SJD Teifi Strategy_Final

The Afon Teifi cSAC
Conservation Strategy
Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers

The Afon Teifi cSAC Conservation Strategy
Stuart Davis
For more information on this document, contact:
Countryside Council for Wales
Plas Gogerddan
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion SY23 3EE
Tel: +44 (0)1970 821100
Fax: +44 (0)1970 828314
This document was produced with the support of the European Commission’s LIFE Nature Programme. It
was published by Life in UK Rivers, a joint venture involving English Nature (EN), the Countryside
Council for Wales (CCW), the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental
Research (SNIFFER).
© (Text only) EN, CCW, EA, SEPA, SNH & SNIFFER 2003
ISBN 1 85716 767 8
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This document should be cited as: Davis S (2003). The Afon Teifi cSAC Conservation Strategy. Conserving
Natura 2000 Rivers. English Nature, Peterborough.
Technical Editor: Lynn Parr
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This conservation strategy for the Afon Teifi has been produced as part of Life in UK Rivers, a
project to develop methods for conserving the wildlife and habitats of rivers within the Natura 2000
network of protected European sites.
The project's focus has been the conservation of rivers identified as Special Areas of Conservation
(SACs) and of relevant habitats and species listed in annexes I and II of the European Union Directive
on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EEC) (the Habitats
Directive).
Conservation strategies have been produced for seven SAC rivers in the UK to meet the need for
management plans.The strategies demonstrate how the statutory conservation and environment
agencies have developed conservation objectives, and drawn up action plans with their local partners
for achieving 'favourable conservation status' under the terms of the directive for its listed habitats and
species.
For SAC sites, the directive requires:
Conservation measures to be established that correspond to the ecological requirements of
the Annex I and II habitats and species present.
Appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of habitats and the habitats of species, as well as
the disturbance of the species.
Appropriate assessment – in view of the site's conservation objectives – of the implications of
any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on the SAC.
Each river conservation strategy identifies the conservation measures necessary for its SAC, describes
appropriate safeguards against deterioration or disturbance, and represents an aid to assessing any plan
or project affecting the SAC.
In essence, the strategies set out a management plan for securing conditions whereby a SAC site can
contribute to achieving favourable conservation status for its designated habitats and species at a
national and European level.
To accompany the river conservation strategies, the project has also produced a set of reports collating
the best available information on the ecological requirements of each species and habitat, while a
further series contains advice on monitoring and assessment techniques. Each report has been
compiled by ecologists who are studying these species and habitats in the UK, and has been subject to
peer review, including scrutiny by a Technical Advisory Group established by the project partners. In the
case of the monitoring techniques, further refinement has been accomplished by field-testing and
workshops involving experts and conservation practitioners.
Life in UK Rivers is a demonstration project and, although the reports have no official status in the
implementation of the directive, they are intended as a helpful source of information for organisations
trying to set conservation objectives and to monitor for favourable conservation status for these
habitats and species.
Titles in the Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers ecology and monitoring series are listed inside the back
cover of this report, and copies of these, together with other project publications are available on the
project website: www.riverlife.org.uk.
Afon Teifi cSAC Conservation Strategy
1

2

3
Contents
Policy statement 4
1 Introduction and overview 5
1.1 The Afon Teifi Conservation Strategy 5
1.2 Structure of a standard CCW management plan 6
2 Vision statement 6
3 Site description and background information 7
3.1 Outline of past and current management 7
4 Confirmation of special features 7
5 Operational objectives relating to the functioning of the wetland ecosystem 8
5.1 Water quality 8
5.2 Water quantity and flow characteristics 10
5.3 Management of river channel and banks 10
5.4 Management of wetlands in the Teifi catchment 11
6 Operational objectives relating to the management of fish features 11
6.1 Artificial barriers to migration and movement 11
6.2 Fish stocking 12
7 Conservation objectives, status and rationales for the interest features
of the cSAC 12
7.1 Ranunculus habitat 12
7.2 Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans) 13
7.3 Otter (Lutra lutra) 15
7.4 Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis)
and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) 17
7.5 Bullhead (Cottus gobio) 19
7.6 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) 20
8 Action plans 23
8.1 Action plan for maintaining the functioning of the wetland ecosystem
and for the general management of fish features 23
8.2 Action plan for individual features 23
Acknowledgements 23
References 24
Appendix A:Action plans and progress 25
Appendix B: Report of first meeting of Teifi Network, 15 August 2002 29
Appendix C:Afon Teifi SSSI citation 35
Appendix D: Reasons for recommendation as a cSAC 39
Appendix E: Afon Teifi SSSI Potentially Damaging Operations 41

4
Policy statement
The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is the UK government's statutory adviser on wildlife,
countryside, and marine conservation matters in Wales. It is the executive authority for the
conservation of habitats and wildlife.Through partners it promotes the protection of landscape,
opportunities for enjoyment and the support of those who live, work in and manage the countryside.
It enables these partners including local authorities, voluntary organisations, and interested individuals
to pursue countryside management projects through grant aid. CCW is accountable to the Secretary
of State for Wales, who appoints and provides its annual grant in aid.
For more information go to: http://www.ccw.gov.uk

1 Introduction and overview
1.1 The Afon Teifi Conservation Strategy
The Afon Teifi Conservation Strategy is based on accepted CCW procedures for preparing
management plans.The structure of a standard plan is set out in more detail below.This strategy
includes additional material arising from the management planning process, and developed as part of
Life in UK Rivers.
Before the Life in UK Rivers project on the Afon Teifi, extensive consultation with stakeholders had
already taken place during CCW’s notification of the river as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),
consultation on behalf of the UK government on its possible designation as a Special Area of
Conservation (SAC), and again to inform the Environment Agency's Local Environment Agency Plan
(LEAP) for the Teifi Valley. Over the course of the project, further consultations took place on the
Environment Agency's Teifi Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy and commenced following
initiatives arising out of Local Authority Community Strategies.
Because of this background it was considered that the major stakeholder concerns and key issues had
already been identified and that the Afon Teifi Conservation Strategy should concentrate on addressing
them. Authorities with statutory powers or duties relating to the river were involved in Life in UK
Rivers through the Rhwydwaith Dyffryn Teifi/Teifi Valley Network. Engagement with other stakeholders
was through providing information.
A CCW management plan normally covers features of domestic SSSIs as well as features of
international sites.The Afon Teifi is also an SSSI, which is notified for over 20 special features, in addition
to the features of the candidate SAC (cSAC) covered here.These SSSI features are outside the scope
of the LIFE project but the conservation strategy will require revision to incorporate these features. A
further cSAC feature, the Littorelletea vegetation, has been recognised for the Afon Teifi cSAC since the
5
The Afon Teifi is one of the longest rivers in Wales. It runs from the Cambrian Mountains in the north to
Cardigan Bay in the southwest.The river runs through farmland, rocky, tree-lined areas and moorland.
Tristan Hatton-Ellis/CCW

commencement of Life in UK Rivers.This is outside the scope of the project but will need to be
incorporated into the conservation strategy in future.
The remaining features are, to an extent, accommodated by the conservation strategy as it stands,
because a key requirement for all features is the maintenance of the Teifi as a fully functioning wetland
ecosystem. Life in UK Rivers has focused on achieving this.
Many of the monitoring projects identified in this plan are at an early stage and will develop further as
information from current and planned research projects becomes available.
1.2 Structure of a standard CCW management plan
A standard plan includes the following:
A vision statement setting out how CCW would like the site to be.
A site description and background information providing basic information.
Confirmation of special features, listing those features for which the site will be managed.
Conservation objectives for each feature including:
A broad objective setting out favourable conservation status for each feature.
Identification of factors that might affect CCW’s ability to achieve the condition
required for the feature.
Selection of factors that need to be measured to enable CCW to be confident of the
feature's condition.Where tolerances are known, operational limits are set and
monitored.Where tolerances are not yet known, a surveillance project is required.
Identification of attributes, specified limits and monitoring setting out what needs to be
measured to be confident of the feature's condition.
An assessment of conservation status as defined by the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee (JNCC) (1998).
A management rationale that considers the status of the feature and the factors affecting it
and sets out the action required to achieve it.
An action plan and management projects that set out the details of the work required.
2 Vision statement
The Afon Teifi will support a wide range of well-distributed wetland habitats within its catchment.
Natural fluvial processes will operate to the fullest extent possible and water quality will be good.
The extent of water crowfoot (Ranunculus spp.) habitat will not decrease significantly and the character
of its vegetation will vary according to the physical and chemical conditions in different parts of the
site.The populations of floating water plantain (Luronium natans) in the lakes Llyn Teifi, Llyn Bach, Llyn
Egnant, Llyn Hir and Llyn y Gorlan, and in the main river at Tregaron, should be stable or increasing. It
will be successfully reproducing by vegetative means at these locations and will flower in the lakes at
least one year in six.The otter (Lutra lutra) will breed and recruit successfully within the site and will
maintain or increase its 2001 distribution.
The brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), sea lamprey (Petromyzon
marinus) and bullhead (Cottus gobio) will be present throughout their 2001 distribution, with populations
stable or increasing and with a full range of age classes present.
The population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) will increase from 2001 levels. In particular, numbers of
adults, including multi-sea winter (MSW) fish will increase.
6

