

ey form an ingic linking fu

te where thereh and in some

These form pnt ecological

guideline?

state that th

ds (MG5)

s from Table 2

h at least 8 sland

re often not

of rare or

he followin

ntegral part ofunction betwee

e is young woareas larch, wpart of habitatconnectivity f

Yes/bo

he followin

2 and over 0.2

20

g should

f a larger en

odland which t mosaic for fauna

rderline

g should

2 ha

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

G M C

The speciefrom Tablewet semi imother habimarshy gra

The SouthconsideredMid Valleyha in size

Smaller arspecies pooor complex

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All exampl

All examplrelatively hindicator sp

Smaller arintegral pafunction b

NCs: Gethin Fore

Greater butterflMeadow saxifr

ommon mead

es poor MG10e 2) will be demproved grasitats, or formsassland comm

h Wales Guided for SINC deys area, howe

reas (less thanor semi improx habitat mos

e H6: Acid G

C designatiodered for SI

les of unimpr

N

les of semi imhigh diversitypecies is sugg

Ag

reas (less thanart of a largeretween SINC

Sfoo

est: SINC Assess

ly orchid age

dow -rue

None record

0 grassland (wesignated whesland, where

s part of a habmunities

None pres

elines identifyesignation. Cuever if any site

None pre

n 0.2 ha) of spoved grasslanaics or fulfil a

Species poohabitat corrwithin the s

Site

Grasslands

on guidelinINC selectio

roved acid gra

None present

mproved acid gof indicator s

gested as a thre

An open area, grassland with

n 0.5 ha) of unr SINC design

Cs

Semi improvedforms mosaic won the wider si

Site

sment Survey: v.1

ded

which will rarere it either ocit creates a li

bitat mosaic (

sent

y that all standCurrently therees are found t

esent

pecies-rich grd if they forma strategic lin

or neutral grasridors throughsite

e qualifies u

es for the Mon:

asslands over

grasslands ovspecies [the peshold, from T

near the centrh at least 10 ac

nimproved ornation or comp

d acid grasslanwith heathlandite

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

rely support 8 ccurs as lareginking functio(often in assoc

ds of MG4, Me are no recorthen they will

rassland, or lam an integral pnking function

ssland occurs the site and c

under this g

Mid Valleys

0.2 ha

ver 0.5 ha, whresence of at lTable 4 of the

re of the site scid grassland i

r semi improvmplex habitat m

nd occurring ad/bracken and

under this g

species g areas or on between ciation with

MG11, MG12 ards of these fobe designated

arger stands (opart of a largen between SIN

along woodlancontributing to

guideline?

state that th

ich retain a least 7

e Guidelines]

upports semi ndicator speci

ed acid grasslmosaics or ful

along tracks/wd also part of h

guideline?

and MG13 wiour communid as SINC if o

(over 1 ha) of er SINC desigNCs

and tracks formo the mosaic o

Yes/bo

he followin

improved acidies

land if they folfil a strategic

woodland marhabitat mosaic

21

ill be ties in the over 0.2

f more gnation

ming of habitats

rderline

g should

d

form an c linking

rgins c found

Yes

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All areas oBlunt-flowPurple moMeadowsw

All examplof M25 (8 suggested

All stands which havfritillary h

Smaller arcomplex hSINCs

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All large s

Smaller sta

Smaller arhabitat mo

NCs: Gethin Fore

e H7: Marsh

C designatiodered for SI

of: wered rush – moor grass – meweet – wild an

N

les of species species from as a threshold

of marshy grve been identifabitat

reas of marshyabitat mosaic

e H9: Ffridd

C designatiodered for SI

tands of ffrid

ands of specie

reas of ffridd osaics or fulfil

est: SINC Assess

hy Grasslan

on guidelinINC selectio

marsh bedstraeadow thistle fngelica (M27)

None present

rich M25 oveTable 5) overd, from Table

Areas of marspecies

assland (and fied as potenti

None recorde

y grassland ifcs (including w

Marshy grassparticularly wmosaic

Site

d Communi

on guidelinINC selectio

dd over 10 ha

None pre

es-rich bracke

None pre

if they form al a strategic li

Small aremosaic oimportanbe presen

Site

sment Survey: v.1

nds

es for the Mon:

aw fen meadofen meadow (

er 0.2 ha, whir 0.5 ha [the pe 5 of the Guid

rshy grassland

associated drtial, suitable o

ed

f they form anwet heath) or

sland occurs awhere acid flu

e qualifies u

ities

es for the Mon:

esent

en habitat, in

esent

an integral painking functio

eas of Ffridd aof habitats witnt for species snt within the s

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valleys

ow (M22) (M24)

ich include 12presence of atdelines]

d across the sit

ry grassland hor good condit

n integral parfulfil a strate

along woodlanushes are also

under this g

Mid Valleys

cluding violet

art of a larger on between SI

are scattered athin the site. Tsuch as tree pisite.

under this g

state that th

2 species in Tat least 12 indic

te support at l

habitats), tion marsh

rt of a larger Segic linking fu

nd tracks/margfound and for

guideline?

state that th

t-rich fritillary

SINC designINCs

across the siteThese areas aripit, winchat a

guideline?

he followin

Table 5 and allcator species

least 10 indica

SINC designafunction betwe

gins and withirm part of wid

Yes/bo

he followin

ry butterfly ha

nation or comp

e, contributingre likely to be and cuckoo, k

Yes/bo

22

g should

l stands is

ator

ation or een

in rides der habitat

rderline

g should

abitat

plex

g to

known to

rderline

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All examplcross-leavegrazing pr

All exampl Examples mixtures wgrassland dwarf shru

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All exampl

All degradfeatures of

Individualgrossly mo

NCs: Gethin Fore

e H10: Heat

C designatiodered for SI

les of unmodied heath is stiressure

Whh

les of unmodi

N

of degraded hwhich either m(and are thus

ub heath cove

Dhmcaregada

e H12: Bog

C designatiodered for SI

les of undegra

N

ded bog habitaf the habitat ty

N

l neutral, basiodified by agri

Tm

est: SINC Assess

thlands & G

on guidelinINC selectio

ified wet heatill present eve

Wet heath occuhabitat includinhabitat on the s

ified dry heath

None present

heathland, secmeet the guides designated aer

Dry heathland heather occursmargins/tracksonifer plantat

areas of existineplanted. Dry

grassland in thand along trackdwarf shrub coalong tracks w

Site

Habitats &

on guidelinINC selectio

aded bog hab

None present

ats with the potype

None present

ic or acid flusicultural impr

The site contaimodified

Site

sment Survey: v.1

Grass-Heat

es for the Mon:

thland and ween though red

urs within uplng marshy grasite.

