Appendix 1 Fact sheets for Areas of Interest
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
UKFS – Forests and Landscape Forest Practice 1-2; Forest Guidelines – 3, 24
Total area in Wales - 99,872ha
What the layer shows
Areas of high scenic quality which have statutory protection. In Wales, there are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Clwydian Range, Anglesey, Llŷn Peninsula, Gower and Wye Valley.
Impact on a GWC application
Contact the local AONB officer for all schemes over 2 hectares in line with the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England and Wales) (amendment) Regulations 2017.
Guidelines
- Contact the local AONB office for a consultation response for any proposed new planting scheme over 2ha
- Amend the GWC plan to include the advice provided from the AONB officer and include their response when you submit your plan
Data notes
The layer is derived from the statutory boundaries of the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales.
Useful information
Deep Peat (including Modified Deep Peat)
UKFS – Forest & Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4;
Forests & Water – Legal 12;
Forests & Climate Change – Guidelines 5; Forests & Soil Forest Guidelines 24
Total area in Wales- 116,208 ha
What the layer shows
The layer is derived from the outputs of a 2012 Forest Research report identifying all areas of peatland across Wales. Spatial datasets of soils, geology, and vegetation were assessed and combined to produce a map of peat resource.
Impact on a GWC application
The UKFS requires that we “avoid establishing new forests on soils with peat exceeding 50 cm in depth and on sites that would compromise the hydrology of adjacent bog or wetland habitats”. There should be no planting on sites with over 50cm depth of peat. Deep peat areas may also be identified as a priority habitat.
Guidelines
- Remove areas of deep peat from your plan
- If you have good reason to believe that the area is not deep peat you may commission an ecological survey and peat depth assessment (see our guidance on providing additional evidence)
- If there is uncertainty about the evidence provided, the Glastir officer will ask a specialist to visit the site for an independent assessment
Data notes
There may be inaccuracies in the deep peat data. If you have reason to believe the land is not deep peat you may commission an ecological survey containing a peat depth assessment and we will use it to consider whether planting may be acceptable.
Useful information
Historic Environment Feature (HEF)
UKFS – Forests & Historic Environment - Good Forest Practice 3, 4; Forest Guidelines 10
Total area in Wales- 63,080 ha
What the layer shows
Features identified by the Welsh Archaeological Trusts on behalf of Cadw. They are historic environment features and landscapes that retain a physical presence, but are not protected by a statutory designation.
The four Archaeological Trusts in Wales are-
- Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT)
- Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT)
- Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT)
- Gwent Glamorgan Archaeological Trust (GGAT)
Impact on a GWC application
All GWC proposals will require an assessment by the relevant Archaeological Trust. Any advice provided should be followed. Where an Historic Environment Feature is present you may be asked to amend your plan to avoid damaging the feature.
Guidelines
- Highlight the presence of any Historic Environment Feature when you contact the relevant Archaeological Trust
- If required, amend your plan according to the advice provided and include the Trust’s response with your plan when you submit it for verification
Data notes
The areas have been drawn from the Regional Historic Environment Records of the four WATs. Where areas of two or more features overlap, or are closely adjacent, these have been amalgamated to form a single management area containing more than one feature.
Useful information
Historic Park and/or Garden
UKFS – Forests & Historic Environment - Good Forest Practice 2-4; Forest Guidelines 1, 2, 3 and 10; UKFS Forests and Landscape - Good Forestry Practice 1 and 2; Forest Guidelines 3, 8 -12
Total area in Wales- 17,785 ha
What the layer shows
The layer identifies sites recorded on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. The register was compiled to aid the informed conservation of historic parks and gardens by owners, local planning authorities, developers and statutory bodies. The register will become statutory in 2021 and sites can be added or removed at any time. There are currently almost 400 sites on the register.
Impact on a GWC application
The aim of the register is to prevent damage to significant features of the sites, such as historic layout, structure, built features and planted elements.
It is important that you consider the significance of the site, its historic character, layout, design, and views etc to inform your planting plans. Cadw’s best practice Guide “Managing Change in Historic Parks and Gardens” will assist you with this (see Useful Information below). Generally, Cadw will be supportive of planting that enhances the historic character and layout of the site. Historic Maps are available from various online sources (see below).
Consultation with Cadw’s Parks and Gardens Officer is required.