3 Site description and background information
The Teifi is one of the longest rivers in Wales. Its source is at 455 m in the Cambrian Mountains, from
where it descends steeply through moorland and forestry to the ecologically important peat basin of
Tregaron Bog, where the gradient is negligible.The river continues through rural areas, largely
supporting dairy and mixed-stock farms. Rocky, tree-lined sections are a feature of the catchment with
rapids and waterfalls at Cenarth.The river is important as a relatively unmodified example of an upland
river, with a long lowland section.
3.1 Outline of past and current management
An outline of general management relating to the Afon Teifi and its catchment is available in the
Environment Agency's Teifi Valley Local Environment Agency Plan (2000).This is available at
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/wales/?region=wales&lang=_e
4 Confirmation of special features
The following features are covered in this plan.These are the features for which the Afon Teifi was
recommended as a cSAC at the start of Life in UK Rivers.
Water crowfoot (Ranunculus spp.) habitat.
Floating water plantain (Luronium natans).
Otter (Lutra lutra).
7
The Afon Teifi cSAC (red line), and parts of the Teifi river system outside the cSAC (blue lines). The Afon Teifi
cSAC has the same boundaries as the SSSI, with the exception of small areas of the SSSI at the estuary, which
form part of the Cardigan Bay cSAC.
OS base maps reproduced with permission HMSO. Crown copyright reserved. CCW licence no. 100018813.2004

Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and sea lamprey
(Petromyzon marinus).
Bullhead (Cottus gobio).
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
5 Operational objectives relating to the
functioning of the wetland ecosystem
All the cSAC features depend on the Teifi wetland ecosystem. Only a limited number of locations,
viewed in isolation, are critical to the functioning of the ecosystem. However, it is important that,
overall, the wetland ecosystem is managed to maintain wetland habitats, allow natural fluvial processes
to operate and ensure good water quality to the fullest extent possible. It would be desirable to set
operational limits, but there is insufficient information available at present to do so. Although termed
operational limits, the values quoted are the best available guidance, which are likely to require
modification in the light of surveillance information.They apply to all features.
Climate change and trans-boundary air pollution could be relevant to the management of all the
features but are beyond the scope of this plan. All operational objectives will require the establishment
of monitoring projects.
5.1 Water quality
In general, water quality in the Teifi is good.The following have been identified as problems in limited
areas:
Surface water acidification of selected tributaries and the Teifi Pools.
Organic pollution from agriculture.
Elevated levels of phosphorus from agricultural land and sewage treatment works.
Synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips.
Surface water acidification (an uncharacteristic reduction in pH and alkalinity and elevated trace
element concentrations) could affect the brook lamprey, bullhead and Atlantic salmon populations in
the cSAC. Surface water acidification occurs in the Teifi headwaters, specifically in certain upland
tributaries, for example the Groes, Berwyn, Meurig, Marchnant and Lluest, and first-order streams such
as in the Brefi sub-catchment. Some of these watercourses are within the cSAC.
In the Teifi catchment, surface water acidification has two key sources. The first is acid precipitation,
which, in combination with the effect of woodland (especially coniferous forest) and soils and water
with low buffering capacity (a low resistance to changes in pH) produces acidified surface water. The
second is the abandoned metal mines in the upper tributaries and headwater streams of the catchment
(for example, near Strata Florida).Through release of copper, lead, zinc and aluminium (and perhaps
iron and manganese) into runoff, the old mine tailings intensify surface water acidification.
In the Teifi Pools, the past and current abundance of planktonic algae is a concern. Mild eutrophication
in these waters is a possibility. Both nitrate and phosphorus are likely to be problematic.The sources of
both are diffuse. It is likely that the nitrate derives from precipitation and the phosphorus from farm
land runoff, with its quality affected by sheep and aspects of their management. In the main river Teifi,
elevated levels of phosphorus are the concern. Observations of CCW staff and others have highlighted
localised epiphytic and epilithic algal problems within Cors Caron National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Very mild and periodic eutrophication is a possibility. Soil studies of the floodplain in Cors Caron have
shown soils saturated with phosphorus.As with the Teifi Pools, the source of phosphorus is diffuse and
linked to livestock and aspects of their management.
8

There are isolated records of organic pollution incidents in the Teifi. In the past these have caused fish
deaths in localised areas. In some areas excess growth of epilithic and epiphytic algae suggests that
nutrient enrichment is occurring. Sections of river where water quality is poor can prevent dispersal
and migration of fish species.
There have been a number of incidents of pollution from synthetic pyrethroids from sheep-dip in the
Teifi catchment.There is also some evidence of a decline in some invertebrates in the upper catchment,
and pollution from sheep dip has been suggested as a possible contributing factor.
Other factors, while not known to be causing problems at present, could be problematic in the future.
These are:
Release of aluminium sulphate and polyelectrolytes from water treatment works.
Elevated levels of suspended solids from silviculture, agriculture and development.
Discharges from overstretched sewage treatment works.
5.1.1 Rationale
The Environment Agency is already carrying out work to tackle the water quality issues set out above.
This work is set out in the Teifi Valley Local Environment Agency Plan: Action Plan (2000).
With the exception of salmon there is little information on the critical levels of water quality
parameters for each feature. It is thought that the salmon is the most sensitive feature and operational
limits have been set on the basis of current knowledge of its requirements.The European Union
Freshwater Fish Directive sets standards for salmonid waters. Guideline phosphorus standards for
cSAC rivers have been set by the Environment Agency.
Surveillance should be carried out to ensure that appropriate operational limits can be developed.This
is already carried out by the Environment Agency, although some additional sampling locations may
need to be considered to accommodate the full range of cSAC features.
5.1.2 Operational limits
Upper limit: Not set.
Lower limit: Water quality must meet the following Environment Agency General Quality
Assessment (GQA) and River Ecosystem (RE) classification targets within the current distribution of
the Atlantic salmon in the cSAC/SSSI throughout the year until specific targets are available:
GQA Chemistry window Grade A
GQA Biology window Grade A
River Ecosystem Class RE1
Phosphorus (mg l-1 TRP) > 0.02 in headwaters
> 0.04 in river.
Water quality must meet the following National Water Council (NWC) estuarine water quality target
throughout the year within the estuarine area of the cSAC:
Estuary water quality NWC Class A
Outside the Atlantic salmon distribution (some tributaries and the Teifi Pools), water quality must meet
the following targets throughout the year until specific targets are available:
GQA Chemistry window Grade B
GQA Biology window Grade B
River Ecosystem Class RE2.
Water quality targets are required for Llyn Teifi, Llyn Bach, Llyn Egnant, Llyn Hir and Llyn y Gorlan.
9

5.2 Water quantity and flow characteristics
Changes in land management, such as improved drainage, have probably altered the flow regime of the
Teifi leading to a more uneven and extreme distribution of flows than was historically the case. There
are increasing pressures to abstract more water from the Teifi and this could affect water quantity and
flow characteristics.
5.2.1 Rationale
The critical water quantity and flow characteristics are unclear for all features. Surveillance of water
quantity and flow should be carried out, together with investigations of the impact of reservoir
abstraction regimes and compensation flows from Llyn Teifi and Llyn Egnant.The surveillance data,
together with monitoring information on individual features, should be used to set operational limits.
5.3 Management of the river channel and banks
Bank protection to control erosion, flood protection works and management of gravel shoals in
channels can affect the river channel locally and downstream, and thereby modify habitats important to
cSAC features.Trampling and erosion caused by stock crossing or drinking from the river can also
affect channel characteristics, in addition to increasing suspended solids. Concern has been expressed
about a perceived increase in silt in the Teifi, particularly around Cors Caron.
Removal of woody debris could affect all fish features and the otter by reducing habitat diversity,
particularly the amount of cover and refuge available for various fish life stages. Furthermore, good-
quality habitat is prevented from forming. For Atlantic salmon and bullhead, the decline in distinct
territories and the additional invertebrate food sources provided by woody debris are important. For
bullhead, evidence suggests that larger adults often associate with woody debris in depositional areas
where gravel substrate is not a limiting factor in the river as a whole. For lamprey ammocoetes, the
presence of silt beds is also important.
Erosion of banks is reduced when there is good bankside vegetation cover, particularly tree cover.Tree
cover is also important in
providing characteristic
shady conditions required
for the development of some
variants of Ranunculus
vegetation and in providing
resting and breeding sites for
otter. Shady conditions are
also important in creating
refuge areas for fish species.
Leaves and other debris
from bankside trees are an
important source of organic
material in the river system.
5.3.1 Rationale
There are only a very limited
number of locations on the
Teifi where these
management works would
be damaging in isolation.
However, the cumulative
10
Banks can erode when there is insufficient tree cover or other vegetation.
A management project is required to encourage appropriate management
of the Teifi banks and river channel.
Tristan Hatton-Ellis/CCW

effect of these works would eventually be come damaging to some if not all of the cSAC features.
These works are all covered by the SSSI Potentially Damaging Operations (Appendix E). In addition,
consent is required from the Environment Agency for some works and is not given at inappropriate
times of the year. A management project is required to encourage appropriate management of the Teifi
river channel and banks.
5.4 Management of wetlands in the Teifi catchment
Wetland habitats in the Teifi catchment, beyond the boundaries of the cSAC, are important to the
functioning of the river ecosystem. For example, wetland areas will support amphibians that form part
of the diet of the Teifi otter population. Catchment wetlands also have a water storage function, which
can influence flows in the river. Land drainage for agriculture and some development projects,
particularly on the river floodplain, have reduced wetland areas in the Teifi catchment.
5.4.1 Rationale
Only in a limited number of cases would the loss of an individual wetland area be seriously damaging to
the cSAC features, but continued loss of wetlands in the catchment would eventually become damaging.
An increase in wetland areas in the catchment would benefit the overall integrity of the river system
and could reduce applications for works to control erosion and flooding. A management project is
required to encourage retention and recreation of wetlands in the Teifi catchment.
6 Operational objectives relating to management
of fish features
All operational objectives will require the establishment of monitoring projects.
6.1 Artificial barriers to migration and movement
The Environment Agency Salmon Action Plan identified artificial barriers at Felin Geri Mill near
Newcastle Emlyn and the top weir at Dolbantau on the Clettwr as affecting Atlantic salmon and such
barriers could also affect other fish.The effect of a barrier is generally dependent upon water levels,
though height can be prohibitive for some species such as the bullhead.The spawning and seaward
migrations of Atlantic salmon and river and sea lamprey could be affected.The brook lamprey’s limited
migration could also be affected. Re-colonisation after, for example, a severe organic pollution event
could be disrupted by this. In addition, there could be a decline in suitable habitat structures if flow and
sediment delivery are constrained.The effects can be increased when combined with uncharacteristic
flows.
6.1.1 Rationale
The use and development of artificial barriers to migration and movement is regulated by the
Environment Agency and in some cases by planning controls. All current artificial barriers need
identification and assessment of their effect on fish features and action is required if the effect is
significant.
This issue is being addressed by the Environment Agency as set out in its Teifi Valley Local Environment
Agency Plan and in its Afon Teifi Salmon Action Plan.The Objective 1-funded Fishing Wales project is
likely to deliver some improvement works. CCW should liaise with the Environment Agency over this
work.
11

