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Survey Details for CRMRTVS734 - 2026-06-07

CRMRTVS734

Visual and Sensory

Mynydd Llanllwni

Carmarthenshire

2015-02-06

  • Level 1: Upland
  • Level 2: Exposed Upland/Plateau
  • Level 3: Upland Moorland

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring?

  • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by

  • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority.Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been updated following monitoring work?

  • This record remains unchanged following monitoring work

Q1c - Change indicated by

  • No Answer

Q1d - What has changed?

  • No Answer

Q1e - Has the information ever been verified in the field?

  • Yes
    • 1:10000

Q2 - Does this area have a special or functional link with an adjacent area?

  • Yes
    • There are extensive views over the surrounding countryside from this area.

Q2a - During which season(s) was fieldwork carried out?

  • Empty value

Description

Q3 - Summary Description

  • Mynydd Llanllwni is an unenclosed area of heather moorland, on a rolling plateau. There are extensive views in all directions from the plateau, particularly notable are the views north west over the Teifi Valley and south east towards the Brecon Beacons . It is grazed by sheep and ponies. Although two roads cross the area, they are used infrequently the Mynydd had a feeling of being exposed and of being wild, empty and quiet other than when the low flying jets are out.

Q4 - Physical Form And Elements: Topographic Form?

  • Plateaux

Q5 - Physical Form And Elements: Landcover Pattern?

  • Open Land

Q6 - Physical form and elements: Settlement pattern

  • No settlements

Q7 - Physical form and elements: Boundary type

  • None

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale?

  • Large

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of Enclosure?

  • Exposed

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: Diversity?

  • Simple

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture?

  • Medium

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines?

  • Curved

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour?

  • Moderate Contrasts

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance?

  • Balanced

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity?

  • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern?

  • Organised

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal Interest?

  • Summer
    • Heather moorland in flower in August, also areas of burning very visible in winter and spring. Area of bracken give contrast in June as they emerge bright green and in winter when they die back rusty brown.

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of Human Access?

  • Infrequent

Q19 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of Construction Materials?

  • Generally Appropriate

Q21 - What materials? Give Details:

  • Little building, new agricultural building are generally made with modern material which tend to be less suitable in terms of landscape conservation.

Q22 - Attractive views (of high scenic quality, variations and typical views)?

  • Yes
    • Also refer to questions 62 to 64 on visible settings and key views. There are attractive views within and out from this area.

Q23 - Detractive views (of low or degraded scenic quality, variations and typical views)?

  • No
    • . Also refer to questions 62 to 64 on visible settings and key views.

Q24 - Perceptual and Other Sensory Qualities

  • Attractive
  • Tranquil
  • Exposed
  • Remote
  • Wild

Q25 - What is the sense of place/local distinctiveness

  • Strong
    • The plateau landscape and moorland vegetation together with the views from this area, make it locally distinct. Although there are other areas of moorland in the county they do not share the same 360 degree views.

Condition

Q26 - Are there any significant threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

  • Yes
    • Development of wind farms on or adjacent to this area.

Q27 - Condition:

  • Unassessed

Q28 - Trend:

  • Declining
    • Over grazing will lead to a decline in the landscape and a loss of the heather moorland, in favour of grassland.

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management

  • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Management recommendations

  • Grazing is the appropriate way to manage this moorland, with controlled burns to regenerate the heather, but there is a concern that the area is being over-grazed and that some of the burning is inappropriate. Ensure that grazing is at the required level to maintain the mosaic of moorland vegetation, that is so characteristic of this landscape, when in favourable condition. Investigate the effect of the current grazing levels on the moorland vegetation. Implement any changes identified as being necessary in 1 above. Consider the impact of an increase in the recreational use of this area as a result of the CROW Act etc, and the possible need to provide discrete parking places etc. so as to reduce erosion of road side vegetation. Resist any intrusion on the mountain such as masts, wind turbines, keep clean non cluttered lines.

Q31 - Define the key qualities that should be conserved and enhanced

  • The feeling of exposure (a combination of elevation and unenclosed moorland vegetation) and the uninterrupted 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside that characterise this area. Aim to enhance the condition of the moorland vegetation (a mix of heather grasses etc.).

Q32 - Define the key qualities that should be changed:

  • None.

Q33 - Define the key elements that should be conserved and enhanced

  • Heather moorland vegetation and archaeological sites. Heather moorland vegetation and archaeological sites

Q34 - Define the key elements that should be changed:

  • Empty value

Tranquillity & Dark Skies

Q35 - Tranquillity information and links

  • Q35 Link to Tranquillity & Place Programme Overview and Index. Containing summaries and links relating to themes, indicators, reports, downloads, headlines, StoryMaps, webapps and guidance. https://landmap-portal.naturalresources.wales/downloads/Tranquillity_Place_Programme_Overview_Index_April_2026.docx Visit the NRW Local Tranquillity Assessment Guidance Dashboard, for a link to the published Guidance and use of the interactive mapping tool at https://luc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/0441bb4b932f49c582cad6803fc4da21

Q36a - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) <0.5

  • 100.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36b - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 0.5-1

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36c - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 1-2

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36d - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 2-4

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36e - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 4-8

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36f - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 8-16

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36g - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 16-32

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36h - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) >32

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q37a - Sound Environment Combined category 0 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.00
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37b - Sound Environment Combined category 1 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.00
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37c - Sound Environment Combined category 2 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.00
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37d - Sound Environment Combined category 3 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.23
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37e - Sound Environment Combined category 4 % (Theme 4)