thland

condary heathelines for desias such) or wh

comprising las frequently als and also throtion and broadng heathland ay heath also oche open field inks. Heather mover within ac

within the site

e qualifies u

& Flushes

es for the Mon:

bitats

otential for re

shes of any sizrovement

ins numerous

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

th Commun

Mid Valleys

et grass-heathduced in its co

land areas of tassland. Cros

hland and graignation as achich have at le

arge stands ofong majority

oughout some d leaved woodappear to haveccurs in mosan the centre o

makes up at leacid grassland f

under this g

Mid Valleys

estoration or w

ze, provided th

acid flushes w

under this g

nities

state that th

h, and where over due to

the site in mosss leaved heath

ass-heath cid east 10%

f mature ling of woodland areas of

dland, where e been ic with acid f the site ast 10 % of fields/and

guideline?

state that th

which suppor

hey are not

which have no

guideline?

he followin

saic with mooh is scarce wit

Ye

he followin

rt some distinc

ot been grossly

23

g should

orland thin this

es

g should

ctive

y

Yes

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All examplremain com

All examplbrooks etc)which suppand the wadefined in

All examplflora and/oriver floodp

All stretchotter and w

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All examplnatural beaquatic, em

All examplout in the N

All ponds wamphibian

All less val

NCs: Gethin Fore

e H15: Wate

C designatiodered for SI

les of stretchemparatively u

N

les of stretche) which are coport good aquater is not grothe Guideline

Sman

les of system or fauna (incl

dplains)

N

es of watercowater vole

N

e H16: Stan

C designatiodered for SI

les of lakes aneds and banksmergent or ba

A

les of ponds wNational Pon

In

which qualifyns or birds)

G

luable ponds

T

est: SINC Assess

ercourses

on guidelinINC selectio

es of main rivunmodified an

None present

es of smaller womparatively uatic, emergenossly polluted es]

ite contains a minor watercouncient wet wo

of reens and/luding the ass

None present

urses which s

None recorded

Site q

nding open w

on guidelinINC selectio

nd ponds whi, good water q

ank side plant

A network of s

which score ‘Hnd Survey (Po

nsufficient inf

y under indivi

Great crested n

if they occur

The pond netw

Site

sment Survey: v.1

es for the Mon:

ver where the nd the water is

watercourses unmodified wnt or banksid[‘good’ plant

section of theurses. These oodland. Wat

/or ditches witsociated habit

support protec

d but the stream

qualifies un

water

es for the Mon:

ich have largequality and/ot communities

small ponds is

High’ or ‘Verond Action, 19

formation

idual relevant

newts have be

as integral fe

work forms par

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valleys

river bed ands not grossly p

(ie streams, cwithin the lastde plant comm

communities

e Nant Cwm Dappear largelyer appears to b

th a diverse aqtat, e.g. field s

cted species, i

m could poten

nder this gu

Mid Valleys

ely unmodifier which suppos

s present withi

ry High’ when998)

t Species Crite

een recorded in

eatures larger

rt of habitat m

under this g

state that th

d banks polluted

canals, t 100 years,

munities, are

Ddu Graig andy unmodified be unpolluted

quatic systems on

including

ntially support

uideline?

state that th

d, semi ort good

in the site

n assessed usi

eria (flora, in

n at least one

r mosaic SINC

mosaic within t

guideline?

he followin

d Cannaid andand are flanke

d.

t otter

he followin

ing methodolo

nvertebrates,

of the ponds

C

the wider site

24

g should

d other ed by

Yes

g should

ogy set

e

Yes

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All examplhave naturarcheophyassessed agpart of a la

All examplidentified iCoal Spoil

Guideline

The SINCbe consid Any coherat 1one is athat improconservatitotal site a

‘block desinatural up

NCs: Gethin Fore

e H18: Mine

C designatiodered for SI

les of species-rally re-vegetaytye non woodgainst individarge mosaic S

Smo

les of lichen hin the Strategls of South W

e H20: Mos

C designatiodered for SI

rent site whichapproaching

oved species-pion interest dorea

Twthwgmaathgmcth

ignations’ of pland features

N

est: SINC Assess

eral Spoil T

on guidelinINC selectio

-rich mineral ated with a didy plant speciedual habitat crSINC.

Small area thatmosaic of habioccurs in this a

heath on minegic Conservati

Wales (Miller H

None recorde

Site

aic Habitat

on guidelinINC selectio

h comprises aSINC selectio

poor or degrado not form a s

The whole sitewoodland, whihe woodland c

woodland indicgrassland. Othmuch smaller aand planted anacid grassland,han 25% of th

grassland, bracmosaic with plonnecting habhe whole site.

extensive ares predominate

NA Site

sment Survey: v.1

Tips and Ot

es for the Mon:

l spoil tips/posiverse range oes. The constriteria as set o

t was previouitats includingarea.

eral spoil tipsion AssessmenHS, Clarkson,

ed

e qualifies u

ts

es for the Mon:

at least 3 distinon status in itded elements significant pro

e readily qualiich makes up criteria, due tocator species

her significant area include s

ncient woodlan, dry and wet

he site) includicken/ffridd, rolantation woodbitats across th

eas of open coe

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

ther Post In

Mid Valleys

st industrial laof native and tituent habitaout in this doc

sly quarried hg ponds, scrub

s which suppont of Heathla, B and Smith

under this g

Mid Valleys

nct habitats tyts own right, pof low or negoportion (ie >

ifies under thisthe largest proo the supportinas well as spehabitats whicemi natural brnd along with heathland. Sming scrub alon

ock exposuresdland , and mhe site and con

ountryside wh

under this g

ndustrial La

state that th

ands that

ts will be cument as

has now revegeb and marshy g

ort 8 key licheand and Assoch, PL., 2007)

guideline?

state that th

types, where providing ligible

>25%) of the

s guideline. Coportion of thng a good asse

ecies indicativh meet the criroad leaf woowatercourses

maller areas (wng with neutra

and post-indueet the criteriantributing to t

ere semi-

guideline?