6.2 Fish stocking
Stocking of brown trout has occurred in the Teifi catchment, and been sanctioned by the Environment
Agency. Stocking of salmon juveniles by Llandysul Angling Association has also occurred. In both cases,
the stocking was with native-bred juveniles that would probably not affect the genetic integrity of the
native stocks.
It is known that brown trout prey on bullhead (Tomlinson & Perrow 2003). If stocking were excessive
and/or included larger fish (> 75 g) this could cause predation to increase.The consequences of
stocking and the subsequent predation may be a decline in the distribution and viability of local
bullhead populations.
The effect of stocking on the Atlantic salmon population is unknown. Stocking of other species, such as
brown trout, may increase inter-specific competition between trout and salmon juveniles for food and
habitat. Stocked adult salmonids can also pose a potential threat through increased predation. Adult
trout are likely to prey on salmon fry and small parr. However, the predation on eggs and alevins is not
normally significant, as these life-stages are contained within the substrate.There is also the possibility
of transfer of diseases and parasites from one species to another and that if spawning fish of other
species are too abundant these may over-cut the redds (spawning beds) of the Atlantic salmon.
The stocking of salmon juveniles raises other concerns.There is now evidence of locally adaptive
genetic variation in salmon stocks.This may apply to the populations of an individual tributary. If
resident salmon populations interbreed with stocked fish, it may confer reduced adaptiveness upon the
offspring.This may mean that individuals are more likely to be affected by disease and parasites or that
the timing of their runs is inappropriate. Additionally, an increase in intra-specific competition can
occur due to over-stocking. Disease and parasites from stocked fish could affect native fish.
A precautionary approach based on the assumption that salmon exist in locally adapted populations is
necessary, and the case for salmon stocking should be evaluated against alternative management
options and conform to agreed guidelines/criteria. For the stocking of other species, it must conform to
agreed guidelines/criteria and the benefits of stocking must outweigh the disadvantages for stocking to
proceed.
6.2.1 Rationale
Draft guidelines on fish stocking in cSACs have been produced jointly by an advisory group including
CCW and the Environment Agency. Stocking is controlled by the Environment Agency, and CCW
should continue to liaise on this.
7 Conservation objectives, status and rationales
for the interest features of the cSAC
7.1 Ranunculus habitat
Ranunculus habitat is defined as follows in the Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, EUR 15/2
(1999):
Watercourses of plain to montane levels, with submerged or floating vegetation of the
Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion (low water level during summer) or aquatic mosses.
12

7.1.1 Favourable
conservation status
The extent of vegetation
communities forming the
Ranunculus habitat must be
stable or increasing.
The vegetation communities
forming the Ranunculus
habitat should be self-
maintaining on a long-term
basis).
7.1.2 Key factors
The key factors are those relating to
the functioning of the wetland
ecosystem.
7.1.3 Conservation
objective for Ranunculus habitat
To maintain Ranunculus habitat at a favourable conservation status where:
The composition and extent of Ranunculus habitat vegetation communities
Upper limit: None.
Lower limit: The conservation objective will be set from the information in the Life in UK Rivers
Ranunculus monitoring protocol (Hatton-Ellis et al. 2003) and a CCW project due to report in 2005.
7.1.4 Status of the feature
FAVOURABLE (provisional description as of September 2002).
The conservation objective has not been finalised or monitoring carried out; hence the status is
unknown. CCW believes monitoring will identify status as favourable; therefore the condition of this
feature is provisionally described as favourable.
7.2 Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans)
7.2.1 Favourable conservation status
The L. natans populations will be viable throughout their current distribution in the cSAC
(maintaining themselves on a long-term basis).
Each L. natans population must be able to complete sexual and/or vegetative reproduction
successfully.
Potential for genetic exchange between L. natans populations, in and/or outside the cSAC,
must be evident in the long-term.
There will be no contraction of the current L. natans distribution in the cSAC.
The cSACwill have sufficient habitat to support L. natans populations within their current
distribution.
Dispersal of L. natans must be unhindered.
13
Nigel Holmes
Vegetation communities dominated by Ranunculus spp. are an
important interest feature of the Afon Teifi cSAC.

7.2.2 Key factors
As well as those factors realting to the
functioning of the Teifi as a wetland
ecosystem, the following is important:
Arificial ‘draw down’ in the reservoirs
at Llyn Teifi and Llyn Egnant may affect
L. natans by causing a decline in suitable
habitat. This effect may be more
important than any benefit such as
increased potential for genetic
exchange through flowering. Artificial
‘draw down’ needs investigation and
where possible should be minimised.
No operational limits will be set until
an investigation has been completed.
7.2.3 Performance indicators, limits and monitoring
7.2.3.1 Distribution of populations
This needs to be investigated in both the Teifi Pools and the river.
7.2.3.2 Presence of stolons
This indicator will demonstrate that lake and river populations have potential for regeneration,
vegetative dispersal, and genetic exchange. Evidence of vegetative reproduction is important because
populations can be damaged. It is the main means of dispersal.
7.2.3.3 Presence of floating flowers
This indicator will show that lake populations have the potential for seed dispersal and genetic exchange.
It is important that there is evidence of sexual reproduction, especially in the long term, as this provides
an alternative means of dispersal and genetic exchange over short and long distances.A lower limit has
been selected only for the lake populations of the cSAC. Flowering in the main river is not essential.
7.2.4 Objective for L. natans
To maintain L. natans at favourable conservation status where:
The distribution of the L. natans
Upper limit: Not required.
Lower limit: Present in the visible littoral zone of Llyn Teifi, Llyn Bach, Llyn Egnant,Llyn Hir and Llyn y
Gorlan one year in three.
Present at 90% of upstream (principal) monitoring sites for river populations one year in three.
Present at 70% of downstream (marginal) monitoring sites for river populations one year in three (sites
to be determined).
It is assumed that L. natans outside the visible littoral zone (the majority of the population) of each lake
will be in good condition if those in the littoral zone are in good condition. It is also assumed that each
lake has one population where as the river contains many individual populations.
The 90% and 70% figures for river populations are based on evidence that L. natans populations can
become extinct due to the less-constant character of river environments.
14
Richard Lansdown
L. natans is in the main Afon Teifi, as well as the Teifi Pools.

L. natans stolons
Lower limit: Present in the visible littoral zone of Llyn Teifi, Llyn Bach, Llyn Egnant, Llyn Hir and Llyn
y Gorlan (or in any part of these lakes) one year in three.
Present at 90% of upstream (principal) monitoring sites for river populations one year in three.
Present at 70% of downstream (marginal) monitoring sites for river populations one year in three.
L. natans floating flowers
Lower limit: Present in the visible littoral zone of Llyn Teifi, Llyn Bach, Llyn Egnant, Llyn Hir and Llyn
y Gorlan (or in any part of these lakes) one year in six.
There is no requirement for L. natans to flower in the river, although it is known that it does so
occasionally due to the coincidence of dispersal and suitable conditions.
CCW has already carried out some monitoring work on L. natans at Cors Caron.This is reported in
RA Jones' CCW Monitoring Report No 98/27 (1998). A CCW contract covering the populations in
the Teifi Pools is due to report in 2004.
The conservation objectives will be reviewed in light of the 2004 report and the Life in UK Rivers
L. natans monitoring project (Wilby et al.).
7.2.5 The status of the feature
UNFAVOURABLE (provisional description as of September 2002).
unknown. Therefore the condition of this feature is provisionally described as unfavourable.
7.2.6 Rationale
This feature can be maintained in favourable condition by supporting the functioning of the Teifi as a
wetland ecosystem.
7.3 The otter (Lutra lutra)
To maintain favourable conservation status:
The otter population must be viable throughout its distribution in the cSAC (maintaining itself
on a long-term basis).
The otter must be able to breed and recruit successfully in the cSAC.
There will be no contraction of the 2001 otter distribution in the cSAC.
Otter food sources must be sufficient for maintenance of the population.
The cSAC will have sufficient habitat, including riparian trees and vegetation and wetlands, to
support the otter population in the long term.
There should be no barriers to the free movement of otters in the cSAC.
Disturbance of otters in the cSAC, including breeding areas, must be minimal except where
established tolerances exist.
15