Guidelines
Ask Cadw cadw@gov.wales (please put ‘FAO Lisa Fiddes’ in the subject line) for comments on your proposal and incorporate any recommendations they make. Provide the consultation response and evidence of how you have accommodated it in your plan when you submit it for verification.
Data notes
This layer is derived from the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
Useful information
Potential habitat for fritillary butterflies over bracken
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Forests and People; Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 3,4; Forests & Water 12
Total area in Wales- 18,545 ha
What the layer shows
Areas of bracken within areas known to support particular butterfly populations. The butterfly areas are derived from records held by Butterfly Conservation for high brown fritillary, pearl-bordered fritillary and small pearl-bordered fritillary. Areas of bracken within these areas were identified from the Habitat Survey of Wales.
Impact on a GWC application
These are section 7 species and require protection under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Tree planting on areas of fritillary habitat could destroy populations of these protected species.
Proposed planting that would destroy fritillary habitat is very unlikely to be approved. If there is doubt about whether highlighted land is suitable habitat Butterfly Conservation will be able to provide an opinion.
Email wales@butterfly-conservation.org
Guidelines
- For any land recorded on this layer contact Butterfly Conservation to confirm whether the area is fritillary habitat and to seek advice. Supply site photos and basic information on plant species present and current site management to help Butterfly Conservation give the best advice possible.
- Exclude these areas from your plan unless Butterfly Conservation confirm that the land is not likely to be suitable fritillary habitat
- Follow any other recommendations and provide the response when you submit your plan for verification
Data notes
Habitat for high brown, pearl-bordered and small pearl-bordered fritillaries will usually consist of bracken on south-facing slopes below 300m (although east and west facing areas can also be suitable for Butterfly Conservation are satisfied that the area is not suitable fritillary breeding habitat, provide evidence of this and we will not consider it as a constraint to your scheme.
Useful information
Potential habitat for grassland fungi
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales- 16,422 ha
What the layer shows
Areas identified as likely to provide habitat for; grassland fungi assemblages, and for individual species included on lists prepared under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, or on the Red List of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened species.
Impact on a GWC application
Grassland fungi can be difficult to survey. Fruiting bodies are only visible for approximately one month of the year so can easily be missed by those assessing a site for suitability for tree planting.
If the area is identified as unimproved grassland, it is highly likely to support grassland fungi and it should not be planted. If the area does not appear to be unimproved grassland, you may submit photographic evidence (preferably taken May-October) to NRW and ask for it to be reviewed.
Guidelines
- Exclude the area from your planting unless it is not unimproved grassland
- If the area is not unimproved grassland, submit photographic evidence using the guidance to glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
- A specialist will review the evidence and we will confirm whether new planting can be supported
Data notes
This dataset displays 1km grid squares in Wales that have been recorded as containing either at least one species of grassland fungus that is ‘notable’ under s7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, and/or at least one species included on the Red List of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened species; or a total of 10 or more individual species. Some squares contain both datasets.
Whilst the survey data is relatively old there is high confidence that where suitable habitat still exists in these areas fungi will still be present.
Useful information
Potential habitat for Great Crested Newt (GCN)
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Forests and People; Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 3,4; Forests & Water 12
Total area in Wales - 49,994 ha
What the layer shows
Areas where woodland creation may impact on great crested newt habitat.
Impact on a GWC application
Planting schemes in these areas should be tailored to provide favourable conditions for great crested newts. As they are a protected species some works may require a licence (see the link below).
Guidelines
- All proposed new planting schemes affecting land within this layer need a consultation response from our amphibian specialist - email glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
- Ensure their recommendations are included in the proposed new planting scheme
- As part of verification we will confirm whether a GCN licence is required
- As a guide, you should be prepared to leave an unplanted buffer of at least 15m especially on the southern side of the pond, consider planting that links ponds in a network and ensure rides/paths are planned to enable appropriate access to ponds for maintenance
Data notes
This dataset shows distribution of great crested newt records collated from surveys, monitoring reports, licence returns and development proposal surveys. This dataset shows location points with a 1km buffer with some additional modelling (see link below) to include wildlife corridors.
Useful information
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust website
- Further information on modelling
- Licencing (NRW website)
Voluntary Layer – Great Crested Newts (GCN) - Best practice
This is not a mandatory consultation layer. The areas shown in this layer and associated guidance here does not have to be adhered to as part of a woodland creation proposal and will not affect verification of your plan. However including the following recommendations in your woodland creation plan would be beneficial to GCN and many other amphibian species that may be present.
