Environmental watchdog and council secure injunction to protect Site of Special Scientific Interest in Wales

The full injunction, granted on 26 February 2026 at the Cardiff District Registry of the High Court, prohibits six named individuals and a company from carrying out a range of activities on the land, including:

• Depositing waste or materials,
• Carrying out construction or groundworks,
• Damaging or altering reens or watercourses
• Interfering with flood-risk management infrastructure,
• Moving or removing concrete blocks placed to secure the site.

The injunction also includes “persons unknown” – meaning any individual entering the site to carry out restricted activities may be held in contempt of court, risking fines, seizure of assets, or imprisonment.

According to NRW, Magor and Undy SSSI is a “vital part” of the Gwent Levels, one of Wales’ most historically significant and ecologically rich landscapes.

The site is protected for its network of ancient reens - traditional man-made drainage ditches found across the Gwent Levels - which host a wide range of rare aquatic plants and insects, and is an important site for the shrill carder bee.

Following the order being granted, NRW and Monmouthshire County Council acted to secure the entrance to the site by installing large concrete blocks to prevent further unauthorised access.

Cllr Paul Griffiths, Monmouthshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “Whitewall Common is a nationally important landscape that must be protected for both its wildlife and its role in managing flood risk.

“Located within the Gwent Levels SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), this area is one of the largest of its kind in Wales. It is crucial for various species and habitats at both national and international levels.

“This injunction sends a clear message that unlawful activity causing environmental harm will not be tolerated in Monmouthshire.”

Cllr Griffiths added: “We have worked closely with Natural Resources Wales to secure this order and to take immediate action on the ground to prevent further damage. The council will continue to use all available legal powers, alongside our partners, to safeguard this sensitive site and protect it for future generations."

Ioan Williams, NRW’s Operations Manager (Land and Assets) for South East Wales, said: “The Magor and Undy SSSI is internationally recognised for its rare wildlife and ancient reen systems, and we will not allow its destruction to continue.

“Securing this order reflects months of hard work by our teams and our partners at Monmouthshire County Council. It’s a vital step in protecting one of Wales’ most sensitive and historically important landscapes.”

Williams added: “Anyone considering breaching this injunction — whether named in the order or not — should be in no doubt about the consequences and this injunction should be a clear deterrent.

“If you enter this site to dump waste, carry out works, damage reens or interfere with the concrete blocks, you will face legal action. We will continue to use every legal tool available to protect this SSSI and hold those responsible to account.”