7.3.2 Key factors
As well as those factors relating to the functioning of the Teifi as a wetland ecosystem, the following are
important:
Food availability.
Road kills.
Disturbance.
Availability of suitable breeding habitat.
Other factors thought to be of minor importance include:
Introduced species (for example, mink).
Disease (for example, Aleutian and distemper diseases).
Pesticide pollution.
Other toxic chemicals (for example, PCBs).
7.3.3 Rationale
Otters depend on food that comes from a range of aquatic environments, such as small streams and
marshes (Chanin 2003a). Fish make up the majority of the otter diet (often >75%), though amphibians
and crustaceans are also constituents. Eels are particularly favoured. At times, an alternative prey, such
as frogs, can assume a greater importance than fish.
Studies have indicated that the viability of an otter population partially relates to the viability of its food
sources. With respect to fish, it has been shown that a fish biomass of >10 g m-2 is adequate for
otters, but a biomass of <5 g m-2 may be inadequate. It is not known whether food availabilty is
limiting the Teifi otter population.The degree to which the otter depends on eels, other fish,
particularly salmonids and alternative prey on the Teifi is also unknown.This requires investigation
(Chanin 2003b).
Maintaining the integrity of the Teifi as a wetland ecosysytem is important in maintaining otter food
supplies.
In Wales and England, there are at least 100 otter
deaths on roads each year and road kills have
increased markedly from the mid-1980s. In the Teifi
catchment, there are no recognised black spots for
otter road kills. There are, however, a small number
of road kills recorded each year and this requires
surveillance.
It is important that sufficient suitable breeding habitat
is available.This can largely be achieved through
maintaining the integrity of the wetland ecosystem, in
particular areas of bankside trees and scrub. It is also
important that key breeding areas are not disturbed.
Otters are sensitive to human disturbance and
especially to sudden changes in activity.They are
particularly sensitive to disturbance by dogs.The
female otter is particularly sensitive to disturbance
when she has cubs. In the Teifi catchment existing
fishing and canoeing activities are not thought to be
causing disturbance, but expansion into new areas or
clearing of new access routes could be problematic.
Proposals for increased recreational activity on the
estuary, which includes important otter feeding and
16
Geoff Liles
To maintain the Teifi otter population in
favourable condition, there must be sufficient
habitat and food sources, and minimal
disturbance of its breeding areas.

resting areas, will require careful management. Surveillance is required as are measures to raise
awareness among river users of appropriate management of otter habitat. A CCW report on the
required research, surveillance and monitoring is due in 2004.
7.3.4 Performance indicators
Records of otter breeding
To ensure the persistence of the otter in the Teifi catchment we must know that the otter is breeding
successfully. The use of records of otter breeding (for example, cub sightings) as an indicator will
illustrate such occurrences. Records of otter breeding will measure spatial and temporal variation in
breeding success.
7.3.5 Conservation objective for the otter
To maintain the otter at favourable conservation status where:
Records of otter breeding:
Lower limit: A breeding record at least one year in three from specified locations.The conservation
objective may be modified in light of the report referred to above.
unknown. CCW believes monitoring will identify status as favourable. Therefore, the condition of this
7.4 Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey
(L. fluviatilis) and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
The lamprey populations of the cSAC will be viable throughout their current distribution
(maintaining themselves on a long-term basis).
There will be no contraction of the current lamprey distribution in the cSAC.
Within the current
lamprey distribution there
will be sufficient habitat to
support a viable
lamprey population.
Migration of river and sea
lamprey adults and
ammocoetes must be
unhindered by unnatural
barriers (Maitland 2003).
7.4.2 Key factors
The key factors for lampreys are
the functioning of the Teifi as a
wetland ecosystem and the
management of fish features
generally. Management of the
17
Andy Strevens/Environment Agency
Brook lamprey populations are considered to be in favourable
condition, though there has been no recent monitoring.

Cardigan Bay cSAC is relevant but not within the scope of this plan.
Ammocoete distribution.
Ammocoete density.
Ammocoete age-class structure.
Adult river and sea lamprey run size.This will measure the abundance of lamprey adults
returning to the Teifi to spawn (recruitment to the annual spawning run).
7.4.4 Conservation objective for lamprey species
To maintain the lamprey at favourable conservation status where:
Ammocoete distribution
Lower limit: Ammocoetes must be present every year at ammocoete monitoring sites (sites to be
determined) (all optimal and sub-optimal habitat sites).
Ammocoete density
Lower limit: For brook and river lamprey, ammocoete density must be >10 m-2 every year at all
monitoring sites classified as optimal habitat and >2 m-2 every year at all monitoring sites classified sub-
optimal habitat.
For sea lamprey, ammocoete density must be at least 0.2 m-2 every year at all monitoring sites classed
as optimal habitat and at least 0.1 m-2 at all monitoring sites classified as sub-optimal habitat.
Ammocoete age-class structure
Lower limit: For each species two age-classes must be present two years in three in the populations
sampled at ammocoete monitoring sites classified as optimal habitat.
Adult river and sea lamprey and run size
Lower limit: To be determined.
7.4.6 Rationale
This feature can be maintained in favourable condition by maintaining the functioning of the Teifi as a
wetland ecosystem. Development of monitoring of lamprey will require liaison with the Environment
Agency to build on existing monitoring sites and programmes for other species.The Life in UK Rivers
lamprey monitoring report will inform this work (Harvey & Cowx 2003).
18

7.5 Bullhead (Cottus gobio)
The bullhead population of the cSAC will be viable throughout its current distribution
(maintaining itself on a long-term basis).
There will be no contraction of the current bullhead distribution in the cSAC.
Within the current bullhead distribution there will be sufficient habitat to support a viable
bullhead population.
7.5.2 Key factors
The key factors for bullhead are the
functioning of the Teifi as a wetland
ecosystem and the management of fish
features generally.
Bullhead distribution
Bullhead density
Proportion of 0+ age class (the
young of the year).
7.5.4 Conservation objective
for the bullhead
To maintain the bullhead at favourable
conservation status where:
Bullhead distribution
Upper limit: None set.
Lower limit: Bullhead must be present every year at all bullhead index monitoring sites.
Bullhead must be present one year in five at all bullhead monitoring sites. Index monitoring sites have
good bullhead abundance and the population has a good demographic structure (sites that underpin
the long-term viability of the species in the Teifi catchment).
Bullhead density
Lower limit: A bullhead density of >0.2 m-2 must be present every year at all upland bullhead index
monitoring sites.
A bullhead density of >0.5 m-2 must be present every year at all lowland bullhead index monitoring
sites.
A bullhead density of >0.2 m-2 must be present one year in five at all upland bullhead monitoring sites.
A bullhead density of >0.5 m-2 must be present one year in five at all lowland bullhead monitoring
sites.
Proportion of 0+ age class (young of the year)
Lower limit: Every year the bullhead 0+ age class must comprise >40% of the population at all
bullhead index monitoring sites.
19
Environment Agency
The bullhead needs sufficient habitat to enable it to maintain
itself on a long-term basis.

7.5.5 Rationale
This feature can be maintained in favourable condition by maintaining the functioning of the Teifi as a
wetland ecosystem. Development of monitoring of bullhead will require liaison with the Environment
Agency to build on its existing monitoring sites and programmes for other species. The Life in UK
Rivers bullhead monitoring report (Cowx & Harvey 2003) will inform this work.
7.6 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
The Atlantic salmon population of the cSAC will be viable throughout its 2001 distribution
(maintaining itself on a long-term basis).
There will be no contraction of the 2001 Atlantic salmon distribution in the cSAC.
Within the 2001 Atlantic salmon distribution there will be sufficient habitat to support a
viable Atlantic salmon population.
Migration of adults and smolt Atlantic salmon must be unhindered by unnatural barriers.
7.6.2 Key factors
As well as factors relating to the functioning of the Teifi as a wetland ecosystem and the general
management of fish features, the following are important:
Declining catches of Atlantic salmon in the Teifi, in particular MSW fish.
Competition with sea trout.
Exploitation of salmon at sea.
Poaching.
Legal exploitation by rods and nets.
Predation.
The following factors are thought to be of minor importance:
Fisheries targeted on other species in salmon feeding grounds.
Natural mortality caused by oceanic climate change/low marine survival.
Disease and parasites.
Pike predation.
7.6.3 Rationale
The Environment Agency's Afon Teifi Salmon Action Plan reports a decline in catches since the 1960s.
This may be partly due to some of the annual salmon run now entering the river after the closure of
the fishery in the autumn.The factors set out below may be contributing to the decline but the relative
importance of each factor has not been demonstrated. It is therefore appropriate to address these
factors through a combination of precautionary actions and investigative work.
20

Multi-sea-winter (MSW) fish are
those that have previously
spawned and returned to sea.
They tend to be larger than
other salmon, to carry larger
numbers of high-quality eggs
(more yolk), and to cut deeper
redds (spawning beds), which
have a better chance of success.
They enter the Teifi earlier in
spring than other salmon. MSW
fish are an important component
of the salmon population and
require a performance indicator.
Numbers and distribution of sea
trout (Salmo trutta) in the Teifi
have increased since the 1950s. It
is possible that competition may
take place between salmon and sea trout but it is not clear whether this is the case in the Teifi or
whether it is significant.The Environment Agency has carried out some work on this in the past and
CCW should liaise with the Environment Agency.
There is concern about the level of exploitation of salmon at sea, particularly in the Faroes and
Greenland fisheries and in the Irish drift net fishery. No local action is possible on this issue but the
Environment Agency has provided recommendations for action to government and others through the
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review,
Poaching is a concern, particularly at spawning grounds and in the middle and lower reaches of the
estuary where illegal netting occurs. Measures to tackle the problem are being implemented by the
Environment Agency as set out in the Afon Teifi Salmon Action Plan and the Afon Teifi Local
Environment Agency Plan.
Recommendations regarding exploitation by anglers and netsmen have been made in the Salmon and
Freshwater Fisheries Review. The Environment Agency controls this exploitation and carries out
reviews and monitoring as set out in the Afon Teifi Salmon Action Plan and the Afon Teifi Local
Environment Agency Plan. It would be beneficial for CCW to set up SSSI management agreements with
angling associations on the Teifi, incorporating the current understanding on the level of angling in
particular in relation to possible increases in numbers of anglers.
Anglers have expressed concern about the level of predation on salmon by birds, particularly
cormorants and goosanders.Avian predators may be controlled by shooting under licence from the
Welsh Assembly Government. CCW is the statutory advisor to the Assembly on this and normally
advises that shooting is not necessary unless there is evidence of a significant effect on economic or
conservation interests and there is no other means of control. CCW is continuing to review the
situation in co-operation with other bodies including the Welsh Assembly Government and the
Environment Agency.The work of the Environment Agency is set out in the Afon Teifi Salmon Action
Plan and the Afon Teifi Local Environment Agency Plan.
Observations of seals appear to be increasing around Cenarth Falls and in the estuary.The
congregations of fish at these points render the fish susceptible to high predation rates. Measures are in
place to allow the shooting or relocation of seals if necessary.The work of Environment Agency is set
out in the Afon Teifi Salmon Action Plan and CCW should continue to liaise with the Environment
Agency, fishery and conservation interests. Grey seals are a conservation feature of the Cardigan Bay
cSAC.
21
Environment Agency
Declining catches of Atlantic salmon in the Teifi are causing concern.

