Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme Submission to the UK Landscape Award 2010 Discovering Great Places Heather and Hillforts Partnership Board, Denbighshire County Council Contact: Helen Sophia Mrowiec, Heather and Hillforts Project Officer Fiona Gale, County Archaeologist Denbighshire Countryside Service, Yr Hen Garchar, 46 Clwyd Street, Ruthin, LL15 1HP A Landscape Partnership Scheme supported by: Tel: 00 44 (0)1824 708257 e-mail: helen.mrowiec@denbighshire.gov.uk fiona.gale@denbighshire.gov.uk August 2010 1
Contents 1. Setting the Scene 2. Sustainability Policy Context Environmental, Economic and Cultural Sustainability Repairing Past Damage Enhancing the Landscape 3. Exemplary Work 4. Public Participation and Community Consultation 5. Increasing Awareness and Understanding 6 Lasting Change www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Setting the Scene The purple heather clad hills of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains create a landscape of exceptional beauty. Located in the north-east of Wales, these hills were created from mud and sand deposited on the sea bed which covered this area of Wales approximately 400 million years ago (Figure 1). Earth movements lifted these rocks to create the mountains and hills, with the intercepting valleys scraped out by the movement of glaciers. During the Iron Age, about 2,500 years ago, people built defended villages on the hilltops of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains, taking advantage of the landform created by geological processes millions of years earlier. They created a spectacular chain of Iron Age hillforts, stretching from Moel Hiraddug in the north to Caer Drewyn in the south-west, forming one of the most important historic landscapes in Wales 1. The Heather and Hillforts Project includes six hillforts, Penycloddiau, Moel Arthur, Moel y Gaer (Llanbedr), Moel Fenlli, Moel y Gaer (Llantysilio) and Caer Drewyn, sites linked due to the shared connection with the moorland. Collectively the special historic and natural features of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains makes the Heather and Hillforts project area exceptional in terms of its cultural heritage value. (Figure 2) Heather moorland is widely recognised as being of high nature conservation importance at an international, national and local level. 2 Together with grass moorlands, heather moorlands form the largest extent of undeveloped wildlife habitat remaining in Wales 3, with 75% of the world s remaining heather moorland resource located in the UK. 4 It is therefore not surprising that heather moorland supports a special community of animals and plants high in conservation value, which includes the black grouse, hen harrier and other upland bird species. 1 Cadw et al 2001. Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales, Part 2 of the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Part 2.2 Landscapes of Special Historic Interest. Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments. Available: http://www.ccw.gov.uk 2 English Nature (2001) The Upland Management Handbook. www.english-nature.org.uk/ pubs/handbooks/upland.asp?id=1 3 Countryside Council Wales (1979-1997). Habitat Survey of Wales. 4 Anderson (2004) Mauve Moors, Landscape & Groundcare Supplement. September 2002, page 36 3
Although heather moorland is considered a wild, undeveloped natural habitat, it has been created through continuous management by people over many centuries. Its survival is dependent on the maintenance of a traditional management system, without which it would be lost. In the past agricultural policies and actions have led to the significant decrease of heather moorland. Since 1947, the area of heather moorland has decreased by over 50% in Wales, 5 a decline that was also seen within the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains. 6 Agricultural land improvements, over grazing, afforestation and telecommunication mast developments have all destroyed moorland areas surrounding the Heather and Hillforts project area. The character of the open moorland landscape has an unique sense of place and belonging, which lies close to the heart of the local community and visitors alike. It is estimated that the project area receives in excess of half a million visitors every year. Recreational pressures are having an increasing impact on the natural and historic heritage of the area. 900ha of heather moorland is located within the Moel Famau Country Park and the project area is also crossed by the Offa s Dyke National Trail. The proactive management of the area to reconcile the recreational use with the conservation and agriculture interests of the uplands is essential. The Heather and Hillforts Partnership was established to create a joined up approach to the management of the landscape, recognising that the area is valued for a number of different reasons which requires a strategic approach to its management. The project was the first Landscape Partnership Scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales. 5 Clwydian Range Joint Advisory Committee (2004) Clwydian Range AONB Management Plan. 6 Sinclair G (1982) Landuse Changes in the Proposed Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 1947 1982 A report to the Countryside Commission. Environment Information Service. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Figure 1. Iron Age hillfort sites and heather moorland areas within the Heather and Hillforts Project Area. Figure 2. Landscape, natural and historic designations within the core Heather and Hillforts Project Area. 5
