Inventory of Activities pro-forma
1. Relevant authority – Monmouthshire County Council
2. Activity – Land based Recreation
2.1 Why?
Why is this activity carried out? (if applicable)
To promote informal, quiet recreation in accordance with the duties placed on Councils by various
Countryside and Highways Acts.
2.2 Location
Describe the area used for the activity.
A picnic site is located at Black Rock, which abuts and overlooks the estuary. Various public
rights of way follow the flood defence embankment between St.Pierre Pill and the Newport CC
boundary and /or link to the coast.
2.3 Frequency
Describe when/how often the activity occurs
Both the public rights of way and the picnic site are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additional information is available from path counters installed along the coastal path route.
2.4 How
Describe how the activity is carried out (i.e. equipment used, number/type of people involved) and
the intensity (high, medium, low).
Current use of rights of way is low, use of the Black Rock picnic site is also low, rising to medium
at peak times – further information on usage is available via path counters. Predictions for future
use levels once the Wales Coastal Path has been completed are set out as part of an appropriate
assessment of the Wales Coastal Path proposals under plans and projects procedures. Rights of
way also facilitate access for other activities, including recreational angling.
3 Management
3.1 General
Brief description of your current management.
Grounds maintenance, litter collection, provision of facilities for picnicking / viewing the estuary
and interpretation. Highways Authority functions in respect of the public rights of way, including
maintenance.
3.2 Management objectives
Why are you managing this activity - if different to 2.1 above (please identify if no management)?
See 2.1.
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3.3 Your role
Describe your role in relation to the activity (e.g. statutory duty, control due to land ownership,
part of normal working operations etc)
Public rights of way – statutory duty
Picnic site – statutory duty and control by land ownership.
3.4 Existing regulation
Describe any existing regulation for the activity.
Designated sites procedures (SSSI notice of consent procedures etc.).
3.4.1 Nature Conservation Does regulation of the activity already provide for the integration of
nature conservation interests?
(Included to provide details of what measures already exist to incorporate safeguards for
conservation into current working practices).
Yes - Advice would be given by Biodiversity and Ecology officers and the Countryside
Management Officer who is also responsible for managing Black Rock picnic. Consultations with
CCW as required.
3.5 Other management
3.5.1 Is your organisation developing any plans/initiatives/codes of conduct in relation to the
activity? (please give details & web site reference if available).
Monmouthshire LBAP
3.5.2 Are you aware of any other plans/initiatives in relation to the management of the activity
(please give web site reference if available)
Joint Significance Test / Statement to Inform an Appropriate Assessment of the Wales Coastal
Path –Newport CC, Cardiff Council, Monmouthshire CC & CCW and Appropriate Assessment
(2011)
Proposed “Dog Control Orders” to require dogs to be kept on a lead on certain sections of the
coast path (mitigation measure identified in Appropriate Assessment) – Likely to be subject to
formal consultations in Winter/Spring 2011/12
3.5.3 Outline any other known management of the activity (recreational clubs, voluntary groups).
The Gwent Ornithological Society holds regular bird watching activities adjacent to the estuary
(both in groups and as individual birdwatchers).
4. Current information
4.1 Monitoring/research
Are you undertaking any current monitoring/research of the activity?
As 3.5.2 above
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Why is it carried out?
To meet plans and projects procedures.
List any research/monitoring reports and their format (paper, GIS, please give web site reference if
available)
Are you aware of anyone else who carries out monitoring/research of the activity?
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