Juvenile (fry and parr) Atlantic salmon distribution.
Juvenile Atlantic salmon density
Juvenile Atlantic salmon age class structure
Adult Atlantic salmon run size.This will measure the abundance of adult Atlantic salmon
returning to the Teifi to spawn.
Abundance of MSW Atlantic salmon.
7.6.5 Conservation objective
To maintain the Atlantic salmon at favourable conservation status where:
Juvenile Atlantic salmon distribution
Lower limit: Juvenile Atlantic salmon must be present every year at all juvenile salmon index
monitoring sites.
Juvenile Atlantic salmon must be present one year in three at all juvenile Atlantic salmon monitoring
sites (standard and index).
Index monitoring sites have good juvenile Atlantic salmon abundance and the population has a good
demographic structure (sites that underpin the long-term viability of the species in the Teifi catchment).
Juvenile Atlantic salmon density
Lower limit: A juvenile Atlantic salmon density of >X/m-2 (see Section 7.6.6) must be present every
year at all juvenile Atlantic salmon index monitoring sites.
A juvenile Atlantic salmon density of >X/m-2 must be present one year in three year at all juvenile
Atlantic salmon monitoring sites (standard and index).
Juvenile age class structure
Lower limit: Two juvenile Atlantic salmon age classes must be present two years in three in the
populations sampled at juvenile Atlantic salmon index monitoring sites.
Adult Atlantic salmon run size
Lower limit: To be developed.
Recovery target value: To be developed
Abundance of MSW Atlantic salmon
Upper limit: Not set
Lower limit: X% of the adult Atlantic salmon annual run size must consist of MSW Atlantic salmon
every year.
Recovery target value: To be developed
Development of monitoring of Atlantic salmon will require liaison with Environment Agency to build on
their existing monitoring programme for the species. The Life in UK Rivers salmon monitoring report
will inform this work (Cowx & Fraser 2003).
UNFAVOURABLE (provisional description as of September 2002).
The conservation objective has not been finalised or monitoring carried out, hence the status is
22

unknown. CCW believes monitoring will identify status as unfavourable; therefore the condition of this
feature is provisionally described as unfavourable.
8 Action plans
8.1 Action plan for maintaining the functioning of the wetland
ecosystem and for the general management of fish features
Progress on projects in this section is described in Appendix A.
Carry out surveillance of appropriate water quality parameters.
Liaise with the Environment Agency.
Carry out surveillance of water quantity and flow.
Provide information to stakeholders.
Encourage appropriate management of the river channel and banks and of catchment
wetlands.
Encourage retention and recreation of wetlands in the Teifi catchment.
8.2 Action plan for individual features
Monitor composition and extent of Ranunculus vegetation communities.
Monitor Luronium natans.
Research otter food availability and food sources in the Teifi catchment, in particular the
status of the European eel.
Carry out surveillance of otter road kills, breeding habitat and disturbance to otters.
Monitor otter breeding.
Monitor lampreys.
Monitor bullhead.
Monitor Atlantic salmon.
Acknowledgements
The European Commission via the LIFE-Nature Fund financially supported the production of the Afon
Teifi cSAC Conservation Strategy.
23

References
Chanin P (2003a). Ecology of the European Otter. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 10.
English Nature, Peterborough.
Chanin P (2003b). Monitoring the Otter. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 10.
Cowx IG & Fraser D (2003). Monitoring the Atlantic Salmon. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring
Series No. 7. English Nature, Peterborough.
Cowx IG & Harvey JP (2003). Monitoring the Bullhead. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series
No. 4. English Nature, Peterborough.
Environment Agency Wales (1998). River Teifi Salmon Action Plan Consultation. Environment Agency Wales,
Swansea.
Environment Agency Wales (1999). Local Environment Agency Plan, Consultation Report. Environment
Agency Wales, Haverfordwest.
Environment Agency Wales (2000). Local Environment Agency Plan, Action Plan. Environment Agency
Wales, Haverfordwest.
Harvey JP & Cowx IG (2003). Monitoring the River, Brook and Sea Lamprey. Conserving Natura 2000
Rivers Monitoring Series No. 5. English Nature, Peterborough.
Hatton-Ellis TW, Grieve N & Newman J (2003). Ecology of Watercourses Characterised by Ranunculion
fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion Vegetation. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 11.
Hendry K & Cragg-Hine D (2003). Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers
Ecology Series No. 7. English Nature, Peterborough.
JNCC (1998). Common Standards for Monitoring Designated Sites:A Statement on Common Standards
Monitoring. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
Landsown RV & Wade PM (2003). Ecology of the Floating Water-plantain. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers
Ecology Series No. 9. English Nature, Peterborough.
MAFF (2000). Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
London.
Maitland PS (2003). Ecology of River, Brook and Sea Lamprey. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology
Tomlinson ML & Perrow MR (2003). Ecology of the Bullhead. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology
Wilby N, Eaton J & Clarke S (2003). Monitoring the Floating Water-plantain. Conserving Natura 2000
Rivers Monitoring Series No. 9. English Nature, Peterborough.
24

Appendix A:Action plans and progress
A1. Carry out surveillance of appropriate water quality
parameters
This is related to Section A2: ‘Liaise with Environment Agency’.
Insufficient information is available on the key water quality parameters to set operational limits at
present.The Environment Agency sets targets and monitors water quality on rivers including the Teifi
under its General Quality Assessment and River Ecosystem classification schemes. Details of these
schemes are available at: www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
These schemes look at a fairly wide range of parameters, some of which will not be relevant to the
cSAC features. In addition, other parameters not covered by Environment Agency monitoring could be
critical for individual cSAC features. In particular, it is thought that monitoring suspended solids could
be important. Life in UK Rivers has established some general principles for monitoring siltation
(www.riverlife.org.uk).
Some new monitoring sites, in addition to established Environment Agency sites, will be necessary to
cover some of the cSAC features, in particular on the tributaries.
An interagency Technical Advisory Group, including CCW and the Environment Agency, has produced
guideline phosphorus standards for cSAC rivers. Phosphorus is likely to be a critical parameter but the
guideline standards may need to be adjusted to cater for the requirements of individual cSAC features.
Appropriate sampling locations on the Teifi need to be identified.
There is less existing information on lake water quality than river water quality.The Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC) is developing generic guidance on lake water quality as part of its
Common Standards Monitoring Programme, and more information on this is available at:
www.jncc.gov.uk.
Again, this guidance will need to be adapted to cater for the requirements of individual cSAC features
and appropriate sampling locations need to be identified.
The data outlined above need to be considered in conjunction with data on the performance of
individual features.This should enable specific operational limits to be set or identify any further
investigations necessary.
Regular local liaison meetings are held between the Environment Agency and CCW, including the Teifi
catchment.These provide a forum for discussing and organising work on this project.
A2. Liaise with Environment Agency
In 1996 a memorandum of understanding in respect of river SSSIs and cSACs was agreed between the
Environment Agency and CCW. A consenting protocol between the two organisations covering the
Afon Teifi was issued in 1999 and there are established consultation procedures to ensure liaison over
activities requiring authorisation and consent.
A joint CCW and Environment Agency Habitats Directive Implementation Group holds regular
meetings to discuss and progress issues relating to the directive, in particular the review of existing
consents and associated research work.
CCW is part of the Environment Agency’s Teifi Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy
Stakeholder Group.This provides a forum for liaison on water resource issues.
The Environment Agency is one of the partners in the Rhwydwaith Dyffryn Teifi/Teifi Valley Network.
This provides a forum for sharing information and co-ordinating liaison with other stakeholders.
25