and

he followin

getated and supgrassland. Roy

en-heath specciated Habitat

Border

he followin

Conifer plantathe site, qualifieemblage of an

ve of heathlanditeria, althoug

odland, wet wos, open water, which make ual grassland, mustrial land, foa due to their the integral v

25

g should

pports yal fern

ies ts on the

line/Yes

g should

tion es under ncient d and acid gh cover a oodland flushes

up less marshy orm a role as alue of

Yes

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCbe consid All occurregryke floraand grassl

Inland cliffinterest

Guideline

The SINCbe consid Continuouvegetation

Continuoueither morsides, or w

All exampland/or whe[estimated

NCs: Gethin Fore

e H21: Rock

C designatiodered for SI

ences of limesa (i.e. mixturelands, living w

N

ffs, crags and

Tsu

e H22: Othe

C designatiodered for SI

us sections of

N

us sections of re-or-less cont

wide flowery ve

Gb

les of areas were several arby volume at

N

est: SINC Assess

k Exposure

on guidelinINC selectio

stone pavemees of species cwithin the cra

None present

d associated sc

The old quarrieupports heath

Site q

er Features

on guidelinINC selectio

disused railw

None present

green lanes atinuous semi-erges and/or u

Grassland richbe considered

where there arre estimated to

1litre of soil/

None present

Site

sment Survey: v.1

es

es for the Mon:

ent, especiallycharacteristic acks and furro

crees, where t

es in the northhland and acid

qualifies un

s

es for the Mon:

way lines supp

and other line-natural woodunsurfaced tr

h verges alongas linear featu

re significant po be in excess/year]

e qualifies u

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valleys

y where suppoof calcareous

ows)

these support

h west of the sgrassland spe

nder this gu

Mid Valleys

porting semi-n

ear features wdy boundariesrackways

roads and traures within the

populations os of 50 years o

under this g

state that th

orting a rich s woodlands

species of

site have expoecies.

uideline?

state that th

natural

which have s on both

cks across thee site

of ant hills old

guideline?

he followin

osed acid rock

Border

he followin

e site could po

26

g should

k which

line/Yes

g should

otentially

No

DCE 664:M

4.7

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Species

Guideline

The SINbe consid Any sites sbats) whichWildlife &critical forsignificantotter, pine

The presenwhich are species or for nestingspecies formouse, wa

The presenfor site selto be an adqualify unthan badge

Any signifroutes andany structuemplaceme

Also for coof any of th

NCs: Gethin Fore

e S1: Mamm

C designatidered for SI

supporting breh are listed as Countryside

r nesting, forat use, will be smarten, dorm

N

nce of establisnationally destatutory prot

g, foraging, ter SINC selectiater shrew, yel

B

nce of breedinlection. Howedditional suppder other guider.

Ec

ficant roostingd priority feedures such as tents, pill boxe

No

onsideration athe species list

In

est: SINC Assess

mals

ion guidelinINC selectio

eeding (or pros fully or partAct 1981 (WC

aging, roostingselected. Themouse and red

None recorded

shed breedingeclining, regiotected specieserritorial or otion. These spllow-necked m

Brown hare ha

ng badgers is ever, the preseporting reasondelines, ie on

Evidence of baonfirmed

g sites [for batding areas attatunnels, icehoes etc which a

None recordedon the site supp

are any signifted in Table 8

nsufficient inf

S

sment Survey: v.1

nes for the on:

obable breeditially protecte

WCA), togetherng (laying up),ese species curd squirrel

d to date, altho

g populationsonally importas, together witther significa

pecies comprismouse and ba

ave been recor

not, in itself, ence of badgen for the selec habitat grou

adgers has bee

ts] including ached to roostouses, basemeare used as ro

d to date, althoport roosting

ficant winter r8 [of the Guid

formation

ite qualifie

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valley

ing) species (oed on Schedulr with any are, territorial orrrently compr

ough otter is li

of the followant or UK/LBth any areas t

ant use are keyse brown hare

adger.

rded within th

considered a er setts shouldction of sites wnds or for spe

en recorded on

vital flight ants. Also incluents, gunnery oosts

ough it is likelbats

roosts (hibernelines]

es under thi

ys state that

other than le 5 of the eas which are r other rise water vole

ikely to range

ing species, BAP Priority

hat are criticay associated e, harvest

e site

valid reason d be considerewhich also ecies other

n the site, but

nd commutinguded should be

ly that the mat

nation roosts)

is guideline

t the follow

e,

along the stre

al

ed

breeding has

g e

ture trees and

)

e? Yes/Bo

27

wing should

eam

not been

old quarries

orderline

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINbe consid Sites suppo‘A’ in Tab

Sites suppospecies ma

Any site w

In addition

Guideline

The SINbe consid All sites wi In additionconsideredunder othe Sites with s

NCs: Gethin Fore

e S2: Birds

C designatidered for SI

orting breedinble 9 [of the G

GNB

orting winteriarked with an

B

ith 100 or mo

In

n all species o

Blilecww

e S3: Reptile

C designatidered for SI

ith adder or g

In

n the occurrend a supportinger criteria (i.e

In

significant po

In

est: SINC Assess

ion guidelinINC selectio

ng populationuidelines]

Goshawks havNightjar have bBarn owl have

ing or passag‘A’ in Table

Barn owls hav

ore bird specie

nsufficient inf

on list ‘B’ will

Birds listed as ikely to be breesser redpoll, uckoo, pied fl

woodpecker, cwoodcock, com

S

es

ion guidelinINC selectio

grass snake co

nsufficient inf

nce of slow wg reason for se. on habitat g

nsufficient inf

opulations of

nsufficient inf

S

sment Survey: v.1

nes for the on:

ns, of any size

ve been recordbeen recorded

e been recorde

ge refuelling p10 [of the Gu

ve been record

es recorded in

formation

l be identified

‘B’ recorded eeding and or common linn

flycatcher, comcommon bullfimmon starling

ite qualifie

nes for the on:

olonies

formation

worm and comselection of a sgrounds or for

formation

1 or more rep

formation

ite qualifie

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valley

e, of species m

ded breeding wd breeding wited within the s

populations, ofuidelines]

ded within the

n the previous

d as contributo

within the siteoverwintering

net, raven, commmon crossbilinch, stonechag, stonechat

es under thi

Mid Valley

mmon lizard wsite, which alr species othe

ptile species w

es under thi

ys state that

marked with an

within the site thin the site ansite, and thoug

of any size, of

site during th

s five years

ory features w

e that are g include

mmon ll, green at, Eurasian

is guideline

ys state that

will be lso qualifies er than reptile

will also be con

is guideline

t the follow

n

nd areas adjacght likely to be

f

he winter

within a habit

e?

t the follow

es)

nsidered for s

e?