The Heather and Hillforts Project was developed within the framework of the European Landscape Convention. The Convention recognises the social value of the landscape for people s health and well-being and the importance therefore of involving people in its future management and protection. 7 The importance and outstanding quality of the landscape in the project area has been recognised with part of the Project Area being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Category V Landscape, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Part of the project area is also included in the European network of Natura 2000 sites, designated due to their nature conservation significance. Local Artist, Bill Kneale recorded his journey with the Heather and Hillforts Archaeology Volunteers in a series of paintings and sketches that illustrate his visit to the archaeological excavation at Moel y Gaer (Llanbedr). 7 European Landscape Convention (2000), Council for Europe. Available at www.coe.int/t/e/cultural_co-operation/environment/landscape/ www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Policy Context Sustainability Sustainable development, that is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, 8 has been adopted as an underlying principle for the Heather and Hillforts Project. The Project aims to contribute to the Welsh Assembly s Vision of a Sustainable Wales as its primary aim is to provide a strategic approach to take action in our built and natural environment that enhances pride in the community, promotes biodiversity, local employment and openness, partnership and participation, so that people can play a part in taking decisions that affect them. The project also contributes at a national level towards the strategies and policies of People, Places, Futures the Wales Spatial Plan and the Sustainable Development Action Plan through the project s approach to restoration and maintenance of the historic and natural heritage of the uplands as a sustainable landscape by: Increasing community and public engagement in a programme to increase collective understanding of the monuments, and adopting positive management practices on the sites to restore and limit erosion damage. Further work involves the restoration of footpaths, protection of important archaeological features and the prevention of further damage. Restoring the favourable condition of the moorland through heather management and bracken control. Another aim is to facilitate areas of Common Land to enter into management agreements and agrienvironment schemes, which will provide financial assistance to sustain positive moorland management in the long term. Developing knowledge and understanding of those who manage the land. At a regional level the Heather and Hillforts Conservation Plan has been developed within the framework of Denbighshire s Community Strategy, Flintshire s Community Strategy, the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural 8 WAG, Starting to Live Differently, The Sustainable Development Scheme of the National Assembly for Wales 7
Beauty Management Plan, Denbighshire s Biodiversity Action Plan, Flintshire s Biodiversity Action Plan, Denbighshire s Landscape Strategy and the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Tourism Strategy. Environmental Economic and Cultural Sustainability The Natural and Historic Environment Improved Information The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Board s approach to increase its understanding of the natural, historic and cultural heritage as a prerequisite to the development of management strategies has significantly increased our current and potential future understanding of the upland moorland of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains. Being able to monitor changes in the condition of the landscape is especially important in terms of monitoring the impact of global issues such as climate change and diffuse pollution. Habitat Condition Improvement 1,500 hectares of moorland is now under positive management. A target of burning/cutting 50 hectares of heather each year has been met and 435 acres of bracken management has been completed. Continuing this management year on year will create a well managed moorland with a patchwork of age structure that is beneficial for nature conservation and agriculture. A well managed moor will also give greater protection to the heathland against unintentional upland fires that are not only very dangerous and cause significant damage, but are very resource intensive for the Fire Service. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Black Grouse Numbers Success Story Black grouse numbers in Wales declined in the late 1990s to around only 131 males, confined predominantly to the moorlands of north east Wales. Specific habitat management has seen a marked increase in numbers on many of these moorlands. Since 1997 numbers have more than doubled and their territories have spread. Within the Clwydian Range in particular numbers have increased from only 5 displaying males confined to Moel Famau in 1997 to 14 displaying males spread across the whole of the central part of the Range in 2010. Condition of Historic Monuments Improved Management plans have been written for the six hillfort sites which identified and prioritised the management work required. The work related to a number of issues, from footpath erosion, to sheep scrapes and vegetation clearance. Economy An important economic impact of the Heather and Hillforts project has been to improve the grazing quality of the moorland through the management of the