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Survey Details for CRDFFVS004 - 2026-06-07

CRDFFVS004

Visual and Sensory

Garth Hill

Cardiff

2015-02-06

  • Level 1: Upland
  • Level 2: Hills, Lower Plateau & Scarp Slopes
  • Level 3: Hill & Lower Plateau Moorland
  • Level 4: Hill & Lower Plateau 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
    • 1:10,000

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

  • Yes
    • part of same hill as area to west and encloses Taff Vale to east- prominent feature when viewed from Cardiff.

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

  • early Autumn

Description

Q3 - Summary Description

  • One of the most prominent hills in the county with a rounded profile rising to 307mAOD falling steeply to the east towards the Taff Vale, with rock outcrops and evidence of disused quarries. The skyline has a distinctive profile being gently rounded with three tumuli at intervals. The area is dominated by heathland vegetation of acid grassland with some bracken particularly on the southern slopes. There are paths across this open land including the Ridgeway Walk. Cattle and sheep graze the area. The area feels exposed and windswept and has long views to the south towards the Seven Estuary, to the west towards the Vale and to the north to the Coalfield Plateau. The hill is prominent in views from most directions, particularly from the Taff Vale.

Q4 - Physical Form And Elements: Topographic Form?

  • Hills/Valleys

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?

  • Coarse

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines?

  • Curved

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour?

  • Strong Contrasts

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance?

  • Harmonious

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity?

  • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern?

  • Random

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal Interest?

  • Mixed

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of Human Access?

  • Infrequent

Q19 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of Construction Materials?

  • Appropriate

Q21 - What materials? Give Details:

  • stone

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 out from this area.

Q24 - Perceptual and Other Sensory Qualities

  • Attractive
  • Tranquil
  • Exposed
  • Spiritual
    • Exposed upland moorland with tumuli

Q25 - What is the sense of place/local distinctiveness

  • Strong
    • sense of place derives from exposure and elevation of hill and tumuli

Condition

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

  • Not known

Q27 - Condition:

  • Fair
    • generally well maintained but bracken invasion

Q28 - Trend:

  • Declining
    • Bracken invasion and reduction in heathland vegetation

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management

  • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Management recommendations

  • upland rural moorland management. Control bracken and expand heathland vegetation, Control bracken and gorse. increase heathland vegetation encouraging biodiversity. Maintain open character. Monitor access in order to avoid erosion through overuse.

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

  • openness; exposure; tranquillity

Q32 - Define the key qualities that should be changed:

  • neglect in places

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

  • tumuli; heathland vegetation; rock outcrops. heathland vegetation

Q34 - Define the key elements that should be changed:

  • bracken and gorse

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

  • 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.

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

  • 91.7
    • 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

  • 8.3
    • 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)

  • 0.86
    • 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)

  • 2.08
    • 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)

  • 16.74
    • 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)

  • 80.32
    • 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)

  • 0.00
    • 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)

  • 0.00
    • 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

  • 16.91
    • 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

  • 83.09
    • 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

  • 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).

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)

  • 1.21

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

  • 20.05

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

  • 78.74

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

  • 0

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

  • 0

Aspect Area Boundary

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

  • Level 4

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?

  • OS Raster

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

  • 1:10,000

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

  • county boundary to north, enclosed land to north and west and lower valley to south and east.

Natural Beauty

Q45 - Contribution of this area to natural beauty

  • No Answer

Evaluation

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic quality

  • High
    • Upland exposed landscape of pastoral hills with scenic views.

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity

  • High
    • Consistent character, but eroding with bracken and gorse.

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: Character

  • High
    • A strong sense of place derived from upland , exposed hill with long views to Severn estuary and to coalfield plateau.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity

  • High
    • This isolated upland hill landscape is rare in the county.

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall Evaluation

  • High
    • Upland exposed landscape of pastoral hills with scenic views. Consistent character, but eroding with bracken and gorse. A strong sense of place derived from upland , exposed hill with long views to Severn estuary and to coalfield plateau. This isolated upland hill landscape is rare in the county.

Q51 - Justification of overall evaluation

  • All high

Information Sources

Q52 - Sources and additional assessments

  • Landscape Study of Cardiff, May 1999, Cardiff County Council.

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
    • Flat Holm, St Fagans Lowlands and Ely Valley, Garth Hill and Pentyrch Ridges, Fforest Fawr and Caerphilly Ridge, Wentloog Levels

Q61 - SLA policy and resources

  • Local Plan Policy EN3 Landscape Protection. https://www.cardiffldp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Final-Adopted-Local-Development-Plan-English.pdf . The Special Landscape Areas GIS dataset is available from DataMapWales https://datamap.gov.wales/layers/geonode:nrw_special_landscape_area

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