Selar Opencast

The Selar SSSI at Cwmgwrach, West Glamorgan is the site of yet more open cast madness on a vast scale. 880 acres of destruction to take in a SSSI, an ancient Oak wood (100’s of trees), 1000’s of assorted other trees, lakes and ponds... The SSSI consists of several (rapidly vanishing) acres of some of Wales’ finest wet meadow land. Home to protected species including the Marsh Fratillery butterfly, rare birds and plants. How did they get away with this one? By offering to move it 3/4 mile down the road! Alaska Environmental Services, the contractor responsible for the move, are slicing up 8' by 4' chunks of SSSI lobbing them two at a time on the back of a cart and plonking them in a grotesque patchwork of pieces at the relocation site. The majority of delicate flora are not responding too well from the trauma and as for the fauna... They plan to finish the first ever destruction of an SSSI (beating Cardiff Bay by a whisker) within 6 weeks. Then come the chainsaws...

A ground camp has just been set up, tree houses and walkways under construction - actions happening, help desperately needed. Picnic/gathering July 1st. Camp contact: 01222 383363 Local Contact: Eric 01685 873993. Email scelh@gn.apc.org