28

wing should

cent e breeding

tat

Yes

wing should

selection

No

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINCconsidere Sites suppo All great c

In additionreason forhabitat gro

Sites with sconsidered

Guideline

The SINCconsidere Water bod Watercourlisted in Ta

NCs: Gethin Fore

e S4: Amph

C designatioed for SINC

orting four or

In

crested newt si

G

n the occurrenr selection of aounds or for s

Cre

significant pod for selection

In

e S5: Fish

C designatioed for SINC

dies supporting

rses regularlyable 11

In

est: SINC Assess

ibians

on guidelinC selection:

r more species

nsufficient inf

ites

Great crested n

nce of any ama site, which aspecies other t

Common toad,ecorded withi

opulations of n

nsufficient inf

S

on guidelinC selection:

g resident pop

None recorde

y used as migr

nsufficient inf

S

sment Survey: v.1

nes for the M

s of amphibia

formation

newts have be

mphibian will also qualifies than amphibi

, palmate newin the site

1 or more am

formation

ite qualifie

nes for the M

pulations of a

ed

ratory routes b

formation

ite qualifie

1: Feb 2013

Mid valleys

an

een recorded a

be consideredunder other c

ians)

wt and great cr

mphibian spec

es under thi

Mid valleys

any species lis

by anadromou

es under thi

state that th

at several locat

d a supportingcriteria (i.e. o

ested newt

ies will be

is guideline

state that th

sted in Table 1

us species

is guideline

he following

ations within th

g on

e?

he following

11

e?

29

g should be

he site

Yes

g should be

No

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINbe consid Any site win the ‘thre

In additionthe selectiogrounds)

A‘N

Agr

ALB

Lepidopter Any site thWales Acti Sites will bTable 12a,species of

Lepidopter Any site thWales Acti

Sites that sthe criteriaalready lis

Odonata – Any site w

In addition13 will con Orthoptera

NCs: Gethin Fore

e S6: Invert

C designatidered for SI

hich supportseatened’ categ

In

n, the occurreon of a site wh

ny site whichNationally scany site whichrid squares inny site that suBAP priority

In

ra - Butterflie

hat supports aion Plan Prio

be considered , other LBAP any butterfly

In

ra - Moths

hat supports aion Plan Prio

In

support signifa for priority ssted in Table 1

In

– Dragonflies

hich supports

In

n, sites whichntribute towar

In

a – Grasshopp

est: SINC Assess

tebrates

ion guidelinINC selectio

s a species whgories] or on th

nsufficient inf

ence of the folhich also qua

supports an iarce species supports a sp

n Wales upports a signspecies

nsufficient inf

es

a section 42 spority Species a

for selection species not aoccur (includ

nsufficient inf

a section 42 spority Species a

nsufficient inf

ficant populatspecies in the12b, will be co

nsufficient inf

and Damselfl

s a species fro

nsufficient inf

support signirds the design

nsufficient inf

pers and allie

sment Survey: v.1

nes for the on:

hich is listed inthe ‘Section 42

formation

llowing will balifies under o

important ass

pecies, record

nificant popul

formation

pecies and/or as shown in lis

with 2 or moalready includding common

formation

pecies and/or as shown in lis

formation

tions or asseme Wales Actiononsidered for

formation

flies

om list ‘A’ in

formation

ificant populanation of sites

formation

ed insects

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valley

n the UK Red2’ list (WAG

be supporting other criteria

semblage or p

ded from 10 or

lation or assem

that fulfils thst ‘A’ in Tabl

re species froded or where 1 species

that fulfils thst ‘A’ in Tabl

mblages of spen Plan, whichselection.

Table 13

ations or asse that qualify u

ys state that

d Data Book [2007)

reasons for (i.e. on habita

population of

r fewer 10km

mblage of

e criteria for le 12a

m list ‘B’ in 10 or more

e criteria for le 12b

ecies that fulfh are not

emblages of spunder criteria

t the follow

[ie

at

a

a

fil

pecies in, list a

30

wing should

‘B’ of Table

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Any site w

Any site w

Any site w In additionselection ofcriteria

Guideline

The SINbe consid Any site wthe Guideli

In additionwill be a suother Chri

NCs: Gethin Fore

hich supports

In

hich supports

In

hich supports

n the occurrenof a site, as a s

In

e S7: Vascu

C designatidered for SI

ith one or moines]

S

n the occurrenupporting reaistmas criteria

C

est: SINC Assess

s a species, wh

nsufficient inf

s a species fro

nsufficient inf

s 3 or more sp

nce of speciesspecies assem

nsufficient inf

S

lar Plants

ion guidelinINC selectio

ore ‘primary’

Stag horn club

nce of a contrason for selecta [listed in Tab

Crowberry and

S

sment Survey: v.1

hich is ‘Natio

formation

om list ‘A’ in

formation

pecies from lis

s in list ‘B’ wimblage, which

formation

ite qualifie

nes for the on:

species prese

b moss has bee

ributory specition of a site,

able 16 of the G

d royal fern ha

ite qualifie

1: Feb 2013

onally scarce’

Table 14

st ‘B’ in Tabl

ill be supportialso qualifies

es under thi

Mid Valley

nt [Listed ‘A’

en recorded at

ies from list ‘Bwhich also quGuidelines]

ave been recor

es under thi

e 14

ing criteria fos under other

is guideline

ys state that

’ in Table 15 o

t several locati

B’ in Table 15ualifies under

rded within th

is guideline

or r

e?

t the follow

of

ions within th

5 r

he site

e?

