Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff un ei ysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion. Mae'r agenda a'r papurau isod.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
Resolved that the Minutes of the Gower National Landscape Advisory Group meeting held on 22 September 2025, be approved and signed as a correct record.
Mike Scott, Countryside Team Leader presented a ‘for information’ report which informed the Group of recent project work and team updates from Swansea Council’s Countryside Team. A comprehensive update regarding a number of projects and events was provided.
Partners reports and updates were provided as follows: - 1. The Gower Society (GS) On reflection 2025 was a very successful year for the Society. Some highlights: - · As already reported, the Society purchased a 43 acre site at Cartersford, and leased it to the South & West Wales Wildlife Trust for a peppercorn rent, with the aim to restore the land to a wildlife reserve. Work was well under way planting trees and securing the boundary. · Gower Landscapes Connections – meetings and community engagements were now well underway with some GS committee members, National Landscapes Association colleagues and other Gower stakeholders to develop the Heritage Lottery Landscapes Connections grant application. · West Cross Common saved – the Society with Open Spaces Society and Friends of West Cross Common, were successful in saving the common land, known as West Cross Common from development. The case had gone to a public inquiry and the final decision was made by Welsh Government to protect the land. · During 2025 the Society awarded grants to the following: - Swansea Council Countryside Access team; Dry stone walling – Mewslade and Rhossili; Gower Unearthed – Backingstone Chapel survey; Oxwich Bird Ringing; Gower Music Festival; Gower Walking Festival; Swansea Bach Choir; Swansea Philharmonic Choir; Cynefin at Oystermouth Castle - a one day celebration of Gower heritage and culture for children; Horton Methodist Church; St Mary’s Church Pennard; St Andrew’s Penrice; St George’s Reynoldston; Gowerton Cricket Club pavilion; Medicine Myth Magic exhibit at Gower Heritage Centre: Gower Open Studios; and the Gower Bathing Water testing. The total value of money awarded was just over £75,000 in 2025. The Gower Society Youth (GSY) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. Here are their achievements in the year: - · Youth – the Society funded a programme of monthly (Feb to Nov) events/activities led by Dawn Thomas for children (and their parents) to engage with nature and Gower. These events were free and an excellent stepping stone for families to learn about the outdoors and Gower’s rich environment. · Youth – the Youth committee funded school field trips organised by Dawn and provided transport funding (which was increasing). There was a total of 47 day trips for schools in 2025 funded by GSY. · GSY – secured monies from Community Lottery grant application which would be ringfenced towards more activities/projects to support children enjoying nature on Gower. · Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – a group of committee members were discussing ways that the Society could embrace EDI, including reaching out to different communities in Swansea and Gower. · GSY - offer schools grants up to a value of £750 each for environmental projects. Pupils have to be involved in the application and delivery of these projects. · For 2026, GSY had received increased funding from the Society to continue developing their programme. · 2025 – we had just over 100 new members join. The Society continued to offer its members a fantastic programme of Saturday walks, monthly talks, and activities organised by the Green team, including willow weaving, bird watching and litter picks. · Camping in Gower -The future of the Article 4 Direction. It came to our notice at the end of January that Welsh Government may be proposing to revoke the 1977 Article 4 Direction which restricts camping in Gower. The Planning Division has since confirmed that this is the intention. · Some observations were also provided on the draft Gower State of the National Landscape Report (SOTNLR).
Jake Cosgrove, Communities and Nature Project Officer gave a comprehensive verbal review on the recent Gower Forum event. He thanked everyone involved for their support and highlighted the range of participants and activities, which was an excellent example of partnership working and was an excellent example of how the Gower Management Plan supported the ongoing work. It was noted that between 160 and 200 people attended the Forum from a very wide range of backgrounds, including farming, business owners, Councillors, school children and various community groups. This emphasised the diversity and engagement of the attendees. The event featured exhibition stands from 11 or 12 organizations and provided networking opportunities. Introductory talks were provided by John Watkins and Andrew Blake, along with a year-in-review presentation by Katherine Thomas and Evie Gruchala. A series of short presentations on Sustainable Development Fund projects and community initiatives were also provided. A dedicated farming session was held, which attracted around 60 participants and exceeded expectations. It also highlighted the need for larger spaces and ongoing engagement with the farming community. The feedback from this event was being collected for future improvements. The Youth involvement in the Forum was highlighted, with Bishopston Secondary School and Gower Young Farmers presenting on climate and nature projects and the ethnic minority and youth support, sharing perspectives on Gower's importance, whilst reinforcing the value of diverse voices. It was confirmed that a formal report and an illustrated summary of the event was being prepared for wider sharing. It was suggested that official farming representatives be included in future forums to further build trust and collaboration. The Chair and Advisory Group thanked the Officer for the report and everyone involved in the Forum for their work.
The Countryside Team Leader and Communities and Nature Project Officer provided a verbal update on the Management Plan Review and public consultation. The progress of the Gower Management Plan review, including the submission of scoping reports, extensive public and stakeholder consultation were outlined. In addition, the timeline for drafting and adopting the new management plan was detailed. It was added that scoping reports on the state of the National Landscape, habitat regulations and strategic environmental assessment were submitted to Natural Resources Wales, with responses reviewed and addressed in collaboration with consultants LUC. The first phase of stakeholder and public engagement, which included a widely circulated survey with over 500 responses, targeted workshops to ensure inclusivity, were detailed. The key consultation findings highlighted challenges identified, which included tourism pressure, transport infrastructure, housing, farming, land management, environmental pressures and governance. It was recognised that there were opportunities which focused on community involvement, sustainable practices, heritage skills, recreation and infrastructure improvements. The next steps and timeline were detailed. It was explained that LUC would draft the Management Plan based on consultation findings, with a public draft expected after the May 2026 elections. This would be followed by further consultation, with redrafting in the autumn and final approval targeted for March 2027. It was noted that the next Gower Forum was expected to play a key role in adopting and showcasing the new management plan, emphasizing its communal and participatory nature. The Chair thanked the Officers for the detailed update report.
The Communities and Nature Project Officer presented ‘for information’ the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) Panel Financial Summary report. It was explained that the SDF was fully committed for financial years 25/26 and 26/27. It was outlined that the SDF budget of £95,000 for 2025/26 had been previously confirmed by Welsh Government. 11 projects had funding committed, one project was approved at the SDF panel in June 2025 but would not claim their grant until the 2026/27 financial year. The Committed Funds figure for 2025/26 included the Swansea Council Management Fee of £9,500. Total Funds available £95,000 Committed Funds £95,000 Uncommitted Funds £0 Applications in progress £0 It was explained that for 2026/27, the SDF budget had been confirmed at £95,000 by Welsh Government. The grant offers included a statement that “funding is dependent upon Welsh Government funding being available”. So far, 10 projects had funding committed. The Committed Funds figure included the CCS Management Fee of £9,500. Total Funds available £95,000 Committed Funds £95,000 Uncommitted Funds £0 Applications in progress £0
The Chair announced that Jeremy Parkhouse, Democratic Services Officer would be retiring from the Authority at the end of March 2026. The Chair and Advisory Group members passed on their best wishes to the officer for his retirement.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.