Taf Fechan Case Study
1.1 Background
1.1.1 The purpose of this evaluation is to identify the following at the Taf Fechan site:
• Major habitats present;
• Potential for legally protected species to be present; and
• Additional ecological surveys likely to be required.
To complete this Ecological Evaluation a meeting with a representative of the Wildlife Trust was held at the site during both site visits and mapping. Alongside gathering information on site, the team at Eco Valleys Consultancy also completed a desk study to backup, confirm and find more detail on relevant information which is displayed in this report. Taking the results from this investigation and using them to assess the conservation importance of the site, and the protected species within each …show more content…
It is located along the river Taff on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons and is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. With a diverse and abundant array of species of all types of fauna and flora, this nature reserve is definitely one to protect, manage and keep updated surveys on.
1.3 Local Jurisdiction and Ownership
The Taf Fechan site is owned and rented out by the Merthyr Tydfil County Council. As Taf Fechan is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the Merthyr Tydif CBC has in place a ‘tree preservation order’ to protect individual, groups of trees and woodlands. They rent out the site to the Wildlife Trust who manage and maintain the site and have an agreement with local farmers for grazing cattle on the land.
Apart from being a designated SSSI, Taf Fechan is also protected under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 – section seven along with other European legislations. It also has various protected species e.g. Badgers, Peregrine Falcon, and Atlantic Salmon. Further details on these can be found in section 3.6 of this report. Further details on protective status e.g. UK Biological Action Plan can be found under Appendix …show more content…
These reptiles are hibernating usually from October to March but when active in warmer months can be found in mature grass or allotments and woodland edges.
3.6.5 Adders (Vipera berus)
Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and classified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Adders are small stocky snakes that prefer woodlands and hunt small mammals.
3.6.6 Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Being one of Britians most familiar mammals, Hedgehogs may seem common, but they have become under threat from development and habitat loss. They are a protected species and listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
3.6.7 Common Lizard (Lacerta Zootoca vivipara)
Protected under the Widlife and Countryside Act 1981 and also classified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
A very common lizard across the UK and well known for being viviparous as it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs! Varies in colour but often brownish-grey with dark marks along its back and sides, males will also have a bright underside, generally yellow or
1.1.1 The purpose of this evaluation is to identify the following at the Taf Fechan site:
• Major habitats present;
• Potential for legally protected species to be present; and
• Additional ecological surveys likely to be required.
To complete this Ecological Evaluation a meeting with a representative of the Wildlife Trust was held at the site during both site visits and mapping. Alongside gathering information on site, the team at Eco Valleys Consultancy also completed a desk study to backup, confirm and find more detail on relevant information which is displayed in this report. Taking the results from this investigation and using them to assess the conservation importance of the site, and the protected species within each …show more content…
It is located along the river Taff on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons and is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. With a diverse and abundant array of species of all types of fauna and flora, this nature reserve is definitely one to protect, manage and keep updated surveys on.
1.3 Local Jurisdiction and Ownership
The Taf Fechan site is owned and rented out by the Merthyr Tydfil County Council. As Taf Fechan is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the Merthyr Tydif CBC has in place a ‘tree preservation order’ to protect individual, groups of trees and woodlands. They rent out the site to the Wildlife Trust who manage and maintain the site and have an agreement with local farmers for grazing cattle on the land.
Apart from being a designated SSSI, Taf Fechan is also protected under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 – section seven along with other European legislations. It also has various protected species e.g. Badgers, Peregrine Falcon, and Atlantic Salmon. Further details on these can be found in section 3.6 of this report. Further details on protective status e.g. UK Biological Action Plan can be found under Appendix …show more content…
These reptiles are hibernating usually from October to March but when active in warmer months can be found in mature grass or allotments and woodland edges.
3.6.5 Adders (Vipera berus)
Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and classified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Adders are small stocky snakes that prefer woodlands and hunt small mammals.
3.6.6 Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Being one of Britians most familiar mammals, Hedgehogs may seem common, but they have become under threat from development and habitat loss. They are a protected species and listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
3.6.7 Common Lizard (Lacerta Zootoca vivipara)
Protected under the Widlife and Countryside Act 1981 and also classified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
A very common lizard across the UK and well known for being viviparous as it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs! Varies in colour but often brownish-grey with dark marks along its back and sides, males will also have a bright underside, generally yellow or