heather, with graziers finding the quality and value of their stock much improved. The bringing together of graziers to enter agricultural agreements for some common land areas is also providing significant economic support for the management of the moorland. These factors make an important contribution to sustaining the agricultural stocking and management of the uplands, with the abandonment of these areas by the farmers being one of the major concerns for the future. There is an increasing appreciation of the contribution that our heritage can make towards improving people s quality of life and social well-being. As a result, protecting and enhancing our heritage is now firmly included in many key national policies and strategies. Recent research has also demonstrated the contribution the heritage sector makes to the local economy. Whilst tourism development was not the driving force for the establishment of the Heather and Hillforts project, numerous tangible benefits to tourism have occurred. For example, the project has provided training events to the staff of the Tourism Information Centres (TICs). Staff were taken on guided walks which will enable them to give information based on first hand 9
experience to visitors in the future. Many were unaware of the quality of the footpath routes, the importance of the natural and historic features of the landscape and the fantastic views gained from relatively short walks. Training events have also been held for tourism businesses, which has enabled local providers to become ambassadors for their heritage within their businesses. Information provided by the project about the special qualities of the landscape has been extensively used by local businesses. For example the Heather and Hillforts DVD has been circulated to bed and breakfast accommodation providers in the area so that it can be included in bedroom browsers. The Heather and Hillforts project joined forces with the Transport Departments to promote people to visit the area by public transport at a stand on Lime Street Liverpool Railway Platform. It is also important to note that the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism and the Heather and Hillforts project is working in partnership with many others to deliver the joint strategic vision developed for the area. Cultural Sustainability The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme area has a strong cultural heritage, ranging from the Bronze Age burial mounds, to the Iron Age hillforts and more recent monuments, such as the Jubilee Tower built on the summit of Moel Famau around 200 years ago. People have a strong affinity to these hills and the Heather and Hillforts Project has been involved in assisting people to celebrate their local landscape. Two examples of partnership cultural event projects are the National Eisteddfod and Liverpool Capital of Culture Celebration walks. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
The Moel Famau Super Lamb Banana was placed temporarily on the top of Moel Famau to celebrate the cultural connections between the area and Liverpool as part of Liverpool Capital of Culture. Eisteddfod celebration walk held in 2007 to the summit of Moel Famau. Repairing Past Damage The illegal use of motorbikes and 4X4 vehicles in areas of Llantysilio Mountains has caused severe damage to the moorland and historic monuments. The Heather and Hillforts Project has been working with contractors and volunteers to repair this damage. Damage to Moel y Gaer (Llantysilio) hillfort and the moorland of Llantysilio caused by the illegal use of vehicles in the area. 11
Two large circuits have been lightly harrowed, seeded with a specific upland grass seed mix and covered with heather brash, which provides a local source of heather seed. Vegetation returned in a matter of weeks to the areas where restoration work has been completed. The next phase of the work will involve restoring sections of the ridgeline scar. The restoration programme has been delivered in conjunction to a campaign against the illegal use of vehicles in the area. The campaign is a partnership with the Police and many other agencies and has been highly successful. Three bikes have been seized and numerous warnings issued. No vehicles have been recorded on the tracks since the restoration work was completed over six months ago. The project is also taking the message directly to users, in association with Treadlightly, 9 to promote the responsible use of the countryside with off-road vehicles. Future Jobs placements assisting with the erosion management work on Llantysilio Mountains. Other examples of repair work completed includes the restoration of sheep scrape erosion to historic monuments, footpath management and vegetation clearance. 9 For further information visit http://www.treadlightly-uk.org www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Enhancing the Landscape One of the significant achievements of the Heather and Hillforts Project is the restoration of the moorland patchwork, characteristic of a traditionally managed moor. The Heather and Hillforts Project has been involved the restoration of landscape features such as stone walls. A Bronze Age barrow has also been reconstructed following archaeological excavation, with the aim of highlighting the historical significance of the site and to protect the structure from damage linked to the Offa s Dyke Footpath National Trail. 13
