Next steps at Craig-yr-Hesg quarry

As groundwork on the approved extension area at Craig-yr-Hesg quarry nears completion we want to provide an update on recent activity and set out what happens next. Next stages include planting native trees on the newly created screening bunds to reduce noise and visual impact, as well as the development of a permissive path to improve recreational access for the local community.

Groundwork update

Soil stripping activity and the creation of the screening bunds in the extension area is due to be completed before the end of the year. The work has been carried out by specialist contractors and all vegetation clearance and soil movement activity has been carried out in line with our permissions. These include a Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (RCTCBC) approved Species Protection and Habitat Management Plan and a Tree and Woodland Management Plan. The council’s ecologists have also made regular visits to the site and have raised no concerns.  

Archaeologists carried out a watching brief on the works, which was also approved by RCTCBC. There were several archaeological finds, including some fragments of Early Bronze Age pottery and evidence of settlement post holes. These are interesting local discoveries and post excavation work is now underway. In line with best practice this will include submitting a report to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff and liaison with RCTCBC’s archaeological advisor. Our hope is that the finds can be donated to a local museum in the future, so that they can help further understanding of the pre-history period in this part of South Wales. 

The newly constructed screening bunds have been designed to act as a visual and noise barrier to help minimise the impact of quarry operations. The next step this winter will be planting the main screening bund with native broadleaf trees. Over the next few years, the trees will thicken to create an established woodland. The screening bund to the west of the site, adjacent to the Darren Dhu Road, will be left mostly to naturally regenerate. 

As well as the creation of the 3-5m high screening bunds, the groundwork has also involved removal of soils and overburden in the Phase 1 extraction area. Material not used in the creation of the screening bunds, has been moved to temporary soil stores on site ahead of being used in the future in the quarry’s progressive restoration. The haul road created to support the soil stripping will be retained for use during mineral extraction. 

You may be aware that we carried out the first blast in the approved extension area last week. We received feedback that some residents experienced this blast as being louder than normal, but we would like to reassure you that it was – like all our blasts – well within the regulatory guidelines. A Permitting Officer from RCTCBC was in also attendance to monitor that the blast was in line with the regulations and no concerns were raised.

Recreational amenity

At our June community drop-in event we set out our plans for a permissive path linking Glyncoch to the Darren Ddu Road and detailed plans for this have now been approved by RCTCBC. Walkers will be aware that, in response to feedback, we recently cut back some vegetation on one of the unofficial routes currently being used – close to where our site abuts the Darren Ddu Road to the west of the site. However, we must highlight that the approved new path access will be further along the Darren Dhu Road (see diagram below). 

View a larger version in the PDF below.

Starting in spring, a kissing gate will be installed at the point where the two paths meet (point A on diagram on page 2) as well as at the other end of the permissive path, where it joins an informal pathway across RCTCBC-owned land (point B). We will also reinstate the drystone wall (point C) using the reclaimed stone currently being stored on site. This work will require material being brought through the gate in the palisade fence as well as the permitted use of any necessary machinery.

As many may be aware, the 40 acres of the Coed Craig-yr-Hesg woodland that form the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) to the south of the quarry was previously gifted to RCTCBC by us. We subsequently offered to gift RCTCBC the adjacent 11.4 acres to extend the LNR but, sadly, this was turned down. We would be happy to revisit this.

For more information, read our updated FAQs here