Regular local liaison meetings are held between the Environment Agency and the Countryside Council
for Wales, including the Teifi catchment.This is a forum for discussing and progressing a wide range of
issues not covered elsewhere.
The following specific issues have been identified in the Afon Teifi Conservation Strategy as requiring
liaison with Environment Agency. All can be accommodated within the liaison mechanisms identified
above.
Impact of sheep dip on the river.
Fish stocking.
Artificial barriers to fish migration.
Water quality monitoring.
Monitoring of water quantity and flow.
Monitoring of cSAC features, particularly fish.
Public information.
Data sharing and collation.
Wetland management and creation.
A3. Carry out surveillance of water quantity and flow
This is related to project Section A2:‘Liaise with Environment Agency’.
CCW is part of the Environment Agency’s Teifi Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS)
Stakeholder Group.This provides a forum for liaison on water resource issues.A consultation
document outlining the initial assessment process was published by the Environment Agency in July
2003.This suggests that generally, throughout the catchment, there is adequate water, even at low river
flows, to support current levels of abstraction, maintain environmental quality, recreation and wildlife
interest.
Recently, part of the methodology for CAMS has been revised to take account of the requirements of
the Habitats Directive.The revised methodology is more sensitive to the requirements of the habitats
and species most vulnerable to flow reductions and may therefore alter the outcome of CAMS for at
least some stretches of the river.
The Environment Agency already carries out some monitoring of water quantity and flow and has
identified actions to address related issues in the Teifi Valley Local Environment Agency Plan: Action
Plan.
Existing abstractions including the Teifi Pools reservoir abstraction regimes and compensation flows will
be included in the review of consents process required under the Habitats Directive.They are also due
for consideration in the environmental assessment process associated with a current proposal for a
water transfer between the Wye and Teifi catchments.
The distribution of existing Environment Agency monitoring sites requires review in respect of the
location and critical times of year for specific cSAC features. Additional sampling sites or times may be
required and once a suitable run of data is available, they can be used with feature monitoring data to
suggest appropriate operational limits for water quantity and flow. This project can be pursued through
the regular local CCW and Environment Agency liaison meetings.
A4. Provide information to stakeholders
The aim of this project is to raise awareness of the cSAC features among stakeholders and encourage
them to value the features. Providing information that assists and encourages the promotion and
26

sustainable development of the Afon Teifi as a tourist attraction is seen as a key mechanism for
encouraging stakeholders to value the river. Information on specific management issues, such as
management of bankside trees, is covered separately in Section A5.
Rhwydwaith Dyffryn Teifi/Teifi Valley Network
An early decision was made not to duplicate previous consultations with the general public but to
focus the project on demonstrating progress towards addressing issues already identified. A
professional facilitator was used to assist in planning the interaction with stakeholders and the initial
aims were ambitious:
To develop and implement a joint agency environmental strategy for the Teifi Valley, as the
overarching document for the area, guiding individual agency plans and activities.
To seek to identify, assess, prioritize, and solve important local environmental issues that
require a high level of coordination.
To deliver noticeable benefits to the people and environment of the Teifi Valley.
The key agencies, involved in implementing existing plans and strategies in the Teifi Valley – Ceredigion
County Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Carmarthenshire County Council, and the
Environment Agency – were invited to a first meeting to establish in principle, a broad remit and way
forward for the Teifi initiative.The facilitators’ report of the meeting is in Appendix C.The group did
not support the production of an overarching strategy but considered the following would be useful:
Sharing/scoping information and views on existing and new strategies and activities.
Avoiding duplication by consulting on separate but related projects together.
Coordinating publicity/education/public awareness activities and material for the area.
Forming the basis for extracting and spending money.
Providing information on partners’ activities in the area and working collaboratively where
possible.
Resolving issues between appropriate parties.
The group named itself Rhwydwaith Dyffryn Teifi/Teifi Valley Network and holds regular meetings, which
will continue after Life in UK Rivers has finished.The local enterprise agency,Antur Teifi, has joined the
group.The main project pursued so far has been the development of a website for the Teifi Valley:
www.teifivalleynetwork.org/index.htm.
This is intended to provide some information on the area but also to provide links to other websites
including those of the partner organisations and to the Life in UK Rivers website
(www.riverlife.org.uk).Taith Teifi is a proposal to create a walking trail along the length of the Teifi Valley,
and the Teifi Network has provided a forum for partners to discuss the development and possible
funding of the project.
Work by the project officer
During 2002 the project officer attended a range of local agricultural shows and other events.The aim
was to support the events by providing an interesting display and to present the Afon Teifi as a valuable
international wildlife site and an asset to the community.The project officer prepared a leaflet, poster
and car stickers for distribution at events and these have also been made available to other outlets
within the Teifi Valley.
A5. Encourage appropriate management of the river channel
and banks and of catchment wetlands
There are some aspects of river management in which it would be beneficial to raise the awareness of
best practice among riparian landowners and users. A combination of face-to face advice and provision
27

of written material would be appropriate. Face-to-face advice could be delivered either through specific
talks and presentations or from stands at local agricultural shows and events.This part of the project
should be discussed at the Rhwydwaith Dyffryn Teifi/Teifi Valley Network (see Section A4) to ensure
that existing provisions are not duplicated.The topics where such an approach would be useful are:
Management of bankside trees and riparian vegetation.
Removal of woody debris.
Activities that cause disturbance to otters.
A strategic approach is needed to the management and restoration of wetlands in the Teifi catchment.
A wetland management plan would contribute to this.The plan should collate information on current
and historic areas of wetlands in the catchment. Areas where wetland habitat is scarce and areas most
likely to be suitable for restoration identified.
The river floodplain at Cors Caron has been identified as an area suitable for restoration, which could
serve as a demonstration project. An initial study and report has been produced by the River
Restoration Centre (www.therrc.co.uk) and is being pursued by CCW.
Financial incentives should encourage appropriate management of river channel and banks and
catchment wetlands.
The Environment Agency’s Objective 1-funded ‘Fishing in Wales’ project provides for riparian
management, including creating ungrazed streamside corridors. CCW and the Environment Agency are
working together on this project to ensure that the needs of fisheries and other conservation interests
are properly balanced.
Tir Gofal is part of the Welsh Assembly’s agri-environment programme and is partly financed by the
European Union.The scheme is delivered by CCW in partnership with a number of other
organisations.Tir Gofal is a whole farm agri-environment scheme, available on farmed land throughout
Wales, which rewards farmers for caring for wildlife, historical and cultural features on their land.Tir
Gofal applicants within and adjacent to the Afon Teifi cSAC are particularly encouraged to include
creation of streamside corridors and appropriate management of wetlands in their farm management
plans.
Landowners within the cSAC applying to CCW for consent for riparian management works are
encouraged to consider creation of streamside corridors as a means of controlling erosion. Payments
are available though management agreements to provide a financial incentive. CCW should now seek
agreements with angling associations on the Teifi to assist them in appropriate management of their
beats. In general, angling associations on the Teifi are well-informed on the key areas of otter habitat
and on their management, through previous Environment Agency-funded work.
CCW grant aid to the Wildlife Trust South and West Wales for its Teifi Marshes Reserve supports the
management of a large area of wetland in the lower Teifi catchment.
28

Appendix B: Report of first meeting of Teifi
Network, 15th August 2002
This report has been transcribed from flip charts that were produced at the meeting.
B1. Meeting aims
To establish, in principle, the broad remit and way forward for the Teifi initiative, building on
interest so far.
To agree next steps.
B2.The potential added value of the initiative
In this first session, the group brainstormed how they thought the initiative could make a real
difference to the area:
Linking environment, economy, and social aspects
Making links between environment, economy, and social aspects (e.g. education).
Themed area/product linking environment to economy (but beware packaging a diverse area
into a single pigeonhole).
Using natural and human resources for the benefit of tourism, e.g. trail, linked to places of
interest, sympathetic accommodation providers able to respond to the needs of client groups.
A framework for wildlife/sustainable tourism, e.g. the Teifi Trail, linked to other initiatives in the
area.
Identifying things that are compatible with high environmental quality, e.g. economic activities.
Raising levels of appreciation of opportunities the environment offers re: economic
regeneration – don’t always need bricks and mortar.
Integrated action and communication
Improving communication and information flows between different authorities.
Helping to integrate action across authority boundaries.
Cross cutting themes could be tackled – but only if the agenda and range of organisations is
broad enough to incorporate things like tourism and community requirements.
Enabling organisations/sectors to be more focused on the issues of concerns to the area, so
they don’t go off on tangents.
Reducing duplication
Avoiding consultation duplications – avoiding annoying the public and reducing consultation
fatigue.
Exchange of information to ensure that existing information e.g. on people’s views are used.
Increased community ownership
Inclusion of all sectors of the community to foster ownership of the initiative’s aims – bringing
together a top-down and bottom-up approach.
Improved communications to give clearer messages and get better results
B3.Types of activities and issues the initiative could cover
Building on the results of the previous exercise, participants considered what activities the initiative
should undertake, and what types of issues, plans, and strategies the initiative should focus on or link to.
29

B3.1 Statement of activities and purpose
The initiative is focused on the Teifi, acting as an integrating hub or whole area/strategic mechanism for
promoting the links between the high quality environment, economy and social aspects (e.g. quality of
life) by:
Sharing/scoping information and views on existing and new strategies and activities (possibly
creating some kind of practical joint vision as a starting point?).
Avoiding duplication by consulting on separate but related projects together.
Coordinating publicity/education/public awareness activities and material for the area.
Forming the basis for extracting and spending money.
Providing information on partners’ activities in the area and working collaboratively where
possible.
Resolving issues between appropriate parties
B3.2 Description of the initiative
Some very draft ideas for a 'strapline' that would help to describe what the initiative does are:
Sustainable development forum.
Quality of life performance indicators.
Nature for people/nature for you.
The Teifi as the artery of the community.
High quality environment – economic link.
Green business park.
B3.3 Issues/plans/strategies/initiatives of central interest to the initiative
NNR Objective 1 bid (CCW) – Cors Caron, Coedmor, Pen yr Ergyd.
Nature for People Objective 1 (CCW).
Habitat restoration (CCW, Environment Agency, community groups, Rivers Trusts).
Teifi Trail project, including wider countryside access opportunities and links to tourism/local
economy.
Sustainable fisheries (Environment Agency).
Teifi Brown Trout.
River Festival (Antur Teifi).
Wetland Management.
Interpretation/education.
B3.4 Issues/plans/strategies/initiatives that others will be leading on, but that
the initiative should seek to influence/link to:
Conservation
Conservation management plans (CCW and others).
Wildlife conservation (CCW remit).
Conservation objectives for ‘wildlife & habitat features’ (CCW).
Tourism
Tourism development in Cardigan
30

