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Survey Details for DNBGHVS097 - 2026-06-10

DNBGHVS097

Visual and Sensory

Mynydd Mynyllod (South)

Denbighshire

2015-01-26

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

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring?

  • 2015-01-26

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by

  • Date of update 09-03-2024 John Briggs CMLI. Quality Assurance overview completed by Jill Bullen FLI, survey and GIS verified by Olwen Maidment CMLI, NRW. Date of monitoring 06-02-2015 Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by White Consultants, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by Land Use Consultants. Record remains unchanged following monitoring work. Original survey date 15-02-2005

Q1b - Has this record been updated following monitoring work?

  • This record has been updated following monitoring work, there was a real change in the aspect area

Q1c - Change indicated by

  • Fieldwork

Q1d - What has changed?

  • Description

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

  • Yes
    • Fieldwork for the March 2024 update was carried out in March

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

  • Yes
    • Prominent visual focus / landform for the surrounding areas

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

  • Spring

Description

Q3 - Summary Description

  • A remote upland moorland plateau landscape, with high scenic value, on western boundary of Denbighshire. The landscape abuts and continues into Gwynedd as SNPVS134 (Mynydd Mynyllod North). Views are far reaching with the area dominated by open unenclosed upland moorland and rough grazing on improved large fields in a few peripheral areas. There is a small, remote, peaceful lake. The area is not frequented often. There is no settlement. Braich Ddu wind farm of three turbines is prominent to the north, and three smaller turbines are noticeable on the SE boundary, near the top of the valley shoulder. There are many panoramic views out in most directions, but notably to the much higher Berwyn uplands to the SE. A series of moorland horizons in different directions, give the impression this area is part of a much larger upland expanse. Notably, the Dee Valley is largely hidden from view, with views being across to the Berwyn uplands beyond. Occasional glimpses are offered by the generally WSW-ENE trending topography of undulating ridges and dips, to Llyn Tegid, some distance away.

Q4 - Physical Form And Elements: Topographic Form?

  • Plateaux
    • The area is the top of an upland plateau, with a WSW-ENE trend of gentle linear ridges and dips, more especially in the west. A small lake occupies a dip in the topography, creating a very secluded area, being the head of the small valley of Nant Llyn Mynyllod, which flows down to the Dee in the adjacent area DNBGHVS006.

Q5 - Physical Form And Elements: Landcover Pattern?

  • Open Land
    • Mostly unenclosed upland moorland, with occasional large open fields in peripheral areas.

Q6 - Physical form and elements: Settlement pattern

  • No settlements

Q7 - Physical form and elements: Boundary type

  • Fences
    • The area is largely unenclosed, with post and wire fences being a minor detail in some peripheral areas. There are exceptions.

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale?

  • Vast
    • Sweeping open moorland with borrowed views out of other moorland, giving the impression of being part of a much larger upland area.

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of Enclosure?

  • Exposed
    • The upland plateau has little shelter.

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: Diversity?

  • Simple

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture?

  • Smooth

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines?

  • Sinuous

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour?

  • Moderate Contrasts

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance?

  • Balanced
    • While the greater part of the moorland is balanced or harmonious, the presence of a few wind turbines to the periphery and to the north, add a discordant quality, although not dominating: this is very much still an upland landscape with a few wind farms and not a wind farm landscape. Peripheral large fields of improved pasture are also discordant with the upland moorland character.

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity?

  • Disunity
    • The three main elements are the open moorland, the peripheral improved pastures and the wind turbines. Their uneasy combination results in disunity.

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern?

  • Organised
    • The dominant element is the open moorland, other elements are peripheral.

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal Interest?

  • Summer
    • The upland moorland includes heather, which is distinctive when flowering in late summer.

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of Human Access?

  • Infrequent
    • While there is open access land and there are public rights of way, paths and other evidence of frequent use is lacking. A walk is likely to involve sections of striding through moorland heath. However, evidence of car parking (for only a few cars) indicates there may be occasional use.

Q19 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of Construction Materials?

  • Generally Appropriate
    • There are no buildings.

Q21 - What materials? Give Details:

  • Very few materials used in this open landscape but will generally be of locally won/quarried stone and fencing

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)?

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

Q24 - Perceptual and Other Sensory Qualities

  • Attractive
  • Threatening
  • Remote

Q25 - What is the sense of place/local distinctiveness

  • Strong
    • A typically distinct upland moorland plateau landscape, in much contrast to surrounding adjacent enclosed valley and valley side landscapes.

Condition

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

  • Yes
    • (1) Wind turbines and (2) encroachment by improved pasture.

Q27 - Condition:

  • Fair
    • Upland moorland. Current detailed management regime not known. Peripheral large fields of improved grassland detract from ideal appropriate management for the upland moorland plateau landscape.