31

No

wing should

he site

Yes

DCE 664:M

Guideli

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

ine S8: Fun

The SINbe consid All grassla Any site was a sectio

Any site thin Wales

Any site thCounties V

In additionscarce or u

Guideline

The SINbe consid Any site wMosses an

In additionwithin the National owill contrib

NCs: Gethin Fore

ngi

C designatidered for SI

and sites supp

In

hich supportsn 42 species

In

hat supports a

In

hat supports aVC41 and VC

In

n the presenceuncommon sp

In

e S9: Mosse

C designatidered for SI

hich supportsnd Liverworts

N

n, any site thaMid Valleys a

or LBAP Priorbute to a SIN

In

est: SINC Assess

ion guidelinINC selectio

porting 9 or m

nsufficient inf

s a species, wh

nsufficient inf

a species recor

nsufficient inf

a species recorC35

nsufficient inf

e of UK BAP pecies will be

nsufficient da

S

es and Liver

ion guidelinINC selectio

s a species thaor as a Sectio

None recorded

at supports a sarea, which srity Species, o

NC designation

nsufficient inf

S

sment Survey: v.1

nes for the on:

more species of

formation

hich is listed i

formation

rded from 10

formation

rded form 3 o

formation

or LBAP Pria contributory

ata

ite qualifie

rworts

nes for the on:

at is listed in ton 42 species

d

species recordsupports a signor which is scn.

formation

ite qualifie

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valley

f waxcap

in the UK Red

or fewer 10km

or fewer sites w

iority Species ry features

es under thi

Mid Valley

the Red Data

ded form 3 or nificant popu

carce or local

es under thi

ys state that

d data Book o

m grid square

within Vice

or nationally

is guideline

ys state that

Book for

fewer sites ulation of

in the area

is guideline

t the follow

or

es

y

e?

t the follow

e?

32

wing should

No

wing should

No

DCE 664:M

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Guideline

The SINbe consid Any site wLichens or

In additionwithin the National ocontribute

NCs: Gethin Fore

e S10: Liche

C designatidered for SI

hich supportsr as a Section

N

n, any site thaMid valleys a

or LBAP Priorto a SINC de

In

est: SINC Assess

ens

ion guidelinINC selectio

s a species tha42 species

None recorded

at supports a sarea, which surity Species, oesignation.

nsufficient inf

S

sment Survey: v.1

nes for the on:

at is listed in t

d

species recordupports a signor which is sc

formation

ite qualifie

1: Feb 2013

Mid Valley

the Red Data

ded form 3 or nificant populcarce o local i

es under thi

ys state that

Book for

fewer sites lation of n the area wil

is guideline

t the follow

ill

e?

33

wing should

No

DCE 664:M

4.8 4.8.1

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Summary

The followthe Guidel

GuidelinH1 H2

H3 H4 H6 H7 H9 H10 H12 H15 H16 H18

H20 H21 H22 S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10

NCs: Gethin Fore

y of Compli

wing table sulines for the

ne WoodlaWood VeteranScrub CNeutralAcid GMarshyFfridd Heath &Bog HaWatercStandinMineraLand MosaicRock EOther FMammBirds ReptileAmphiInverteFish VasculFungi MossesLichen

est: SINC Assess

iance with G

ummarises tMid Valley

Suands Pasture, Pan Trees Communitiel Grasslands

Grasslands y GrasslandsCommunitie& Grass-Heabitats & Flucourses ng Open Waal Spoil Tip

c Habitats anExposures Features

mals

es bians

ebrates

ar Plants

s and Liverw

sment Survey: v.1

Guidelines

the complianys against w

ubject

arkland, Orc

es s

s es

eath Habitatsushes

ater ps and Post

nd Common

worts

1: Feb 2013

nce of the hwhich they ha

chards and

s

-Industrial

n Land

abitats and fave been tes

CompYN

Yes/boYes/bo

YYes/bo

YYYYY

Yes/Bo

NYN

Yes/BoYNYNNYNNN

features of tsted.

mpliance Yes No

orderline orderline Yes orderline Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes orderline

No Yes No orderline Yes No Yes No No Yes No No No

34

the site withh

DCE 664:M

5.0

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

REFERE Biodivers& SpecieConservat Glamorgafor Glamo Merthyr TSINCs in M Merthyr Merthyr TVersion). Nature CSSSIs. NC Nature CTechnique Rodwell, University Royal SoConcern: T Royal SoConcern 3of Man. R Sothern EConservan South WaWildlife Si

TACP (19of MerthyCounty Co

Wales BiImportancCaerphillyBiodiversi

Welsh BioImportanc

NCs: Gethin Fore

NCES

sity Reports Review: tion Commi

an Biodiverorgan.

Tydfil BiodMerthyr Tydf

Tydfil BioTydfil: The Merthyr Ty

ConservancyCC Peterboro

Conservancye for Environ

J (Ed) (19y Press.

ociety for tThe Populat

ociety for t3: The Popul

RSPB, Sandy

E (1986) Gncy Council

ales Wildlifites in South

996) Landsyr Tydfil. 4.ouncil, Mer

iodiversity ce for Natuy, Merthyr ity Partners

odiversity Pce for the Co

est: SINC Assess

ting & InfoA Report

ittee, Peterb

rsity Action

diversity Padfil. Merthy

diversity Pe Merthyr ydfil Count

y Council (ough.

y Council (nmental Aud

991 - 2000

the Protecttion Status o

the Protectlation Status

y.

Glamorgan .

fe Sites Parth Wales. Gw

scapes Work Technical

rthyr Tydfil

Partnershure ConserTydfil & Rhip/Welsh A

Partnershiponservation

sment Survey: v.1

ormation Gto the UK

borough.

n Group (G

artnership (yr Tydfil Cou

PartnershipTydfil Biodty Borough

(NCC 1989

(NCC 1990dit. NCC Pe

0) British P

tion of Birof Birds in W

tion of Birs of Birds in

Inventory o

tnership (Swent Wildlif

king for WaAnnex. WeBorough C

hip (WBP 2rvation in

Rhondda CyAssembly G

p (WBP 20n of Biologic

1: Feb 2013

Group (BRIK Biodiver

GlamBAG

(MTBP 200unty Boroug

p (MTBP 2diversity AcCouncil.

9) Guideline

0) Handbooeterborough

Plant Comm

rds (RSPBWales, 2. RS

rds (RSPBn the United

of Ancient

SWWSP 20fe Trust.

ales: A Lanelsh Develo

Council.

2008) Critethe County

ynon Taff (TGovernment

007) List of cal Diversit

IG 2007) Rrsity Partne

1999) Draf

08) Guidelingh Council.

2008) Actioction Plan

es for the S

ok for Phash.

munities. V

B 2009a): BSPB, Sandy.