Tourism (Tourism growth area)
Sustainable tourism
Sustainable abstraction (Environment Agency, Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies [CAMS])
Local authority strategic plans
Community strategies (x3)
Local Agenda 21 plans
Planning policy (Unitary Development Plans [UDPs])
Infrastructure development
‘Communities First’
Economic development strategies.
Countryside management (Countryside Strategies)
Teifi Estuary Management Plan (TEMI)
Recreation /access
Countryside access and Rights of Way (Rights of Way Improvement plans)
Wetland management plan for Teifi catchment
Wetland Management (relating to/integrating with water resource and flood management, development,
conservation, tourism)
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Flood/drought management (catchment)
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs)
LBAPS integration
Salmon Action plans (SAPs)
Fisheries Action plans (FAPs)
Agriculture
Forestry/woodland strategy
Environment Agency local strategies
Water conservation (Dwr Cymru, Environment Agency, Local communities and business)
B4 Specific examples of possible short-term activities and
discussions
Participants discussed possible projects that could demonstrate how joint action could make a
difference in the short term:
Joint logo – Teifi logo for actions done under this banner.
Teifi Valley marketing – develop a brand – producing something for distribution.
Finding examples of Green Dragon Awards (Environmental Management System), and offer to
put them in our marketing material.
Offering advice to enhance the river festival – marketing, bringing together individual
communities, link to fisheries marketing (Environment Agency input).
Link community websites to each other.
Joint website – one-stop shop for finding out what is going on and who to go to for what
(advice/funding) – signposting.
31

Interpretation boards for Teifi area.
Scoping the Teifi Trail – getting it underway – where it should go, what to be included – a desk
study of rights of way – engaging with wider interests – making links with a view to making
Objective 1 bid
Training/workshops for local businesses, e.g. about the Teifi or bats, etc.
Sharing information on the design and preparation of Objective 1 bids in Teifi Valley.
Providing walks and talks – trained people, pulling together on existing activities.
Longer term/later:
Helping the community to improve redundant waterfront buildings/general area at Cardigan;
e.g. link to interpretation centre
Establishing a Rivers Trust – volunteers and anglers to do restoration/rehabilitation/
conservation work.
Who should be involved
In this session, participants discussed which organisations could be involved in the partnership, and in
what way.
32
Level Responsibility/activity Suggested organisations
Steering A tight-functioning team, coordinating and Agencies with control and influence
building the initiative, taking strategic decisions, over land in the area with emphasis
building ‘buy in’ from their own and other’s on tourism, environment, recreation:
organisations. CCW
Environment Agency Wales
Carmarthenshire CC
Ceredigion CC
Antur Teifi
Involvement A wider and open mechanism, involving people Pembrokeshire CC
and organisations in shaping and delivering Forestry Commission
specific joint projects and programmes Angling
(which may involve putting together funding Farmers’ Unions
bids, etc.). Wildlife Trusts
Local Agenda 21
Welsh Development Agency
Welsh Tourist Board
Pembrokeshire NPA
Economic development and /or
tourism sections of CCs
Community groups
– wide involvement, decided on project
-by-project basis.
Consultation Activities reaching an even wider group, As relevant
getting views on projects, programmes or
priorities to inform activities
(But NB: use existing information first).
Information Providing information– from information As relevant
/education leaflets to education workshops – to an even
wider set of people and organisations.

B5. Evaluation of the meeting
Before leaving, participants were asked to complete an evaluation form. The comments and ratings are
given below:
1. How would you rate the meeting overall?
2. How satisfied were you with the outcome/decisions of the meeting?
3. How did you feel about the style of the meeting? In particular, was it useful to have it
facilitated rather than chaired?
Yes, very useful.
Yes.
Yes, because it would have been difficult to suggest an independent chair.
Yes.
Yes, very useful to have impartial steer.
Yes, impartial.
Very, very useful to have it facilitated. Everyone was able to make their viewpoint known. A
constructive use of time.
Yes.
4. Do you have any remaining concerns about this initiative?
Needs to be focused.
None.
33

Extra people especially general should only be brought in if clearly necessary.
No.
Organisational buy-in, time resources.
All partners do not seem 100% convinced of need for the group/network and rather feel that
existing liaison should be improved.
Left too early to consider discussion on the partnership ‘entity’ – legal, informal.
5.Any suggestions for future meetings?
None.
As discussed.
Good location.
Tight agenda.
Facilitator again?
Wider audience.
6. Participants
Sarah Andrews (CCW Carmarthenshire)
Sue Byrne (CCW Ceredigion)
Stuart Davis (Life in UK Rivers/CCW)
Ian Dutch (Ceredigion CC)
Elwyn Hughes (Carmarthenshire CC)
Mike Jenkins (Environment Agency Wales)
Allan Lewis (Ceredigion CC)
Pippa Miller (Environment Agency Wales)
Andrew Parkin (CCW Pembrokeshire)
Liza Tomos (CCW West Area)
Facilitator
Lindsey Colbourne
Interested parties unable to attend
Rosie Carmichael (Carmarthenshire CC)
Jon Turner (CCW Ceredigion:Teifi)
34

Appendix C:Afon Teifi SSSI citation
CYNGOR CEFN GWLAD CYMRU
COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES
SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST CITATION
CEREDIGION / PEMBROKESHIRE / CARMARTHENSHIRE AFON TEIFI SSSI
Local Planning Authority: Cyngor Sir Ceredigion
Pembrokeshire County Council
Carmarthenshire County Council
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Date of Notification: 8 December 1997
National Grid Reference: SN785675 to SN158502
O.S. Maps: 1:50,000 Sheet number: 145,146,147
1:10,000 Sheet number: SN14 SE,NE
SN23 NE,NW,SE
SN24 SE,SW
SN33 SE,SW
SN34 SE,SW,NW
SN43 NW, NE
SN44 SE,SW,NW
SN54 NE,NW,SW
SN55 SW,SE
SN64 NW
SN65 NE,NW,SW,SE
SN66 NE,SE
SN76 NE,NW,SW
Site Area: 772.6 ha
Description:
Afon Teifi rises at an altitude of 455 m at Llyn Teifi on the western slopes of the Cambrian mountains. It
flows south-west, through the raised mire complex of Cors Caron and on through the Teifi Gorge,
entering Cardigan Bay at Cardigan.The geology consists of Ordovician and Silurian mudstones,
siltstones and sandstones, that are extensively mantled by Quaternary deposits of variable, but
sometimes considerable thicknesses. These consist of sands and gravels, glacial lake clays, alluvium and
peat. Afon Teifi is of special interest for a range of river types and associated riverside habitats;
flowering plants; bryophytes; otter; Cetti's warbler; bottlenose dolphin; brown hairstreak; fish;
dragonflies and a variety of other invertebrates as well as both breeding and wintering bird
communities and for geomorphological features at Cenarth and Cors Caron.Ten tributaries; the Cych,
Clettwr, Grannell, Ceri, Dulas, Piliau, Groes,Tyweli, Cerdin and Brefi, are also included in the site.
Geomorphology:
The Teifi valley is notable for a range of geomorphological features exemplified by SSSI sites at Cors
Caron and Cenarth. At Cors Caron, Afon Teifi flows through an area of fine-grained lake sediments
and provides an exceptional opportunity for studying fluvial transport processes dominated by
suspended sediment movement. It provides a marked contrast with the upstream and downstream
35

reaches where coarse bedload transport is dominant, which is more typical of upland rivers in mid-
Wales.There are also important contrasts in bank erosion and stability within the site that are
associated with variations in the vegetation.
The Teifi at Cenarth exemplifies several such river gorges along its course, as at Cilgerran, Henllan,
Alltcavan, Llandysul and Llanllwni.These were fashioned by glacial meltwater across spurs during ice-
sheet melting.This event was followed by the development of Lake Teifi, a large proglacial lake.After
lake drainage, the Teifi took a preferred route along the meltwater gorges, thus abandoning its
Apreglacial course that is still evident in nearby abandoned dry valleys that are infilled by thick
accumulations of glacial lake clays.
Biology:
Upstream of Cors Caron the Afon Teifi is an upland oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) river.Where it runs
through peat, species such as the liverwort Scapania undulata and bog pondweed Potamogeton
polygonifolius with filamentous green algae occur within the channel, with species including purple-moor
grass Molinia caerulea, mat grass Nardus stricta and bog-mosses Sphagnum spp. characteristic of the
channel margins.Where the channel crosses rocky areas or mineral soil, the channel is often shaded by
willows Salix spp. and the channel flora consists mainly of shade-tolerant lower plants including Scapania
undulata and the mosses Racomitrium aciculare and Rhynchostegium ripariodes, with filamentous algae and
lichens Verrucaria spp. occurring on cobbles.
Afon Teifi, as it flows through Cors Caron, supports a distinctive plant community which reflects the
slow flow, the oligotrophic water and the more mesotrophic (less nutrient-poor) banks, with clay and
alluvium as well as peat.Typical species here are water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile, water sedge Carex
aquatilis and broad-leaved pondweed Potamogeton natans. Cors Caron has an important regulatory
influence on flows in the Afon Teifi between Tregaron and Llandysul.The river, along most of this length,
supports species including stream water-crowfoot Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. penicillatus, unbranched
bur-reed Sparganium emersum and common water-starwort Callitriche stagnalis. Similar vegetation occurs
in the Grannell and Dulas tributaries which join the Afon Teifi along this stretch, but in the smaller
streams few aquatic higher plant species occur, although intermediate water-starwort C. hamulata is
characteristic.The liverwort Pellia epiphylla is common on clay banks in the small streams.
A short stretch of the main Afon Teifi around Llanybydder supports mesotrophic to eutrophic
(nutrient-rich) vegetation including intermediate water-starwort, Canadian waterweed Elodea canadensis
and branched bur-reed Sparganium erectum.
Below Llandysul,Afon Teifi is generally mesotrophic with species including common duckweed Lemna
minor, stream water-crowfoot and alternate water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum occurring, together
with a range of bryophytes including Cinclidotus fontinaloides, Rhynchostegium riparioides and Fontinalis
squamosa. Reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea is a characteristic bankside plant.
The Cych and Clettwr tributaries support oligotrophic to mesotrophic communities, with species
including hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and bittersweet Solanum dulcamara characteristic of
the banks and stream water-crowfoot Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans within the channel on
the Cych.The mosses Hygrohypnum ochraceum and Fontinalis squamosa are present.
The Teifi Marshes support extensive Phragmites australis reedbeds and a mosaic of flood-plain fen,
swamp, grassland and saltmarsh communities displaying transitions between freshwater and brackish
communities.Woodland, scrub and hedgerows add to the diversity of the marshes. Estuarine alder Alnus
glutinosa carr at Rosehill is of particular interest.
In the upper reaches of the Teifi Estuary intertidal flats are predominantly muddy. In the lower reaches
sand flats, shingle with associated vegetation and saltmarsh occur.
Afon Teifi is the major British stronghold of the nationally rare northern yellow-cress Rorippa islandica.
The nationally scarce floating water-plantain Luronium natans occurs in the Teifi Pools and in a number
of other locations on the Afon Teifi, including Cors Caron. Five other nationally scarce higher plant
species and seven species rare in west Wales also occur within the site.Afon Teifi is the only known site
36