Exemplary Work The most significant achievement of the Heather and Hillforts Partnership Board is the establishment of an effective partnership that has worked together with a shared vision for the area. Some of the methodologies developed by the Heather and Hillforts Partnership have already been replicated by others. Integrated Management The strength of the Partnership Board means that opportunities arise to develop projects that link across sectors, combining both the management of the natural habitat and historic monuments. For example, there is now a management strategy that ensures that heather management through burning is followed by an archaeological survey as surface topography can be more easily surveyed when the overlying vegetation has been removed. A further example is linking public transport to walks in the area, through combining the summer leisure bus timetable and walking information. Management work to restore erosion to Penycloddiau hillfort has been coupled with a project to build a stone sheep shelter to encourage the livestock away from the monument in the future. Innovative Footpath Construction Techniques to construct floating ramp structures have been developed to improve access and to protect the underlying archaeology. Oswestry Town Council and English Heritage adopted the same methodology at Old Oswestry Hillfort. Condition Surveys The Hillfort Condition Survey was undertaken for each hillfort recording, for example, the date, weather and soil conditions, vegetation, and providing a summary of the types of www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
management issues affecting the hillfort and appropriate management recommendations. A further element of the Heather Condition Survey was to identify any archaeological sites within each hillfort, such as potential round-hut platforms. Over 100 archaeological features such as roundhouse platforms or quarry scoops have been identified by the survey, many of which were previously unrecorded. 10 The methodology for the hillfort condition survey has since been used on some historical sites in Cheshire. 10 Jones N (2004) Pen y Cloddiau Hillfort, Flintshire Archaeological Survey. The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust Report No 631. www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/clwydian/clwydian.htm 15
Public Participation and Community Engagement Public participation and community engagement has and continues to be essential to both the development and the implementation of the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme. The results of the Heather and Hillforts residents questionnaire clearly demonstrate the importance of the upland heritage of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains to the residents of Denbighshire. 88% of local residents felt that the countryside was part of their heritage. 81% of respondents strongly agreed that it was important to conserve the heritage of the uplands, whilst 77% strongly agreed that increased education initiatives about local heritage were vital. A very positive response was also given in terms of the interest in participating in future heritage events. In response to the question as to what should be the emphasis of actions within the Heather and Hillforts project, erosion management was given the highest priority followed by the provision of more information, heather moorland management and education. Many consultation events have been held by the project. The Heather and Hillforts Countryside Exchange looked at community participation in detail. The event involved hosting a visit by a group of experts from the UK and abroad who advised the project on community engagement and development. The Countryside Exchange was particularly valuable in involving impartial assessors who were able to provide a different perspective and recommendations for the future. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme Access and Audience Development Plan identified 9 key audiences that are currently underrepresented or underdeveloped in activities related to the upland heritage of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains: Disabled People Ethnic Minority Groups Graziers and Landowners Life Long Learners Local Residents and Community Groups Out of the Classroom Education Visitors People from Disadvantage Areas People Dependant on Public Transport Young People The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership scheme has developed numerous projects that target these groups, with the following 3 case studies provided as examples of the work. Case Study 1 The Heather and Hillforts Challenge aimed to get young people (12-16 years old) of different abilities working together in teams to complete a number of tasks in the countryside. The event raised the confidence of the participants as all members of the team had to contribute for the task to be completed. Participants greatly benefited through the development of problem solving, communication and team working skills. Other similar events have been held, such as Mapping for All and Earth Education. Case Study 2 The Access for All tour provided a minibus guided tour of the area, looking at key viewpoints of the heather moorland and hillfort sites, making the event accessible to those who would not be able to visit the sites due to limited walking ability. 17
Case Study 3 School children from Caer Drewyn Primary School created this fantastic mosaic with local artist Trisha Jones. The children drew pictures of their impressions of Caer Drewyn hillfort following a site visit (the hillfort is within walking distance to the school). These images were then used to create the artwork, with the school children making the mosaic with the artist. The artwork is now on display outside Corwen Leisure Centre on route to Caer Drewyn hillfort from the town of Corwen. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
