Merthyr Mawr Conservation Project

19 July 2023

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Merthyr Mawr Estate is taking a new step towards the conservation of their Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve in Bridgend, having recently put in place a new management (S16) agreement with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The area is an extensive dune system designated a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rare habitats and species.

The agreement establishes a collaborative arrangement whereby the Estate will directly manage the reserve, and they have hired a new warden to assist with this. NRW will continue to monitor, advise and assist with conservation priorities such as conservation grazing, ecosystem management and invasive species control.
This is a significant milestone, as it is one of the largest s16 agreements in Wales, encompassing a large geographical area. The partnership between Merthyr Mawr Estate and NRW will allow for the implementation of innovative conservation strategies and the maintenance of the reserves natural beauty.

Rhian Howells, Associate with Cooke & Arkwright’s Land Agency department said “a lot of work from all parties has gone into putting this new management arrangement in place, and we hope it will ensure that this unique dune system is protected and enjoyed by both wildlife and visitors for many generations to come.”

Cooke & Arkwright have been providing rating valuation advice to The Welsh Rugby Union Limited (“WRU”) and Millennium Stadium plc for many years. They were recently successful in achieving substantial reductions in the assessments of the Millennium Stadium, covering both the 2005 and 2010 rating list. These negotiated reductions yielded savings of c.£3.5m which, crucially, allows the WRU to re-invest in rugby throughout Wales. They advise the WRU across the group portfolio including the National Centre of Excellence in the Vale of Glamorgan. The valuation issues across the WRU portfolio are complex requiring a high level of understanding of the funding and finances of professional sport in Wales. Cooke & Arkwright’s experience and understanding of these issues and application to the rating valuation have yielded these substantial negotiated reductions. The WRU and the Millennium Stadium entrust our work to organisations with the required levels in experience and expertise in dealing with these complex issues. I am glad to say we have this expertise in Wales. I would have no hesitation in recommending ratepayers making use of this Welsh based expertise.

The Welsh Rugby Union Limited, Welsh Rugby Union Group