Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Case Studies – Level 1
Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Area: Pembrokeshire
Country: Wales, UK
Date of Completion: 30.12.’05
Pen Picture Pembrokeshire Marine SAC is the third largest SAC in the UK and has the second highest number of features: viz eight habitats and seven protected species. It straddles the seas adjacent to the middle section of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, stretching roughly from St David’s Head to Stackpole Head, and includes four main islands – all protected – together with St Brides Bay, the busy Milford Haven Waterway, its Port, and the beautiful Daugleddau Estuary. The beautiful landscapes, habitats and protected species attract many tourists, tourism being the largest employer in the county. A Management Scheme and Action Plan will be adopted in 2006 recognising the importance of sustainable tourism whilst ensuring appropriate steps to protect important sites and eco-systems. Key Lessons Strong leadership provided by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with tradition of innovation. Importance of a well integrated set of policies for conservation and sustainable tourism at all levels and scales and strong County Council support. Strong institutional framework, part statutory and part voluntary, working on partnership principle Long tradition of support for principles of conservation with sustainable tourism understood and practiced by land owners. Awareness and involvement of local people is central Management Scheme and Action Plan for SAC to enable close monitoring Close links with local authorities and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Longstanding voluntary codes of conduct with recreational bodies. Location Adjacent to middle section of Pembrokeshire Coast, South West Wales, UK. Islands of Skokholm, Skomer, and Grassholm accessed from Milford Haven, and Ramsey from St Justinians by St David’s. Main access points at Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock or gateway at Haverfordwest on the A40.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (shaded)
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Pembrokeshire Marine SAC
Overview Pembrokeshire’s coastline and islands have long been recognised internationally for their beauty, special landscapes, habitats and wildlife. Through thoughtful planning under the jurisdiction of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a balance has been struck between conservation and human activities. The deep harbour of Milford Haven, with its oil and LNG installations, is located in the heart of the area and operates on a commercial basis that recognises the need for great care in relation to the SAC designation that includes the waterway with its associated shipping. The marinas in the Haven provide good access to the adjoining coastline and islands, while on shore there are a range of coastal villages, sandy bays and rocky cliffs which cater for a wide range of recreational activities and local tourism. Nearby Tenby has maintained its traditional family holiday market and is now the leading destination for a short holiday in Wales.
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Status of Conservation Designation Pembrokeshire Coast National Park SAC under the EU Habitats Directive known as Pembrokeshire Marine and part of the Natura 2000 network of significant sites Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast SPA – EU Birds Directive – sites in Daugleddau Estuary, Grassholm and Skomer 46 SSSI’s in National Park for wildlife, and 15 for biological and/or geological value, many along the coastline or among the islands Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) at Skomer Island; also SSSI, SPA and Scheduled Ancient Monument Skokholm Grassholm and Ramsey Islands are National Nature Reserves Planning Framework Sub-Regional Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Pembrokeshire County Council have recently adopted a Joint Unitary Development Plan based on the principle of sustainable development. The Plan seeks to broaden the area’s tourism base while providing effective environmental protection. The National Park also has a Management Plan to guide local management of sites. The main focus of these plans is on the landward side of the coast. Both authorities have been influential in supporting the establishment of a Coastal Forum together with all interested parties in partnership. A Coastal Strategy, based on the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, has been prepared to strike a balance between conservation and development needs in the coastal and marine area, especially encouraging sustainable tourism. There is no defined boundary for this Strategy, each issue being assessed geographically as required. This has now been supplemented by the more detailed Management Scheme prepared by the SAC officer for the area designated as a Special Area of Conservation. This is to be adopted in 2006 and will include inter alia detailed action plans for recreation and tourism designed to supplement and enforce codes of practice relating to rod and hand-line fishing, bait collection, diving and snorkelling and to various recreational activities such as coasteering, rock climbing, disturbance by power craft and general pursuits on foot. Boat trips to the islands are a matter of keen concern to ensure conservation objectives are upheld, including measures to ensure appropriate effluent disposal and minimise hazardous pollution incidents from all shipping. South West Wales has also been classified as a sub-regional component of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Plan for Wales. This recognises the importance of tourism for the local economy and highlights Haverfordwest as a centrally placed gateway for visitors to the area. Local Local Management Plans have been prepared for all the important sites with conservation status by the variety of bodies responsible for their management. These include the National Trust with important sites at St David’s, Freshwater West, and Stackpole (including Barafundle); the RSPB (Ramsey), CCW (Skomer – but managed by Wildlife Trust), and Skokholm (current appeal to purchase by South and West Wales Wildlife Trust); together with other local authority sites. A
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Recreation Management Plan for the Milford Haven Waterway is another important tool of management in the area.
