15/1/2004

A Mid Wales landowner pleaded guilty to damaging a nationally important wildlife site and the Aberystwyth court set a new precedent by ordering that the land should be restored to its former condition, the first time that this has been done in Wales.

This is also the first prosecution in Wales under the new provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act for damage caused by an occupier to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The farmer was ordered to carry out restoration works to the Pumlumon SSSI.

Dr David Parker, of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) said: "Pumlumon is one of the most important upland areas for nature conservation in Wales, being of special interest for its plant life and birds.

"The farmer constructed a 6m wide road across an area of the mountain, damaging fragile blanket bog and mountain heath vegetation. Reluctantly, therefore, CCW decided to prosecute. In this case we felt it necessary to take this action in order to restore the site to its former condition. This case illustrates clearly why CCW needs to be consulted before any work is carried out, so that damage to our mountain habitats can be avoided," added Dr Parker.

"Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Countryside Council for Wales can, in certain circumstances - when sites have been damaged for example - take action against those who own or have a legal interest in the land. Any prosecution is a disappointment because it means that our most special wildlife sites have been damaged. However, we are prepared to use our enforcement as a last resort where necessary, although prosecution remains the exception," concluded Dr David Parker.

Source:	Countryside Council for Wales
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