This map layer shows areas in which we believe there is good potential habitat for Great Crested Newt but their presence has not been formally recorded. This is based on habitat and species distribution modelling, extrapolated from known GCN habitat, and research in Wales by NRW and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust
Sensitive afforestation can be beneficial to habitat for many amphibian species, and these guidelines will maintain habitat and biodiversity in affected areas. Great crested newts, and other species of amphibian, require a range of damp habitats that provide both resting places and support invertebrate prey that they feed on. Woodland seems particularly favoured by newts.
- Design the planting scheme to include areas of habitat linking ponds, but leave a buffer of at least 15 metres (around ponds) unplanted. Future site management will be reduced if pond margins are left unplanted.
- Where possible consider providing fallen deadwood for shelter.
- Avoid establishing scrub and tree cover where there would be an impact on water supply for ponds.
- If any new ponds are being created, refer to the amphibian conservation handbook
- Biosecurity measures should be in place when working in or around ponds or to prevent transfer of invasive non-native species or amphibian diseases such as chytrid. It is recommended that works are undertaken in accordance with biosecuritv risk assessments. Further information on biosecurity can be found at nonnativespecies.org
Potential habitat for open-ground dependent birds
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Forests and People; Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 3,4; Forests & Water 12
Total area in Wales - 100,214 ha
What the layer shows
The layer identifies areas where afforestation is likely to impact on bird species that are dependent on open ground for nesting or feeding. The layer uses RSPB habitat locations buffered to their correlating 1km Ordnance Survey grid squares. The species included are lapwing, golden plover, chough, and curlew; although the published layer does not include details of which species is identified.
Impact on a GWC application
These species require open habitat and are susceptible to predation from species that use woodland as cover. Not all proposals within the buffer area will need to be amended but in some cases your plan may need to be tailored. If your site includes this feature you will need to demonstrate that you have sought, and acted on, advice from the RSPB.
Guidelines
- Contact the RSPB (Jonathan.Cryer@rspb.org.uk) and ask for any recommendations for your proposed scheme
- Incorporate any recommendations in your plan and include the RSPB’s response when you submit it for verification
Data notes
The point data has a high confidence but is given a precautionary buffer, so potential impacts and mitigations need to be assessed on a case by case basis. We will generally accept the RSPB’s recommendation and will not verify plans that fail to take them into consideration.
Useful information
Priority Habitats
UKFS – Forest and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales- 248,084 ha
What the layer shows
Priority habitats are semi-natural types included on the lists established under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. These habitats include parkland, calaminarian grassland, lowland grassland (acidic, neutral, marshland), lowland heathland, upland heathland, coastal habitats, lowland calcareous grassland, upland calcareous grassland, and wetland habitats (upland/lowland bog & fen).
Impact on a GWC application
Schemes that propose planting on priority habitats are unlikely to be verified. However, if you have reasonable grounds to believe the land has been wrongly recorded you can submit photographic evidence and ask for a review. Otherwise these areas must be excluded. Consultation Priority Habitat layer consists of mosaics of upland habitats that includes areas of upland acid grassland/marshy grassland that can be planted.
Some data layers for other sensitivities e.g. water voles or grassland fungi may overlap with the Priority Habitat layer. Where this is the case, the Priority Habitat area should be excluded from the planting proposal and no further consultation will be needed on that area for other sensitivities unless part falls outside the priority habitat area. Where priority habitat has been successfully challenged leading to its inclusion in the planting proposal, all other sensitivities on that area must be addressed in accordance with the relevant pages of this document.
Some priority habitat areas will also be recorded by the local authority as a Site Important for Nature Conservation (SINC).
Guidelines
- Exclude any areas of priority habitat from your planting scheme
- If you have grounds to believe the area is wrongly recorded, use our Guidance Note Providing additional evidence to support Glastir Woodland Creation applications which explains how to submit photographic evidence to support your assertion. Send the photographic evidence to glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
- A habitat specialist will review any evidence submitted and we will confirm whether planting can go ahead
Data notes
This layer was previously labelled ‘NRW sensitive habitats’ and is an amalgamation of data from the Phase 1 Habitat Survey of Wales as well as other surveys carried out by our ecologists.
