Although now in the process of moving to Ceredigion I have experience of this same problem in relation to Lisvane Reservoir in Cardiff also a designated SSSI for wintering wildlife and now the subject of persistent and damaging incursions by irresponsible dog walkers. When I contacted CCW, thinking that they might be able to have some influence over this, they told me that they have limited responsibility. They can designate a site as an SSSI but the control over the site including maintenance of the site and management of the SSSI is the responsibility of the land owners. In the case of Lisvane Reservoir this is Western Power who have completely run down the reservoir facilities as they are hoping to build on the site. Anyway, though this might only have a remote relationship with the issue in Ceredigion it might help to understand how CCW’s hands are often tied in these situations.
Roger Watkins