B 2009b): Bd Kingdom,

Woodlands

04) Guidelin

ndscape Straopment Age

eria for they BoroughsThe ‘Mid-Vt.

Species andty. Welsh G

Report on thership. Jo

ft Habitat A

nes for the S

on Plan for 2008-2013

Selection of

se 1 Habita

Vols 1-5.

Birds of C

Birds of C, Channel Is

s (Provision

ines for the

rategy for thency, Mid

e Selection s of Blaen

Valleys Area

d Habitats oGovernment

35

he Habitatsoint Nature

ction Plans

Selection of

Wildlife in3 (Adopted

f Biological

t Survey: a

Cambridge

Conservation

Conservationslands &Isle

nal). Nature

Selection of

he BoroughGlamorgan

of Sites ofnau Gwent,a’). Wales

of Principalt, Cardiff.

s e

s

f

n d

l

a

e

n

n e

e

f

h n

f

s

l

DCE 664:M

APPEN All specieSEWBRe Flora

Latin Acer pseudopAchilleamillefoliAlchemiAgrostiscapillarAgrostisstolonifeAgrostisvinealis Alnus glAnthoxaodoratumArrhenaelatius Betula spBlechnuspinant CallitricstagnaliCallunavulgarisCardamflexuosaCardampratensiCarex fl

Carex reChamerangustifChrysospoppositifCirsium

CladoniCorylus avellanaCrataegmonogynCynosurcristatusCytisus scopariuDactylusglomeraDeschamcespitos

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

NDIX 1: SP

es recorded byeC: Miscellane

En

platanus Sy

a ium

Ya

illa spp A s is

Co

s fera

Cr

s Br

lutinosa Alanthum m

Sw

atherum Fa

spp Bium

Ha

che is

Costa

a s

Li

mine a

W

mine is

Cu

lacca Gl

emota Rerion folium

Rowi

splenium ifolium

Opgo

arvense Cr

ia spp Cl

a Ha

gus na

Ha

rus s

Cr

us B

s ata

Co

mpsia sa

Tu

NCs: Gethin Fore

PECIES RE

y DCE 2012 uneous SEWBRe

nglish names

ycamore

arrow

ladys mantle

ommon bent

reeping bent

rown bent

lder

weet vernal gr

alse oat grass

irch species

ard fern

ommon water arwort

ng heather

Wavy bittercres

uckoo flower

laucous sedge

emote sedge ose bay illowherb pposite leavedolden saxifragereeping thistle

ladonia lichen

azel

awthorn

rested dogs tai

room

ocks foot

ufted hair gras

est: SINC Assess

ECORDED

nless otherwiseeC records

W N

rass

x

x

ss

xe x

d e x

e ns

il

ss

sment Survey: v.1

D

e indicated:

IndicatNG CG A

x

x

x

1: Feb 2013

or species AG MG M

x

x

SMST TF

Status S

ource

DCE 664:M

DeschamflexuosaDigitalispurpureDryopteaffinis DryopteEmpetrunigrum Epolibiu

Erica te

Fagus sy

Festuca FraxinuexcelsioGalium p

Galium GeraniurobertanGeum ur

Glyceria

Hedera

Holcus l

Holcus m

Huperzi

Ilex ilex IsotheciumyosuriJuncus articulaJuncus b

Juncus e

Juncus iJuncus squarrosKindberpraelongLarix ka

Lolium pLotus peduncuLycopodclavatumLysimacnummulMolinia caeruleaMyostis

Nardus sOsmundregalis

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

mpsia a

W

s ea

Fo

eris Sc

eris spp Mum

Cr

um spp Gr

tralix Cr

ylvatica Be

ovina Shus r

A

palustre M

saxatile Heum nium

He

rbanum wo

a spp Swsp

helix Ivy

lanatus Yo

mollis Cr

ia selago Fir

Houmn iodes

M

tus Jo

bufonius T

effusus So

inflexus Ha

sis He

rgia ga

Como

aempferi Jap

perenne Pe

ulatus Grtre

dium m

Staclu

chia laria

Cr

a Pu

spp Fo

stricta Mda

Ro

NCs: Gethin Fore

Wavy hair-grass

oxglove

caly male fern

ale fern sp

rowberry

reat willow he

ross leaved he

eech

heeps fescue

Ash

arsh bedstraw

eath bedstraw

erb robert

ood avens weet grass ecies y

orkshire fog

reeping soft gr

r club moss

olly

ouse tail moss

inted rush

oad rush

oft rush

ard rush

eath rush

ommon featheoss panese larch

erennial rye grreater birds foefoil ag horn ubmoss

reeping jenny

urple moor gra

orget me not

att grass

oyal fern

est: SINC Assess

s x

x

x

erb eath

w

rass

s

er

rass oot

ass

sment Survey: v.1

x

x x

x

x

x

x

1: Feb 2013

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

C

P

C

CS SEW

SEW

PS SEW

CS SEW

WBReC data

WBReC data

WBReC data

WBReC data

DCE 664:M

Oxalis acetoselPicea siPolytriccommuncommunPolytricPotentilerecta Potentilsterilis Pinus coPilosellaofficinarPlantagolanceola

Plantago

PleurozischreberPoa trivPogonaturnigeruPolypod

PolysticPrunellavulgarisPteridiuaquilinuQuercuspetraea QuercusRanuncuflammulRanuncufluitans Ranuncurepens Rubus fruticosuRumex acestoseRumex sRhytidiasquarrosSalix sppSenecio jacobaeaStellariaTaraxacoffininalThuidiumtamariscTrifoliumrepens Trifolium