Useful information
Priority Habitat – High Sensitivity
UKFS – Forest and Biodiversity
Total area in Wales- 287,397 ha
What the layer shows
Priority habitats are semi-natural types included on the lists established under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. These habitats include parkland, calaminarian grassland, lowland grassland (acidic, neutral, marshland), lowland heathland, upland heathland, coastal habitats, lowland calcareous grassland, upland calcareous grassland, wood pasture, orchards and wetland habitats (upland/lowland bog & fen). Tree planting on these areas will generally destroy the habitat.
Impact on a GWC application
Schemes that propose planting on “Priority Habitat – High Sensitivity” areas are unlikely to be verified; these areas should be excluded from planting proposals. However, if you have reasonable grounds to believe the land has been wrongly recorded you can submit photographic evidence and ask for a review.
Some of the other sensitivity data layers for example water voles or grassland fungi, may overlap with the Priority Habitat – High Sensitivity layer. Where this is the case, the Priority Habitat - High Sensitivity area should be excluded from the planting proposal and no further consultation will be needed on that area for the other sensitivities. However, if part of the other sensitivity layer falls outside the priority habitat area this will still need consultation with the relevant body.
Where Priority Habitat - High Sensitivity has been successfully challenged leading to its inclusion in the planting proposal, all other sensitivities on that area must be addressed in accordance with the relevant pages of this document.
Some Priority Habitat areas will also be recorded by the local authority as a Site Important for Nature Conservation (SINC) – see SINC factsheet for more information.
Guidelines
- Exclude any areas of “Priority Habitat – High Sensitivity” from your planting proposal.
- If you have grounds to believe that an area of “Priority Habitat - High Sensitivity” has been wrongly recorded, use GN009 - Providing additional evidence to support Glastir Woodland Creation applications.
- Send all the evidence including maps indicating the areas concerned to glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk . Do this early in the process.
- A habitat specialist will review any evidence submitted and we will confirm whether planting would be appropriate.
Data notes
Areas of priority habitat were identified by NRW from the legacy CCW Habitat Survey of Wales Phase 1 digital data; Lowland Grassland Survey of Wales Phase 2 digital data; Lowland Peatland Survey of Wales Phase 2 Features data; Calaminarian Grassland Annex 1 habitat map; Wood Pasture Map for Wales; Parkland Map for Wales and the Traditional Orchards Map.
Useful information
More information about the Environment (Wales) Act and the section 7 lists:
https://www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/Environment-Wales-Act
Priority Habitat Mosaics – Investigation Required
UKFS – Forest and Biodiversity
Total area in Wales- 71,417 ha
What the layer shows
Priority habitats are semi-natural types included on the lists established under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. These habitats include parkland, calaminarian grassland, lowland grassland (acidic, neutral, marshland), lowland heathland, upland heathland, coastal habitats, lowland calcareous grassland, upland calcareous grassland, wood pasture, orchards and wetland habitats (upland/lowland bog & fen). Tree planting on these areas will generally destroy the habitat. However some upland areas contain priority habitat mixed with distinct expanses of upland acid grassland and upland marshy grassland which may be appropriate for new woodland creation.
Impact on a GWC application
The “Priority Habitat Mosaics – Investigation Required” datalayer indicates areas where patches of upland acid grassland and/or upland marshy grassland are thought to be present in a mosaic with priority habitats. Where these areas of upland acid grassland/upland marshy grassland are extensive they have the potential to be planted provided this is agreed well in advance with NRW prior to verification. Within the Woodland Opportunity Map, when a location is clicked on, this layer will indicate the main types of priority habitat present within the mosaics to help identification on site, although there may be smaller areas of other priority habitat which should also be avoided for planting.
Potential planting areas should also be checked for other sensitivities for example water voles, and the relevant consultation undertaken. This also applies to any areas of priority habitat that have been successfully challenged via GN009 guidance.
Some Priority Habitat areas may also be recorded by the local authority as a Site Important for Nature Conservation (SINC) – see SINC factsheet for more information.
Guidelines
- Within the Woodland Opportunity Map, mouse-click at the proposed planting location to find a list of priority habitats present displayed in the feature information box. These indicate habitat that may be present within the mosaic polygon and should be excluded from your planting proposals.
- View the aerial photography accessible from the base map to assess the extent of blocks of potentially plantable upland acid grassland/upland marshy grassland (or wood pasture where appropriate).
- Conduct a site visit, and confirm and map extensive areas of potentially plantable upland acid grassland/upland marshy grassland (or wood pasture) within the “Priority Habitat Mosaics – Investigation Required” category excluding areas of priority habitat. Take photographic evidence in line with GN009 - Providing additional evidence to support Glastir Woodland Creation applications (GN009) which explains how to submit photographic evidence to support your proposal.