Background/History The Pembrokeshire coastal landscapes provide visual evidence of the long history of occupation of this part of the coast, especially based on sea-faring and trade. On Skomer, most of which is an Ancient Monument, there is evidence of the presence of Iron Age Man supporting a community of up to 200 people. The area’s natural beauty eventually led to commercial interest in the holiday trade and developing tourism. At the same time recognition of the advantages of the deep harbour at Milford led to the growth of the port for military and commercial activities, especially in connection with the oil industry which has now contracted. Even with the growth in foreign tourist destinations, tourism in Pembrokeshire has sustained its position as the largest sector of the local economy stated to be worth £272 million annually. The challenge to balance the demands of trade and conservation was recognised in the establishment of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in 1952, Britain’s only primarily coastal National Park. More recently, since 2000, the local authorities have supported the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum initiative and broadened their focus to include land/water interaction issues. This has been supplemented by the commitment from all relevant authorities to the duty of preparing a Management Scheme for the SAC which lies so centrally along the Pembrokeshire shoreline. Aims/Objectives The agreed aim of the SAC Management Scheme is “to secure and maintain the favourable conservation status of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC by ensuring that human activities co-exist in harmony with the habitats and species of the site”. It seeks to achieve this by following eight agreed principles: 1. Favourable conservation status: to be sought by all management actions 2. sustainability reconciling environmental, economic and social goals 3. adopting the precautionary principle as far as possible where there is risk 4. Management decisions to be based on full appreciation of the situation 5. Avoiding unnecessary regulation 6. working with a partnership approach 7. developing awareness through education for all users 8. regularly monitoring and review
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
The aims of the wider Coastal Forum is to promote a strategic approach to the planning, management, use and development of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Zone to ensure that its natural, cultural and economic assets are maintained for the benefit and pleasure of present and future generations. Key Resource Facts Habitats Reefs, estuaries, inter-tidal, shallow inlets, small and large bays, islands, sandy beaches and dunes, pebble beaches, cliffs, plateaux, valleys and woodlands, wetlands, ria, mudflats, coastal lagoons, submerged or partly submerged sea caves Topography Mainly rocky cliffs, indented with wide range of other features (see above). Climate Although a temperate climate, the peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the sea, so apart from sheltered coves, is open to Atlantic weather systems, sometimes creating ideal surfing conditions. Also strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream, so reasonably mild but often wet in winter. Able to support species found in both warmer southern areas and those from colder northern areas. Warm summers suitable for water sports and bathing. Biodiversity Remarkable range of habitats supporting seven protected species. These include otter, allis shad and river and sea lamphrey. Also SPA’s designed to protect the abundance of birds: eg 40% of world’s population of the Manx Shearwater (16,500 pairs) breed on Skomer and nearby islands; also 6,000 pairs of puffins, together with guillemots, razorbills and varieties of gulls. Skomer and Ramsey islands are also home to the grey seal where they breed every autumn, being the largest breeding colony south of the Solway Firth. Porpoises and dolphins can often be seen in surrounding waters. (There are currently 20 wildlife boat operators with the biggest concentration around Ramsey). Culture/Heritage Pembrokeshire Coast is steeped in history, with many sites showing evidence of early occupation. Guided walks and leaflets are part of an interpretive strategy of the National Park showing the developing history of the area, much of it based on transport by sea. Water was all important as Carew Castle and Mill testifies. Before the Norman Conquest, the whole peninsula was Welsh speaking and was ruled by Celtic chieftains at whose courts wandering bards would recount the folk legends later collected as “The Mabinogion”. The area also played a key role in the “Age of Saints”, especially with the shrine to St David which became a place of pilgrimage. The Normans drove the native Welsh speakers to the north of the county, South Pembrokeshire eventually becoming known as “Little England”, albeit with a fine legacy of castles such as Pembroke. While in later years the Nonconformist
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