in Wales for the hybrid pondweed Potamogeton x olivaceus. It supports an important assemblage of
bryophyte species including the only known Welsh populations of the nationally rare multi-fruited river
moss Cryphaea lamyana and four other bryophytes listed in the European Red Data Book.
Afon Teifi is of high invertebrate interest and eight Red Data Book species are known to occur,
including the caddis flies Oecetis notata and Ylodes simulans and the five-spot ladybird Coccinella
quinquepunctata.The Red Data Book whorl snail Vertigo lilljeborgi occurs in riverside backwaters and
wetlands.Thirty four nationally scarce invertebrates have been recorded, including brown hairstreak
Thecla betulae, with the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera being of particular interest.
Fifteen breeding dragonfly species, including the club-tailed dragonfly Gomphus vulgatissimus, have been
recorded on the Teifi Marshes and nearby stretches of the river.
The otter Lutra lutra is widespread along Afon Teifi and its tributaries where appropriate bankside cover
exists.Water vole Arvicola terrestris has been recorded.The river corridor, including bankside tree cover,
bridges and other structures, provides valuable feeding habitat, and some roosting habitat, for up to
eleven bat species, including Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii, greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus
ferrumequinum and lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros.
Afon Teifi and its tributaries support non-migratory fish species including native brown trout Salmo
trutta fario, pike Esox lucius and important populations of brook lamprey Lampetra planeri and bullhead
Cottus gobio. Migratory fish which spawn within the river system include river lamprey L. fluviatilis, sea
lamprey Petromyzon marinus,Atlantic salmon S. salar, sea trout S. trutta trutta and the eel Anguilla anguilla.
Grayling Thymallus thymallus and the rare allis shad Alosa alosa have also been reported.
Afon Teifi supports a range of breeding birds including dipper Cinclus cinclus, kingfisher Alcedo atthis, sand
martin Riparia riparia and sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus.Associated wetlands provide
feeding habitats for waders such as lapwing Vanellus vanellus, snipe Gallinago gallinago, curlew Numenius
arquata and redshank Tringa totanus.The Teifi Marshes are of particular ornithological significance and
support important populations of breeding birds including snipe, water rail Rallus aquaticus, reed bunting
Embiriza schoeniclus, reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and the rare Cetti's warbler Cettia cetti, the
latter at the north-west limit of its range.The lower reaches of the river, together with the associated
marshes hold a notable range of wintering waterfowl.
Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus and harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena have been recorded in
the estuary.
Remarks:
The Teifi Marshes form part of the Welsh Wildlife Centre owned by the Wildlife Trust,West Wales.
The Afon Teifi site includes parts of the Cors Caron and Coedmor National Nature Reserves. Cors
Caron is also a site designated as a wetland of international importance under the terms of the Ramsar
Convention.
The upper course of Afon Teifi is within the Cambrian Mountains Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).
Parts of the lower course of Afon Teifi are within the Preseli ESA.
The source of Afon Teifi falls within the Elenydd-Mallaen Special Protection Area.
Parts of this site have been selected as a result of the former Nature Conservancy Council=s
Geological Conservation Review, a national survey and evaluation of sites of geological and
physiographical interest.
The main river is of Nature Conservation Review status.
The Afon Teifi SSSI incorporates land previously notified as part of the adjacent Cors Caron SSSI,
Coedydd a Chorsydd Aberteifi SSSI, Pen yr Ergyd SSSI and Elenydd SSSI and incorporated the whole of
the land previously notified as the Netpool Wood SSSI.
Afon Teifi supports the following species and habitats covered by European Directive 92/43/EEC on the
Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora:
37

Floating vegetation of Ranunculus of plain, submountainous rivers - Annex I.
Floating water plantain - Annex II.
Otter - Annex II and IV.
Atlantic Salmon - Annex II and IV.
Bullhead - Annex II.
Allis shad - Annex II and V.
Brook lamprey - Annex II.
Sea lamprey - Annex II.
Grayling - Annex V.
Freshwater pearl mussel - Annex II and IV.
River lamprey - Annex II and V.
Bottlenose dolphin - Annex II and IV.
Harbour porpoise - Annex II and IV.
Daubenton's bat - Annex IV.
Pipistrelle bat - Annex IV.
Lesser horseshoe bat - Annex II.
Brown long-eared bat - Annex IV.
Natterer's bat - Annex IV.
Brandt's bat - Annex IV.
Whiskered bat - Annex IV.
Noctule bat - Annex IV.
Greater horseshoe - Annex II.
Serotine bat - Annex IV.
Leisler's bat - Annex IV.
Otter, Daubenton's bat, pipistrelle bat, lesser horseshoe, brown long-eared bat, Natterer's bat, Brandt's
bat, whiskered bat, noctule bat, greater horseshoe, serotine bat, Leisler's bat, freshwater pearl mussel,
bottlenose dolphin, brown hairstreak and harbour porpoise are listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
Floating water plantain and multi-fruited river moss are listed under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
Cetti's warbler is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, (as amended).
38

Appendix D: Reasons for recommendation as a
cSAC
This area has been recommended as a cSAC because it contains habitat types and/or species that are
rare or threatened within a European context. The SSSI citation describes the special interests for
which the site was notified in the British context. [NB: not for marine interests below mean low water
mark].The interests for which the site was selected as SSSI may differ from the interests selected in a
European context.
The area is considered to have a high diversity of habitats/species of European importance.
D1. Interest(s) submitted to the European Commission
1. Bullhead (Cottus gobio), for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the UK.The
bullhead is a small bottom-living fish found in the upper reaches of lowland rivers and lower and middle
reaches of upland rivers in England and Wales. It is not found in badly polluted rivers.
2. River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the
UK.The river lamprey is a primitive, jawless fish resembling an eel. Confined to western Europe, it
migrates from the sea to spawn in silt beds of many rivers in the UK. One population in the UK is,
however, known to live entirely in fresh water.The river lamprey is absent from some rivers because of
pollution and barriers to migration.
3. Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the
UK.The brook lamprey is a primitive, jawless fish resembling an eel and is the smallest of the lampreys
found in the UK. It lives entirely in fresh water and occurs over most of the UK in streams and
occasionally in lakes.
4. Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans), for which this is considered to be one of the best
areas in the UK. The floating water-plantain is a rare, small, white-flowered water plant only found in
Europe. In the UK it is considered a nationally scarce plant. It is found in Wales and central and
northern England, growing in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, slow-flowing rivers and canals. The floating water-
plantain occurs as two forms: in shallow water with floating oval leaves, and in deep water with
submerged rosettes of narrow leaves.
5. Otter (Lutra lutra), for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the UK.The otter is
semi-aquatic mammals, requiring both good fishing grounds for food and suitable shelter on land for
resting and breeding. Once widespread in Europe, the otter population declined sharply during the
1960s and 1970s. It is now showing signs of recovery in the UK and is spreading to repopulate its
former areas. The UK, and in particular Scotland, supports some of the largest concentrations of otters
in Europe, with both freshwater and coastal populations.
6. Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea
uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, for which the area is considered to support a
significant presence. Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient
levels. In the UK this freshwater habitat is represented in the north and west by lakes with low to
moderate nutrient levels.These waters are often vulnerable to acid deposition and nutrient enrichment.
Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora) and water lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) are characteristic of shallow lake
areas. In deeper water, alternate water-milfoil (Myriophyllum alterniflorum), and quillworts (Isoetes spp.)
are found.These lakes usually have healthy salmonid fish populations. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) are
common, although in some lakes, species such as arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), whitefish (Coregonus
lavaretus) or vendace (Coregonus albula) also occur.
39

7. Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), for which the area is considered to support a significant
presence.This is a primitive, jawless fish resembling an eel. It is the largest of the lampreys found in the
UK. It inhabits North Atlantic coastal waters and migrates to spawn in rivers. It has a widespread
distribution within the UK, although populations have declined due to pollution and barriers to
migration.
8.Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the UK.
The Atlantic salmon is the largest of our migratory fish and spawns in the least polluted rivers of
north-west Europe. It has declined due to over-fishing at sea, pollution and barriers to migration within
its spawning rivers.The UK supports a large proportion of the salmon population in the European
Union.
9. Watercourses of plain to montane levels with Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-
Batrachion vegetation, for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the UK. Rivers
that support characteristic communities of water-crowfoot (Ranunculus spp.), which often dominate the
plant community in the river channel.This vegetation occurs in relatively unpolluted waters, in a diverse
range of river types.
40

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