- Low density planting with broadleaves may be appropriate in areas of wood pasture
- If you have grounds to believe that an area of priority habitat has been wrongly recorded, use GN009 as above.
- Send all the evidence including maps indicating the areas concerned to glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk . Do this very early in the process to avoid disappointment.
- A habitat specialist will review any evidence submitted and will confirm whether planting would be appropriate.
Data notes
Areas of priority habitat were identified by NRW from the legacy CCW Habitat Survey of Wales Phase 1 digital data; Lowland Grassland Survey of Wales Phase 2 digital data; Lowland Peatland Survey of Wales Phase 2 Features data; Calaminarian Grassland Annex 1 habitat map; Wood Pasture Map for Wales; Parkland Map for Wales and the Traditional Orchards Map.
Useful information
More information about the Environment (Wales) Act and the section 7 lists:
https://www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/Environment-Wales-Act
Regionally Important Geodiversity Site (RIGS)
UKFS – Forests and Landscape - Forest Practice 1-2; Forest Guidelines – 3, 24
Total area in Wales - 4,820 ha
What the layer shows
RIGS are non-statutory local designations including the most important places for geology, geomorphology and soils outside the nationally recognised network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Impact on a GWC application
The degree of impact, if any, planting may have will depend on the nature of the feature so early consultation with the NRW geologist is key to ensuring that plans in these areas can be verified.
Guidelines
- Consult an NRW geologist via glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
- Follow any recommendations or advice when developing your plan and include the consultation response when submitting it for verification
Data notes
The layer is derived from data from GeoConservation UK; a relational database for storing all the relevant information about RIGS sites and other geological sites
Useful information
Scheduled Monuments
UKFS – Forests and Historic Environment - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 10, 11, 20, 27
Total area in Wales - 6,228 ha
What the layer shows
The layer shows boundaries of Scheduled Monuments which are sites afforded legal protection from damage or disturbance under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended by the Historic Environment (Wales) Act, 2016). These are sites of national importance, being sites that characterise a period or category in Welsh history, with consideration given to rarity, good documentation, group value, survival/condition, fragility/vulnerability, diversity and potential. There are over 4000 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Wales and the schedule is maintained by Cadw on behalf of Welsh Ministers
Impact on a GWC application
This will depend on the nature of the site and the nature of the proposal and Cadw will need to consider each proposal on its merits. These sites are legally protected and most operations within them will require Scheduled Monument Consent.
Please be aware that there is a presumption against granting consent for any works that could cause damage or disturbance to a scheduled monument.
Guidelines
- Contact Cadw cadw@gov.wales for a consultation response if the new planting scheme affects land within this layer
- Amend your plan to include Cadw’s consultation response and include it when you submit your plan for verification
- Ensure any necessary consents have been identified and are in place
Data notes
The list of Scheduled Monuments is updated on a regular basis by Cadw and this information is provided to Welsh Government and periodically updated on the Welsh Government Woodland Opportunity Map 2021.
Useful information
Scheduled Monument 50m buffer
UKFS – Forests and Historic Environment - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 10, 11, 20, 27
Total area in Wales - 11,431 ha
What the layer shows
The layer shows a 50m buffer zone around Scheduled Monuments (SMs) which are sites afforded legal protection from damage or disturbance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended by the Historic Environment (Wales) Act, 2016). Scheduled monuments are sites of national importance that characterise a period or category in Welsh history, with consideration given to rarity, good documentation, group value, survival/condition, fragility/vulnerability, diversity and potential.
Approval is required from Cadw for any planting or GWC works within a 50m buffer zone of a Scheduled Monument. This approval is required in order to provide Cadw with an opportunity to assess the impact that the planting proposals may have upon the setting of the monument, significant views, or the monuments intervisibility with other key elements of the wider landscape or historic environment.
However, it should be noted that the setting of a monument may extend beyond this 50m extent and Cadw have produced guidance on how to assess impacts on setting (see link below). Cadw therefore reserve the right to comment on setting impacts beyond the 50m zone where applicable.
Impact on a GWC application
This will depend on the nature of the site and the nature of the proposal and Cadw will need to consider each proposal on its merits.