  • 1.24
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37f - Sound Environment Combined category 5 % (Theme 4)

  • 2.16
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37g - Sound Environment Combined category 6 % (Theme 4)

  • 3.85
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37h - Sound Environment Combined category 7 % (Theme 4)

  • 88.85
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37i - Sound Environment Combined category 8 % (Theme 4)

  • 3.56
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37j - Sound Environment Combined category 9 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.12
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37k - Sound Environment Combined category 10 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.00
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q38a - % in visually tranquil category 1

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38b - % in visually tranquil category 2

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38c - % in visually tranquil category 3

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38d - % in visually tranquil category 4

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38e - % in visually tranquil category 5

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38f - % in visually tranquil category 6

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38g - % in visually tranquil category 7

  • 1.95
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38h - % in visually tranquil category 8

  • 95.42
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38i - % in visually tranquil category 9

  • 2.63
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38j - % in visually tranquil category 10

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q39a - Tranquillity & Place overall category 1 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39b - Tranquillity & Place overall category 2 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39c - Tranquillity & Place overall category 3 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39d - Tranquillity & Place overall category 4 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39e - Tranquillity & Place overall category 5 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39f - Tranquillity & Place overall category 6 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39g - Tranquillity & Place overall category 7 % (Theme 6)

  • 5.68

Q39h - Tranquillity & Place overall category 8 % (Theme 6)

  • 94.3

Q39i - Tranquillity & Place overall category 9 % (Theme 6)

  • 0.02

Q39j - Tranquillity & Place overall category 10 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this information site-surveyed?

  • Level 3

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of the Aspect Area boundary is precise?

  • Most
    • Aerial photos and landline were used to identify the boundary

Q42 - What baseline information source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

  • OS Landline

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what was the scale?

  • 1:10,000 and 1:25,000

Q44 - What is the justification for the Aspect Area boundaries?

  • The boundary denotes the transition between unenclosed and enclosed land. Field boundaries and woodland edges have been utilised to provide more definite boundaries.

Natural Beauty

Q45 - Contribution of this area to natural beauty

  • No Answer

Evaluation

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic quality

  • High
    • The 360 degree views within and from this area are of high quality and of importance at a county level.

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity

  • High
    • The area is largely un-spoilt save for masts above Llanybydder and on the forest edge along the New Inn road.

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: Character

  • High
    • The area has a distinct local character due to its elevation, moorland vegetation and 360 degree views.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity

  • Outstanding
    • There are other areas of moorland in the county but they do not share the same 360 degree views. These views could be considered to be important at national level.

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall Evaluation

  • High
    • The 360 degree views within and from this area are of high quality and of importance at a county level. Mynydd Llanllwni is important in a county context for its 360 degree views, its feeling of exposure and its heather moorland vegetation, all of which contribute to its great sense of place. It is also easily accessible from council roads. It therefore is evaluated as being of high to outstanding importance. It scores outstanding for rarity

Q51 - Justification of overall evaluation

  • Mynydd Llanllwni is important in a county context for its 360 degree views, its feeling of exposure and its heather moorland vegetation, all of which contribute to its great sense of place, which could be described in a Carmarthenshire context as wild. It is also easily accessible from council roads.

Information Sources

Q52 - Sources and additional assessments

  • Landscape paintings of this area by Victoria Malcolm and Nigel Woods c.2002

Q53 - Landscape Institute Landscape character assessment database

  • . Check the online resource for Wales for links to other relevant assessments e.g. NLCA, NMCA, LCA, LSCA, management plans, sensitivity assessments https://landscapeinstitute.org/technical-resource/landscape-character-assessment-lca-database/

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape types (LMP14)

  • Upland plateau, hillsides and scarp slopes (moorland 20-50%+)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape types (LMP09)

  • Upland 20-50% moorland and scree

Unused

Q56 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q57 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q58 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q59 - Unused

  • No Answer

SLAs

Q60 - List the Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) in this local authority or region

  • Yes
    • Llanllwni Mountain, Teifi Valley, Drefach Velindre, Lower Taf Valley, Carmarthenshire Bay and Estuary, Gwendraeth Levels, Pembrey Mountain, Swiss Valley, Llwchwr Valley, Mynydd y Betws, Cothi Valley, Bran Valley, Mynydd Mallaen, Talley, Cwm Cathan, Tywi Valley, North Eastern Uplands, Carmarthenshire Limestone Ridge

Q61 - SLA policy and resources

  • Local Plan Policy EQ6 Special Landscape Areas & Appendix 4. http://www.cartogold.co.uk/CarmarthenshireLDP/english/text/Appendix-4.htm . The Special Landscape Areas GIS dataset is available from DataMapWales https://datamap.gov.wales/layers/geonode:nrw_special_landscape_area . Note the next Local Development Plan for Carmarthenshire out for consultation does not currently include any SLAs.

Visible Settings

Q62 - Visible settings of LANDMAP V&S areas

This is a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), calculated using a 30 metre Digital Terrain Model (DTM), using multiple observer points scattered across the area, 1.5m above ground level, and taking into account the Earth’s curvature. The data does not extend beyond 35km from an observer point, meaning that more distant views may also be possible.

Q63 - Visible Settings of Designated Landscapes

Q64 - Key views into or out from Designated Landscapes