What they said A big thank you for organising and delivering the Earth Day activities. The activities were very effective in firing the children s imagination and holding their attention. The children said that they very much enjoyed the activities and the Barnardo s staff were also remarking on how well the day went. Thanks again, Gareth. Just wanted to say a very big thank you to you and the team for a very enjoyable and informative day on Penycloddiau. Despite have the most waterlogged trousers since my potholing days in Yorkshire, I thought the day was excellent Jason Weall My son and I have had lots of lovely walks with you during the summer and being a single mum with an active twelve year old we filled many Sundays and school holidays with little cost and a lot of fun. Our thanks again, Alison and James Backledge After a day out picking bilberries on the moorland, it is to the kitchen to bake delicious bilberry muffins, a day thoroughly enjoyed by all. 19
Increasing Awareness and Understanding Increasing awareness and understanding across the board has been one of the main aims of the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme. Since its implementation over 2,500 people have attended presentations about the landscape, over 580 have participated in over 42 training events, over 4,500 young people and children have participated in activities all in the past 3 years. Examples of our work to increase awareness and understanding: Case study 1 Local school children walk back through time to an Iron Age Hillfort, meeting characters from different periods of history on route. Children started their journey meeting archaeologists who showed them artefacts from different periods, along the walk they then came across a solider from World War 1, gamekeeper, medieval knight and an Iron Age woman. All the characters had a different story to tell about the landscape. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Case study 2 Archaeology study days, excavations and geophysical surveys gave people the opportunity to become involved at different levels and in different techniques of archaeology. The picture shows an international group of young people who took part in archaeological survey work linked to World Skills Day. The work provided fantastic results, comparable to those expected from experienced archaeologists. A small scale archaeological excavation is proposed on part of the site in September 2010, based on the results gained from their work. Case study 3 The project has made use of modern technology to provide information about the landscape, whilst having minimal impact. Audio guides to the area can be downloaded from the website to MP3 players or accessed by mobile pones. Information disks about the audio trail have been placed on existing posts and gates, minimising the impact on the landscape. 21
Case study 4 On site interpretation provides information to people about the special quality of the landscape they have come to enjoy. All of the on-site interpretation work completed by the project has been located at key access points and car parks, minimising the impact on the landscape. Case study 5 Volunteer days have involved stone walling, moorland management through burning, erosion repair, vegetation clearance and vegetation and archaeological survey work. The events often involve people from different ages, abilities and background all working together. www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Lasting Change The partners of the Heather and Hillforts Board have agreed a shared vision and are committed to the long-term maintenance and success of the Heather and Hillforts initiative for the future. The Board has ring fenced part of the project budget for the maintenance of structures such as the interpretation panels, footpath work and capital projects, ensuring that they will be kept in a good state of repair in the future. A detailed exit strategy has been put in place for each project developed by the scheme which outlines the work required, lead partners and sources of support and funding if necessary. The strategy incorporates elements of maintenance work, utilising volunteers, education and training and management agreements. Capacity building and developing skills of graziers and young people in moorland management is vital to sustain the work of the project in the future. The project is working with the local agriculture college to this effect. Equipment has been purchased which will facilitate graziers and landowners to undertake moorland management easier in the future. The exit strategy also outlines a programme to share and record the experiences of the project to enable other people to learn from the experience. Lessons Learnt A broad and diverse membership of the Partnership Board has given great strength to the project. The work of the Partnership Board is informed and supported by a focus group structure, which enables a greater number of stakeholders to contribute towards the work of the Landscape Partnership Board within a specific field, without overburdening the main Board. Working in partnership significantly increases what can be achieved due to the links provided into other areas work. Learning exchanges are vital to improve the quality of the project, avoids duplication of work and saves time in the long run. Celebrate the successes and achievement of the project. A robust monitoring system is essential to keep track of finances and recording achievements. 23