Guidelines
- Contact Cadw cadw@gov.wales for a consultation response if the new planting scheme is within this layer
- Amend the GWC plan to include Cadw's consultation response and include it when you submit your plan for verification
Data notes
The list of Scheduled Monuments is updated on a regular basis by Cadw and this information is provided to Welsh Government and periodically updated on the Welsh Government Woodland Opportunity Map 2021
Useful information
- The mapping and descriptions for all scheduled monuments in Wales can be found on Cadw's website
- Guidance on setting can be downloaded from Cadw's website
- Cadw provide further guidance about Scheduled Monuments on their web site
Sensitive Arable Plant Records (Post 1995)
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales - 2,967 ha
What the layer shows
Shows field parcels where rare arable plants have been recorded.
Impact on a GWC application
Plans that propose planting on areas with sensitive arable plant records are unlikely to be verified.
Guidelines
- Exclude land recorded on this layer from your planned planting
- If you have strong grounds for believing the land has been recorded in error (such as evidence that it has not been subject to arable cultivation) contact glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk for further advice
Data notes
This dataset is based on point records of rare arable plants between 2000 and 2017 which have been buffered to the field in which they occur. These records are recent, and considered to be accurate with a high degree of confidence.
Useful information
SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest)
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales - 220,294 ha
What the layer shows
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because it contains wildlife or geological or land features that are of special importance. There are more than 1,000 SSSIs in Wales covering around 12% of the its surface area. SSSIs are selected on scientific criteria (published by the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
Impact on a GWC application
Depending on the nature of the important features some SSSIs may benefit from appropriate woodland creation under this scheme, but new planting within a SSSI can only go ahead if there is a positive response from the NRW conservation officer for the site.
Guidelines
- If the proposed new planting is within a SSSI, contact the NRW conservation officer using glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk for advice before you prepare a GWC scheme
- Only proceed if the NRW conservation officer supports the proposal and include any recommendations made in the plan
- The conservation officer will let you know if a SSSI Notification is required for the works under section 28E(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- If the SSSI Notification for the proposed new planting is required, ensure it is signed as part of the GWC contract
Data notes
The layer is derived from the statutory SSSI notification boundaries. While almost all Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are SSSIs, there are exceptions. Therefore, you should also check if your planting proposal is within or adjacent to a SAC. If your proposed new planting scheme is within or adjacent to a SAC, but not shown as a SSSI or SSSI buffer, you will still need to get a consultation response from the relevant NRW conservation officer.
Useful information
SSSI (Biological) 300m Buffer
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales - 205,073 ha
What the layer shows
A 300m buffer around all SSSI sites notified for biological features. The layer shows the buffer only; the SSSIs themselves are not included. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because it contains wildlife or geological or land features that are of special importance.
Impact on a GWC application
The risks of tree planting close or adjacent to a SSSI include changes to hydrology, a risk of conifer seeding, and increased risk of shading. We don’t include specific requirements for this layer but the Glastir team have the discretion to consult with a conservation officer where proposed planting is within the 300m SSSI buffer. Large schemes, those with a high percentage of conifers, and those closest to the SSSI boundary, are most likely to be subject to further consultation.
Guidelines
- Submit your plan for verification as usual
- The Woodland Advisor will consider your plan and may consult an NRW conservation officer. The Glastir Officer will contact you if you need to alter the plan as a result of the conservation officer’s response.
Data notes
The buffer has been added to the statutory boundaries of biological SSSIs.
Useful information
Upland Special Protection Area (SPA)
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales - 74,285 ha
What the layer shows
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been designed specifically to conserve wild birds, which are listed as rare and vulnerable in accordance with Article 4 of the Birds Directive and the Environment Act Wales 2016. All SPAs are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
This dataset includes only the upland SPAs as lowland SPAs are not likely to be threatened by woodland creation. There are three upland SPAs in Wales – Elenydd-Mallaen in Mid Wales and Berwyn and Migneint—Arenig-Dduallt in the North.
Impact on a GWC application
The main risk of planting on, or adjacent to, upland SPA’s is that it decreases the hunting range for raptors and increases woodland cover for predators which prey on vulnerable bird species. All proposals within an SPA need a response from a conservation officer who will consider factors such as the size of the scheme and the percentage of conifers in the species mixture.
Guidelines
- contact the glastirqueries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk and ask for a conservation officer response before you prepare a GWC scheme
- Incorporate any advice received into the plan and include the consultation response when submitting your plan for verification
Data notes
The layer is derived from the statutory designation boundaries.
