Semi-quantitative evaluation of river landscapes in the counties of Glamorgan

Abstract

The study of landscape aesthetics is subject to much discussion and numerous difficulties. As yet no one technique for landscape evaluation has been universally accepted as many methods encompass only sections of the overall landscape situation ie the methods are designed to fit a particular criteria set by individual or council initiative. This study selected one method specific to rivers and investigated the eight largest river basins of Glamorgan, South Wales, ie the Rivers Rhymney, Taff, Ely, Thaw, Ogmore, Afan, Neath and Tawe. Analysis of an adapted 46 factor checklist data from the 141 sites studied on the Glamorgan River Network indicated that, generally the most unique sites of each system are located at the river mouths and are negatively unique, ie an'eyesore'. The second most unique sites tend to be in opposition to the first sites and are positively unique or picturesque. The sites are either river or tributary heads and are narrow, shallow and devoid of urbanisation and pollution. Overall river network analysis of uniqueness rankings reveals that the river mouth of the River Ely is the most unique site of the whole river system. This site is negatively unique and is surrounded by heavy urbanisation and pollution and is tidal in nature. The second most unique site is the mouth of the Afan river which possesses similar characteristics to the River Ely site. The least unique or most "common" site is a central point on a tributary of the River Neath which has very little pollution or urbanisation. The second least unique site is a wooded tributary, again of the River Neath, with little evidence of man's influence. The satisfactory results of this research could lead to an indepth study and comparison of all Welsh rivers.

Date of Award	1990
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Polytechnic of Wales