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

lla W

itchensis Sitchum ne v. ne

Como

chum urn Urla

To

la Ba

ontorta Loa rum

Mha

o ata

Ri

o major Brpla

ium ri

Refea

vialis Mtum um

Ur

dium spp Po

chum spp Sha s

Se

um um

Br

s Se

s robur Peulus la

Le

ulus Wsp

ulus Cr

us Br

ella Sh

spp Doadelphus sus

Sp

p W

a Ra

a media Stacum lis agg

Da

m cinum

CoTa

m W

m Re

NCs: Gethin Fore

Wood sorrel

tka spruce

ommon haircaoss

rn haircap

ormentil

arren strawber

odgeole pine ouse ear

awkweed

ib wort planta

road leaved antain ed stemmed ather moss

Meadow grass

rn haircap

olypody spp

hield fern spp

elf heal

racken

essile oak

edunculate Oa

esser spearwor

Water crowfootecies

reeping butter

ramble

heeps sorrel

ocks

pringy turf mo

Willow species

agwort

arwort

andelion

ommon amarisk-moss

White clover

ed clover

est: SINC Assess

x

ap

x

rry x

x

in

x

x

x ak

rt

t

cup

oss

x

sment Survey: v.1

x

x

x x

x

1: Feb 2013

x

x

DCE 664:M

pratense

Tsuga heterophTussilagfarfara Typha la

Ulex gal

Urtica dVacciniumyrtillusVeronicabeccabuVeronicachamaedViola sppWahlenbhederac

Key (FlorStatus RDB – ReBAP – UKNT – NearW&CA 19PS – PrimCS – RegiIA – InvasLocal – LoIndicator W – WoodSINC SeleSites whicbe consideAny site wSpecies, b

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

e

hylla W

go Co

atifolia Bu

llii we

dioica Neum s

Bi

a unga

Br

a drys

Gesp

pp Vibergia

cea IvybeSW‘InTo

ra)

ed Data Book K Biodiversity Ar Threatened 991 – Wildlife aary Species in Sionally Uncommsive Alien ocal in GlamorgSpecies (Mid V

dland, NG – Neection ch support 8 neuered for selectiowith one or moeing a supportin

NCs: Gethin Fore

Western hemloc

olts foot

ulrush

estern gorse

ettles

ilberry

rooklime

ermander eedwell iolet species y leaved

ellflower WWSP 2004 ndicator Speciotals

Action Plan Pri

and CountrysidSWWSP (2004mon - Contribut

gan Valleys Critereutral Grassland

utral grassland,on as a SINC. ore Primary Speng reason for it

est: SINC Assess

ck

x

ies’ 12 W N

ority Species (U

de Act: confers p) tory Species in

ia, MVSP 2008d, CG – Calcare

8 calcareous g

ecies should bets selection

sment Survey: v.1

x x

5 5 1

NG CG A

UKSG 1995; U

protection in U

SWWSP (2004

8) eous Grassland

grassland, 7 acid

e considered for

1: Feb 2013

x

x

12 15

AG MG M

UKBG 1998)

UK context

4)

, AG – Acid Gr

d grassland or 1

r selection as a

0 MST TF

rassland, MST –

12 marshy gras

a SINC, with th

–Mineral Spoil

ssland indicator

he occurrence o

Tips

r species should

of Contributory

d

y

DCE 664:M

Birds

Latin Nam

Aegithaloscaudatus

Ardea cinerea

Corvus co

Dendrocopmajor

Falco peregrinus

Garrulus glandarius

Loxia curvirostr

Prunella modularis

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

me English Name

s Long tailetit

Grey hero

orax Raven

pos Great spotted woodpeck

s Peregrine falcon

s Jay

ra Common crossbill

s Hedge accentor

Common bullfinch

NCs: Gethin Fore

EU

Bir

ds

Dir

ecti

ve

Wil

dli

fe &

Cou

ntr

ysid

e A

ct

ed G

on G

G

ker G

1

2b V

1

G

G

est: SINC Assess

y

UK

BA

P

Wal

es B

AP

P W

P W

sment Survey: v.1

UK

BO

CC

Wal

es B

OC

C

SIN

C S

tatu

s (B

reed

ing)

A

B

B

A

A R B

1: Feb 2013

SIN

C S

tatu

s (W

inte

rin

g)

LB

AP

Sp

ecie

s

B

B MTCBC

MTCBC

B MTCBC

Statu

Common res

Common resthe only knoHensol and Tthe Gower

Locally combreeder, espuplands

Common res

C

Locally combreeds in smcontinues topersecution

Common resand occasionmigrant

C

Scarce residpassage migoccasional pirruptions

Common res

C Common res

us on site

sident breeder

sident breeder, own heronries at Treorchy and on

mmon resident pecially in the

sident breeder

mmon resident; mall numbers but o suffer

sident breeder nal passage

dent breeder and grant with population

sident breeder

sident breeder

Source

SEWBReC

SEWBReC

SEWBReC

SEWBReC

SEWBReC

DCE 664:M

Scolopax rusticola

Sitta europaea

Turdus philomelos

Key (BEU Bir1 WildlifeG

S V 1 UK BAPP Wales BW UK BirR A Wales BR A SINC SA B LBAP MT

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

Eurasian woodcock

Nuthatch

s Song thru

irds) rds Directive 1

: Annex 1fe & Countrys

: Species while ne

: Special c: ‘Pest’ sp: Schedule

P (Biodiversi: Priority

BAP : List of Sp

rds of Conserv: Red List: Amber L

Birds of Cons: Red List: Amber L

Status: lists co: Qualifyin: Contribu

: Species li

NCs: Gethin Fore

k 2A 3B

S

G

ush G

1979: species: spec

side Act 1981:protected und

esting: protecticases: identifipecies: may bee 1: additionality Action PlanSpecies

pecies & Habivation Concert: species of grList: birds of mservation Cont: species of grList: birds of mompiled in Gung species

utory species

isted in the M

est: SINC Assess

P W

cial conservati confers prote

der general prion extends toed ‘game’ spe

e killed or takelly protected bn, 1995; 1998

itats of Principrn: lists compreatest concermoderate concncern: lists comreatest concermoderate concuidelines for t

Merthyr Tydfil

sment Survey: v.1

A A B

R A B

ion measures ection in UK crovisions of Wo nests, eggs aecies which men under licenby special pen8)

ple Importancepiled by the birrn cern mpiled by thern cern the Selection o

Local Biodiv

1: Feb 2013

B

B MTCBC

apply context WCA against and young

may be killed unce in special nalties

e for the Conserd conservatio

bird conserva

of Wildlife Site

ersity Action

Uncommon in upland woalso at coastespecially duweather; the'roding' birdrecent years

Common res

C Common res

killing, injury

under licence icircumstances

ervation of Bioon agencies (2

ation agencies

es in South Wa

Plan

resident, chiefly oodlands, but tal sites in winteruring hard

e number of ds has declined in

sident breeder

sident breeder

ry, capture an

in certain circs

ological Divers2009)

s (2009)

Wales (2004)