revival had a major spiritual impact, the area was also “discovered” by writers and artists. Key Tourism Facts Product Services and Infrastructure The following tourist/recreational activities are catered for: accommodation in small resorts and camping/caravan sites, swimming, walking (especially the coastal path), cycling, horse riding, surfing, boat trips (especially to the islands), cruising and sailing, sea angling from shore and boat, touring, photography, coasteering, rock climbing, diving, power craft (including jet skis, hovercraft, water skiing). In 2004/2005 a full recreation audit of coastal recreational activities was undertaken, including commentary on trends of use, issues and opportunities. This study is available on the PCF website. Within the county, the coastal and resort areas account for just over a third of all staying trips, with coastal destinations more popular for longer visits. Surveys show that recreation and activity tourism are becoming increasingly popular, based on the natural amenities of the coastal areas. This creates pressures which are managed through various ways, both through regulation and voluntary codes, especially the Marine Code for charter boat operators. These advise on approaching seals, dolphins, whales, porpoises, and sea birds, with zoning maps for the most sensitive sites. With its extensive coastline, the overall area has some 60 beaches. Moorings are available at 19, bathing at 36, diving at 23, canoeing at 42, surfing at 13, windsurfing at 21, water skiing at 11 and power boating at 16. This is an ideal resource for adventure holidays as advocated by the WTB. Attention is also being paid to encourage the improvement of facilities at resorts and accommodation bases. For example, Pembroke commissioned a study which identified a perceived decline in peak season visitor numbers but an increase in “shoulder” visitors. The report recommended a raft of measures to improve and market the image of the town (Stevens & Associates 1999). Tenby, along the coast to the east now has a 6 year action plan with a fulltime project manager.
Steps are also being taken to improve visitor centres in the main hotspots. For example, on Skomer a scheme is underway to refurbish the information and interpretation facilities for the 20,000 visitors who visit the island each year. The project is led by the Wildlife Trust with funding from CCW, a charitable trust, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. There will be accommodation for the warden and family, a reference library, laboratory and study rooms. Parts of the coast are owned by the Ministry of Defence – including the Castle Martin Range. Although general access is restricted, arrangements have been made to enable access by climbers to the cliffs or to see the birds by arrangement
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
and at special times. Special ownership is a special feature along much of the coast which enables effective management and sometimes more reliable funding. The National Trust is especially important in this respect and has remarkable achievements to its credit at the Stackpole Estate. Throughout the year, the National Park organises and hosts a wide array of activities based on the natural amenities of the area and publicises events through local tourism centres and other means. More recently it has introduced a scheme whereby walkers and other visitors can receive advice on their mobile phones. Another service provided is Coast to Coast online which offers instant access to Park information covering all events and activities. A free 48 page tabloid edition is also published every year for tourists. All beaches have beach management plans usually prepared by the County Council Safety Officer in association with other parties. These ensure standards are maintained and that relevant awards are justified. In the summer months a subsidised bus service links the main resorts to the local beaches. The Strumble Shuttle provides three services a day linking St David’s to Fishguard, and the Puffin Shuttle links similarly with Milford Haven. Volume Tourism is Pembrokeshire’s largest industry and employer with around 9,000 actual jobs supported directly or indirectly by visitor spending, accounting for 28% of the county’s total. Tourism spend is calculated to be £272 million per annum and equates to 20% of the GDP of West Wales. 76% was contributed by staying tourists and a quarter by day visitors. A study of Pembrokeshire tourism 2001 – 2003 reported the following estimates: Accommodation attracts £62 million expenditure (24%), catering £72 million, retailing £53 million, attractions £30 million, and travel £44 million. Income to Pembrokeshire residents in wages and profits at £58 million Staying tourists made over 1 million trips to the area, of whom 94% were from UK Of over five million nights stayed, 35% were in caravans/camp sites,18% in hotels, 26% in self catering cottages, and 15% with friends/relatives Business trips accounted for 5% of trips and 6% of spending There are 96,000 bedspaces in commercially operated accommodation outlets – with 62% being in caravan/camping sector Average spend per night was £39 per person, with £70 in serviced sector and £24 for those staying in caravan/camping sites There were estimated to be 2.1 million tourism day trips, spending £63m 43% of staying tourist trips fall within the summer period A summary of principal recreation activities has been prepared by Pembrokeshire College and is available on PCF website. It suggests, for example that there are c. 10,000 surfer-days, involving 300 – 500 local surfers and 100 – 300 visitors, mainly attracted to Freshwater West, Newgale, and other beaches. Key Issues associated with tourism development/management The following key issues have been identified through the widespread consultation undertaken during the preparation of the PCF Strategy and the SAC Management Scheme.