Q28 - Trend:

  • Declining
    • (1) encroachment by wind turbines and (2) encroachment of moorland by improved pasture suggests the moorland may be becoming less extensive over time. A couple of coniferous plantations in the northern part of the area also break up the continuity of the open character.

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management

  • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Management recommendations

  • Issues in relation to encroachment of improved agricultural land on the moorland periphery, and the presence of wind turbines in peripheral areas, require appropriate planning or landscape management, as do issues in relation to the conservation of the moorland itself, and grazing regimes. Maintain open character and enhance natural vegetation diversity, Instigate a medium to long term management plan to improve habitat diversity and variety to upland moorland. Ensure that the integrity of the open moorland area is retained or enhanced, in the face of improved pasture encroaching over time, of peripheral coniferous plantations, and in relation to the siting and design of any further renewable energy infrastructure.

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

  • Open upland moorland/rough grazing character; tranquillity and the remote feeling of the area around the small lake. Habitat diversity and recreation of moorland habitats where degraded; the integrity of the moorland in relation to encroaching improved pasture.

Q32 - Define the key qualities that should be changed:

  • Reduce or minimise the visual intrusion and effects on tranquillity of the presence of large renewable energy apparatus.

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

  • Open landscape character without enclosure and tree/shrub vegetation. Habitat diversity

Q34 - Define the key elements that should be changed:

  • A clearer distinction to the edge of improved pasture to retain integrity of the open moorland.

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)

  • 0.00
    • 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)

  • 0.00
    • 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)

  • 0.00
    • 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)

  • 0.57
    • 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)

  • 88.49
    • 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)

  • 10.36
    • 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)

  • 0.59
    • 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

  • 2.34
    • 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

  • 26.78
    • 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

  • 70.87
    • 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)

  • 2.28

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

  • 83.04

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

  • 14.68

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?

  • All

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

  • Aerial photographs
    • OS raster 1:25,000.

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

  • 1:25,000

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

  • (1) Landform - the upland plateau; (2) open, windswept, upland character, especially the moorland but also areas of the plateau that a re now open improved grassland. Generally, peripheral coniferous woodland plantations are not included, except to the north where they relate even less to the adjacent enclosed small-scale landscape.

Natural Beauty

Q45 - Contribution of this area to natural beauty

  • No Answer

Evaluation

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic quality

  • High
    • Distinct upland moorland plateau, with summit to summit moorland views out of the area as part of transition to the more dramatic upland peaks to the west, and over the Dee Valley to the Berwyn uplands to the SW. Despite the peripheral visual presence of a few moderate sized wind turbines, the area remains relatively tranquil.

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity

  • Moderate
    • The integrity has been considered in association with the adjacent area SNPVS134 (Mynydd Mynyllod North), as both together represent the single Mynydd Mynyllod upland plateau. Splitting the areas was purely because of the county boundary (an administrative change). Inter-visibility between different parts of the two areas also supports joint consideration in terms of integrity. The presence of 3 small wind turbines to the southern shoulder of this area, and 3 wind turbines to the northern edge of SNPVS134 disturb the integrity of this upland moorland plateau, as do peripheral large fields of improved grassland, found in both areas. In addition, this area also contains 2 coniferous plantations to the north-eastern end, which reduce the integrity of the overall open moorland character. Nevertheless, the two areas are otherwise largely intact and and extensive enough to be experienced as an upland plateau. The upland integrity is enhanced by borrowed views to nearby upland areas, giving a sense of being part of a much large upland expanse.

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: Character

  • High
    • An important transitional landform between the more domestic farming lowland to the east and the dramatic upland scenery to the west - but distinctive in its own right as an isolated upland plateau.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity

  • Moderate
    • Such upland moorland can be found in many parts of Wales, and is seen in many views to other areas. Nevertheless, this is a good example of a small isolated upland plateau.

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall Evaluation

  • High

Q51 - Justification of overall evaluation

  • An important transitional landform between the more domestic farming lowland to the east and the dramatic upland scenery to the west - but distinctive in its own right. The area has a clearly distinctive upland plateau landform, a good example , and retaining relatively high tranquillity despite some visual intrusion from peripheral wind turbines and some compromised integrity from encroaching improved pasture.

Information Sources

Q52 - Sources and additional assessments

  • Landscape Assessment for Clwyd 1996 Lider 1m survey with hillshade (Welsh Government) OS 25k raster map Aeial photographs 2020-2022 (Welsh Government) Landscover Map 2020 LANDMAP Landscape Habitats aspect Field work.

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

  • No
    • No SLAs

Q61 - SLA policy and resources

  • Not applicable

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