, SEWBReC

SEWBReC

nd disturbance

umstances

sity (2003)

e

DCE 664:M

Herptil

He

Trituruscristatus

& AmphKey (HerEuropeanWildlife &5 5(pt) UK Red DR V L UK BAP Prio Welsh BAW : List o

Merthyr MT Inverteb Group/SAtolmis

Key (InvUK BAP MT LBA SINC StaP C

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

les

erptiles

s s

Great crested newt

hibs rptiles) n Protected Sp& Countrysid

: Sche: Prote

Data Book/Na: Rare : Vuln: Loca

(Biodiversity: Prior

AP Priority of Species & Habi

Tydfil LBAP : Spec

rates

Species rubricollis

vertebrates) : UK B

AP : Spec

atus: lists com: Qual: Cont

NCs: Gethin Fore

Eu

rop

ean

Pro

tect

ed S

pec

ies

Yes

Species: Habitade Act 1981: cdule 5: full pr

ection against ationally Scar(Red Data Bo

nerable (Red Dally (status vary Action Plan)rity Species

itats of Principle Im

cies listed in t

CommonRed neckefootman

Biodiversity Acies listed in th

mpiled in Guidlifying speciestributory spec

est: SINC Assess

1981

Wild

life

& C

oun

trys

ide

Act

5

ats Regulationonfers protectrotection whickilling, injury

rce: various soook)

Data Book) ries depending)

mportance for Con

he Merthyr Ty

Name LBed

Action Plan Prhe Merthyr Ty

delines for thes ies

sment Survey: v.1

UK

Red

Dat

a B

ook

/ Nat

iona

lly

Sca

rce

LV/R

ns 1997: hightion in UK coch includes play and sale ources - requi

g on geograph

nservation of Biol

ydfil Local Bi

BAP SYES L

ww

riority Speciesydfil Local Bi

e Selection of

1: Feb 2013

UK

BA

P

Wl

hB

AP

Pi

it

Prio W

est level of prntext aces used for

res revision

hical location)

logical Diversity i

iodiversity Ac

Status / NotesLocally distribuwest England awoodland

s iodiversity Ac

f Wildlife Sites

Wel

sh B

AP

Pri

orit

y

Mer

thyr

Tyd

fil

LB

AP

W YE

rotection

shelter and pr

n Wales (2003).

ction Plan

uted in south and Wales, wi

ction Plan

in South Wal

Mer

thyr

Tyd

fil

LB

AP

StatusSite/N

ES

rotection

Sourc

ithin SEWB

les (2004)

s on Notes

ce BReC

DCE 664:M

APPEN

1. View o

3. View o

5. View o

7. View o

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

NDIX 2: RE

of main track,

of beech plant

of young larch

of quarry face

NCs: Gethin Fore

EPRASENT

leading into n

tation

h plantation

, and tall rude

est: SINC Assess

TATIVE SI

north of site

eral vegetation

sment Survey: v.1

ITE PHOT

2. V

4. V

6. V

n 8. V

1: Feb 2013

TOGRAPHS

View of matu

View of track

View of bilbe

View of pond

S (Novemb

ure larch wood

k and marshy g

rry along path

d (1) within qu

ber 2012)

dland

grassland mar

h

uarry

rgins

DCE 664:M

9. View o

11. Youn

13. Youn

17. Matur

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

of pond (2) wi

ng broad leave

ng broad leave

re BL woodla

NCs: Gethin Fore

ithin quarry

ed woodland in

ed woodland a

and within con

est: SINC Assess

n NE of site

adjacent to stre

nifer plantation

sment Survey: v.1

10

12

eam 14

n 18

1: Feb 2013

. Marshy gras

. Marshy gras

. Mature oak a

. Young broad

sland, ditches

sland under el

along stream

d leaved wood

s & pools in qu

electricity pylo

dland

uarry

ons

DCE 664:M

19. Clear

21. Matur

23. Wet h

25. View

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

r-fell area

re heather and

heathland

w of pond (3)

NCs: Gethin Fore

d bilberry alon

est: SINC Assess

ng ride

sment Survey: v.1

20

22

24

26

1: Feb 2013

. Clear-fell are

. Acid flush w

. Marshy gras

. View of pon

ea

within woodlan

sland/Rhos pa

nd (4)

nd ride

asture along ri

ide

DCE 664:M

27. View

29. Track

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

w of acid grassl

k through plan

NCs: Gethin Fore

land and heath

ntation in the s

est: SINC Assess

h mosaic

south of the si

sment Survey: v.1

28

ite 30

1: Feb 2013

. Stone wall w

. Cladonia lich

within acid gra

hen within bil

assland/heath

lberry and hea

mosaic

ather

DCE 664:M

APPEN

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

NDIX 3: ST

NCs: Gethin Fore

TATUTORY

est: SINC Assess

Y SITES W

sment Survey: v.1

WITHIN 50

1: Feb 2013

0m (SEWBBReC data, 2012)

DCE 664:M

APPEN

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

NDIX 4: PH

NCs: Gethin Fore

HASE 1 HA

est: SINC Assess

ABITAT SU

sment Survey: v.1

URVEY (SE

1: Feb 2013

EWBReC ddata, 2012)

DCE 664:M

APPEN

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

NDIX 5: SP

NCs: Gethin Fore

PECIES RE

est: SINC Assess

ECORDS W

sment Survey: v.1

WITHIN 50

1: Feb 2013

0m (SEWBBReC data, 2012)

DCE 664:M

APEND

Merthyr Tydfil SIN

DIX 6: NON

NCs: Gethin Fore

N STATUT

est: SINC Assess

TORY SITE

sment Survey: v.1

ES (SEWBR

1: Feb 2013

ReC data, 22012)

XX

X

XX

X

Merthyr Tydfil SINC AssessmentSurvey

Gethin Forest

Plan 1: Habitats & Vegetation

DCE 664 NTS Feb 2013

N

Wet Heathland

Dry Grass-Heath Mosaic

Bracken/Bramble Mosaic

Coniferous Woodland - plantation

Mixed Woodland - plantation

Broadleaved Woodland - semi natural

Broadleaved Scattered Trees

Tall Ruderal

Marshy Grassland

F

Bare Ground

Acid grassland

Felled woodland

Target note

Site boundary

KEY

Open standing water

Stream

Quarry face

Merthyr Tydfil SINC AssessmentSurvey

Gethin Forest

Plan 2: Site Evaluation

DCE 664 NTS Feb 2013

N

Proposed cSINC boundary