It might be that you’re not really bothered, that you don’t care or that you genuinely aren’t aware but I wanted to show people what goes on in a place awarded ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.
I walk passed this nearly every day, sometimes I forget it’s there, other times I can’t believe what has happened.
Pennard Burrows stretches along both the villages of Southgate and Pennard, it is one of the main access points to Three Cliffs Bay – a hugely popular tourist attraction. Pennard Burrows is also home to Pennard Golf Club who have used this area for as long as I can remember.
One thing I should highlight is that this area is also a dedicated area of common land and is frequently visited by cows and horses, probably more correct if I were to name them the Gower Ponies. I don’t believe I have seen the ponies in this area for a number of years. I am unsure why.
Some of the residents of Pennard might not be aware but I understand discussions are taking place with a view to extending the current use of the golf course to include a Junior Course – please see Minutes from the recent council meeting on 15th May 2012 (click here).
Disruption
Various degrees of work have taken place on the golf course over the last few years as well as on Pennard Burrows. I believe the National Trust might also be involved with the conservation of the burrows by installing/maintaing paths etc. This tries to encourage the natural population of wildflowers etc which are so beautiful to look at.
Unfortunately, amongst all the work that has been taking place, I have noticed that areas of grassland have been uprooted to create pieces of ‘turf’ and large amounts of ‘rubble’ have been dumped leaving mud, stones, boulders visible for all to see.
Below are various images that have been dated for your reference. Some of the images highlight the beauty of the area and what lies within it, other images highlight the ‘dumping’ ground it has become. Even if, unknown to me, creating these ‘dumping’ areas provide some sort of benefit to the wildlife it certainly isn’t in keeping with its surroundings.
For your info, Pennard Burrows is a dedicated area of specialist scientific interest and is home to some rare species of wildlife such as the yellow whitlowgrass, (Draba aizoides) and the Chough. It is also within Gower, the first place to be nominated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – hardly a true picture when you see the images below.
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I don’t claim to know the true facts about what is going on but I am concerned. I fear less land will be available for the public to use. As it stands today, many people pass and greet each other in this area. I would go as far as to say that we have a great ‘dog’ community in this area where the dogs play and socialise. Dog socialisation is very important and actually helps to reduce dog attacks – they become friendly and familiar at a young age.
I also fear the wildflowers that are growing well in this area may be put at risk.
If you can produce information that might be related to the above I would be very grateful. If you have concerns regarding this development I would advise you contact Pennard’s newly appointed councillor Lynda James – please click here for a list of Pennard Councillors and their contact information.