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Growing tourism and development pressures continue to exercise the relevant authorities including traffic congestion and limited parking at key hotspots Managing water quality remains essential to sustain clean image Need to continuously upgrade the product in all aspects Amount of sea litter seems to be increasing Only limited on-shore facilities for boat operators Occasional clash of recreational activities – some need for zoning e.g. kite surfing and kite buggies, horses Noise and disturbance from jet skis Lost or discarded tackle by shore anglers Sheer numbers of divers at certain sites or wrecks Dog fouling is still a major problem Financing year round provision of facilities Insufficient safe havens around the Pembrokeshire Coast Perceived shortfall of moorings Provision of adequate signposting Need to continue education/awareness programmes Marked seasonality in tourist numbers Socio-economic impact of holiday homes in some communities Inadequate enforcement of byelaws Vulnerability of some archaeological/landscape features Pressure on marine areas from recreational craft Many questions of safety Problems of disabled access Need for implementation of the CROW Act Lack of national centre of excellence similar to Plas y Brenin or Plas Menai Management/Organisation/Funding/Finance The Pembrokeshire Marine SAC has a full time officer working in a shared office with the Coastal Forum staff. The post is jointly funded, but there is concern about the longer term. The officer is responsible for the preparation of the Management Scheme and for securing the support of the relevant authorities via the Relevant Authorities Group (RAG), a voluntary partnership. This Group has no additional powers but serves to ensure that all contribute to develop and implement the scheme. The members are: Countryside Council for Wales Environment Agency Wales Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Milford Haven Port Authority Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembrokeshire County Council
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee Trinity House Lighthouse Service There is also a SAC Liaison Forum for other interest groups including: Community, industry, commerce and business Fisheries, conservation, recreation, tourism, harbour users Skomer MNR Advisory Committee Milford Haven Waterway Environmental Surveillance Group This Group ensures local issues are heard and attended to. Regular SAC surgeries are run which allow all stakeholders a chance to have a say. The Action Plan is subdivided into the following topics: Ports, Harbours and Shipping Living Resources Water Quality, Pollution and Waste Disposal Recreation Miscellaneous Activities Resources Awareness Information and Data Collection Monitoring, Review and Reporting The Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum is run on similar lines but has a wider brief. Through Partnership working it has prepared a Strategy to promote an integrated approach to marine and coastal issues. Among its benefits, it: Has a flexible structure that encourages involvement and cooperation Shares information with all parties and disseminates knowledge Raises the profile of the Pembrokeshire coast Provides scope for developing new partnerships to pool resources Can seek or support bids for funding Promotes essential research Has an independent chairman PCF works with the assistance of a number of topic groups, including tourism, recreation and access, which interact with others on nature conservation, marine pollution and water quality. Both the SAC group and the PCF work closely with the National Park. Achievements/Innovation Voluntary codes of practice for recreation activities on land and water Extensive special ownership of protected sites assisting funding for new projects A matrix of integrated policies at all levels and scales committed to sustainable development Extensive collaboration between all parties especially local people A strong desire to develop eco-friendly sustainable tourism
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Scottish Natural Heritage A REVIEW OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
New initiatives such as user friendly advice via mobile phones Contacts Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer Jo Dilley, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Officer Bibliography Joint Unitary Development Plan for Pembrokeshire/Pembrokeshire Coast Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Management Plan Pembrokeshire Tourism 2001 – 2003 (Geoff Broom Associates 2005) www.pembrokeshiremarinesac.org.uk www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk www.jncc.gov.uk/protectedsites/sacselection www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
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