Useful information
Upland Special Protection Area (SPA) 500m Buffer
UKFS – Forests and Biodiversity - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 4; Forests & Water – Legal 12
Total area in Wales - 35,061 ha
What the layer shows
The 500m buffer reflects the needs of raptors hunting outside the upland SPA area, as they also use the upland fringe and ffridd for hunting. This layer shows only the buffer and not the SPA itself.
Impact on a GWC application
Planting close, or adjacent, to an SPA risks decreasing the hunting range for upland raptors and increasing cover for predators which prey on vulnerable bird species. All GWC proposals within an SPA 500m buffer need a response from a conservation officer. The conservation officer will look at the size of scheme, the percentage of conifers, and proximity of the proposed new planting scheme to the SPA boundary when considering whether further measures are needed.
Guidelines
- Submit your plan as usual via RPW online
- If the conservation officer recommends any additional measures, we will contact you
Data notes
The layer provides a 500m buffer around the boundaries of each of these designated sites. The SPAs themselves are excluded from this layer.
Useful information
World Heritage Site
UKFS – Forests and Historic Environment - Legal 1; Good Forest Practice 4; Forest Guidelines 10, 11, 20, 27
Total area in Wales - 10,829 ha
What the layer shows
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are those cultural heritage sites that reflect Outstanding Universal Value, the importance of which is so great as to transcend national boundaries. Countries with world heritage sites are required to afford the highest level of protection to these places, which means not only looking after the sites themselves but also their setting. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales:-
- The Castles of Edward 1 in Gwynedd (Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and the fortifications around the towns of Conwy and Caernarfon),
- Pontcysyllte aqueduct near Llangollen
- Blaenafon’s landscape
- The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site is the UK’s nominated property for 2021. It is expected that The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales will become an inscribed site in July 2021 when the 44th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee takes place in Fuzhou.
- National and local planning policies give the same weight to nominated properties as inscribed World Heritage Sites. Many Local Authorities also utilise Supplementary Planning Guidance to inform decision-making.
Impact on a GWC application
Any woodland creation within a UNESCO site has the potential to impact on Outstanding Universal Value of a World Heritage Site / Nominated Property. Proposals outside World Heritage Sites may still impact on the setting of the site. Within a World Heritage Site Cadw must be consulted on potential impacts on WHSs..
Guidelines
- Contact the local authority planning officer for a consultation response
- Amend your plan to include the local authority officer’s consultation response
- Include the officer’s response with your plan when it is submitted for verification
Data notes
The data used for this layer is provided by Cadw.
Useful information
- UNESCO Website
- Cadw information on World Heritage sites in Wales
- Cadw guidance on setting can be downloaded from their website
Ancient Woodland Inventory
UKFS – Biodiversity
Total area in Wales-
What the layer shows
Ancient Woodlands are sites that have had continuous woodland cover for some centuries. Studies show that these woodlands are typically more ecologically diverse and of a higher nature conservation value than those developed recently or those where woodland cover on the site has been intermittent. These woodlands may also be culturally important. Historically native woodland would have been an integral part of most farms in Wales, carefully managed to provide timber and fuel. Individual and hedgerow trees would also have been important.
The data layer shows an amalgamation of the 4 different categories of the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) as revised in 2021. These include
- Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) –mainly native broadleaved woodland believed to have been in existence for over 400 years.
- Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) – sites which currently have a canopy cover of more than 50 percent non-native conifer tree species
- Restored Ancient Woodland Sites (RAWS) – sites previously compiled of more than 50% non-native conifer tree species but now restored to more than 50% broadleaf
- Ancient Woodland Site of Unknown Category (AWSU) – sites in transition - 'shrubs', 'young trees', 'felled' or 'ground prepared for planting' but may be ASNW, RAWS or PAWS.
Impact on a GWC application
New native woodland creation can be used to improve and extend ecological connectivity and reduce fragmentation of ancient woodland, contributing to their extent and resilience as a habitat for numerous woodland species. New woodland can also serve to buffer ancient woodland from non-native woodland species or intercept diffuse or air pollution that would otherwise be detrimental to the long-established flora associated with such woodland.
Guidelines
Proposals should consider:-
- sensitive species selection
- Consider a buffer when ancient or Veteran trees are on boundary
- Local provenance of tree species choice
- Provide evidence of compliance when submitting your plan for verification
Data notes
Data taken from the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI2021) managed by NRW.
Useful information
For more information on how NRW identify and map ancient woodland, and how you can access the data, see