P-04-390  Designate Penrhos Holyhead Nature reserve (coastal park) a National reserve

Petition wording:

We call upon the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to designate Penrhos Holyhead Nature reserve (coastal park) a National Nature Reserve.

Supporting information:

Penrhos Nature Reserve (coastal park) Holyhead has been used by the community for 40 years.  It is a socially valued landscape.  A natural heirloom.  We believe the lasting legacy of this cherished nature reserve should be acquired and managed for the community and be designated a National Nature Reserve by CCW (countryside council of Wales) with a long term vision that includes a comprehensive initiative which involves the whole community in its’ ’Natural capital’:  Run by the people for the people.

Penrhos nature reserve is enveloped in a historic coastline that has been designated an AONB area near an SSSI, which make up its iconic landscape. Gorsedd y Penrhyn which dominates the coasts path line has been designated a regionally important geological, geomorphological site by (UK RIGS) by the geoconservation association.  Also the freshwater habitats comprise of reed beds priority habitats under the uk habitats action plan (uk hap).  By designating it a national park we would maximise the economic benefits of the islands ‘natural capital’.  Tourism is based on the unspoilt beauty of this island.  It is a Inspirational gem at the heart of the community and has a rich tapestry of life and is cherished by the whole community. It is by all accounts a ‘theological Paradise’.  It is part of Holy islands altar piece, indeed the 100,000 visitors every year recognise this.  ‘We are a people bred on legends .clinging stubbornly to the proud trees of blood and birth.’ R S Thomas

Petition raised by: Jenny Amelia Jones

Date petition first considered by Committee:  15 May 2012

Number of signatures: 826 (an associated petition collected 1,100 signatures)