Welsh Track Livery: Planning with Horses and Habitats in Mind
Earlier this year (2025), Switch Equine was commissioned to undertake ecological appraisals in support of a planning application for a new track livery yard in Mid‑Wales.
The site presented a complex set of challenges: the proposed track crossed a watercourse that flows directly into a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), lay close to areas of ancient woodland, and provided habitat for a wide range of protected species — from badgers and bats to hazel dormice and even polecats.
This meant the design had to achieve several things at once:
- Work for the horses and their welfare.
- Protect the species and habitats already present.
- Satisfy planning regulations, including the Welsh Government’s requirement to demonstrate Net Benefits for Biodiversity
Working with Planning and Ecology in Tandem
We collaborated closely with planning consultants and the landowners to design a scheme that could withstand scrutiny under planning policy while remaining practical for day‑to‑day horse management. By embedding ecological safeguards into the design, we ensured the proposals were both policy‑compliant and welfare‑focused.
Key measures included:
- Using site‑won stone to reduce transport impacts and maintain local character.
- Scheduling works at specific times of year to avoid disturbance to sensitive species.
- Implementing Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) to protect species such as white‑clawed crayfish during construction.
Outcomes for Horses, Habitats, and Planning
By embedding ecological safeguards into the design, we achieved a solution that satisfied planning requirements while delivering real benefits on the ground. The final scheme means:
- For horses: a safe, all‑weather track system with improved footing, reduced injury risk, and better year‑round movement.
- For the environment: enhanced habitats, stronger ecological connectivity, and protection for nearby designated sites.
- For planning: clear evidence of Net Benefits for Biodiversity, alignment with Welsh Government policy, and a robust, defensible application.
This project shows that with the right expertise, it’s possible to create equestrian facilities that are not only fit for horses, but also resilient, sustainable, and fully compliant with planning policy.