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breathing spaces newsletter of National Parks Wales

Winter 2010/2011Winter 2010/2011Winter 2010/2011Winter 2010/2011

National Parks Wales welcomed a recent report National Parks Wales welcomed a recent report National Parks Wales welcomed a recent report National Parks Wales welcomed a recent report

by PricewaterhouseCoopers on their Planning by PricewaterhouseCoopers on their Planning by PricewaterhouseCoopers on their Planning by PricewaterhouseCoopers on their Planning

Services.  The report highlighted “evidence of Services.  The report highlighted “evidence of Services.  The report highlighted “evidence of Services.  The report highlighted “evidence of

significant improvements over the past 18 significant improvements over the past 18 significant improvements over the past 18 significant improvements over the past 18

months” and showed that the National Parks months” and showed that the National Parks months” and showed that the National Parks months” and showed that the National Parks

compare favourably with other rural planning compare favourably with other rural planning compare favourably with other rural planning compare favourably with other rural planning

services in Wales.services in Wales.services in Wales.services in Wales.

The report identifies key areas for measuring

success and shows that progress has been made

in all areas.  Specific attention is drawn to:

(1)  National Parks approve the same

percentage of applications as other

Local Planning Authorities

(2)        National Parks are performing better in

some types of applications than a

number of other rural Local Planning

Authorities

(3)        National Parks have improved their pre-

application support and information

(4)        There has been on average a 24%

improvement across all three National

Parks in the time it takes to process

applications

The report acknowledges that there are

challenges ahead most notably the drop in the

number of applications received as a result of

the economic downturn and the knock on

effect on income.

Cllr Eric Saxon, Chairman of Brecon Beacons

National Park Authority, said on behalf of the

three Welsh National Parks,

“We welcome this report.  This is a positive report

which acknowledges the excellent

improvement in performance made over the

past 18 months.  The report dispels the myth that

National Parks are more likely to refuse a

planning application than other Local Planning

Authorities and acknowledges that we perform

better in some type of applications. Particularly

encouraging from my perspective is that

PricewaterhouseCoopers have commended

our governance arrangements and their report

points to several examples of good practice.”

Aneurin Phillips, Chief Executive of Snowdonia

National Park Authority said,

“PricewaterhouseCoopers has completed a

challenging undertaking. This is groundbreaking

work here in Wales. The report concludes that

the Welsh National Parks are improving and that

they are delivering their statutory purposes in a

way that is positive and supportive.”

Dates for the Diary Dates for the Diary Dates for the Diary Dates for the Diary

24 - 25 May : UK ANPA Workshop, York

06 - 07 October : National Parks Wales Members

Semina (hosted by BBNPA)

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£300,000 to Improve Life in Snowdonia£300,000 to Improve Life in Snowdonia£300,000 to Improve Life in Snowdonia£300,000 to Improve Life in Snowdonia

Members of Snowdonia National Park Authority Members of Snowdonia National Park Authority Members of Snowdonia National Park Authority Members of Snowdonia National Park Authority

were recently told of the CAE sustainable were recently told of the CAE sustainable were recently told of the CAE sustainable were recently told of the CAE sustainable

development fund’s success in contributing development fund’s success in contributing development fund’s success in contributing development fund’s success in contributing

nearly £300,000 towards projects which will nearly £300,000 towards projects which will nearly £300,000 towards projects which will nearly £300,000 towards projects which will

improve the quality of life in Snowdonia.improve the quality of life in Snowdonia.improve the quality of life in Snowdonia.improve the quality of life in Snowdonia.

During its 10th year of funding (between 2009

and 2010), CAE has supported 31 schemes,

allocating £287,000 towards projects over the

next three years, resulting in attracting over

£3million from other sources. Money from the

fund enabled the funding of 1 full-time job and

19 part-time jobs in the National Park and more

than 41 indirect job opportunities. The fund also

allowed over 330 volunteering opportunities for

National Park residents and visitors.

The 4 principles of sustainable development are

• Effective protection of the environment

• Social progress which recognises the

needs of everyone;

• Prudent use of natural resources

• Maintenance of high & stable levels of

economic growth & employment.

Introducing the report, Chief Executive of the

Snowdonia National Park Authority, Aneurin

Phillips said, 

“The CAE scheme, now in its eleventh year has

and continues to make a substantial

contribution to ensuring that sustainable

development is an integral part of life in

Snowdonia by promoting the area’s social,

economic and environmental benefits.”

Cwrt y Gollen Public Inquiry starts in Cwrt y Gollen Public Inquiry starts in Cwrt y Gollen Public Inquiry starts in Cwrt y Gollen Public Inquiry starts in

mid Februarymid Februarymid Februarymid February

A Public Inquiry into the redevelopment of the A Public Inquiry into the redevelopment of the A Public Inquiry into the redevelopment of the A Public Inquiry into the redevelopment of the

former army camp at Cwrt y Gollen started on former army camp at Cwrt y Gollen started on former army camp at Cwrt y Gollen started on former army camp at Cwrt y Gollen started on

Tuesday 15Tuesday 15Tuesday 15Tuesday 15thththth February 2011. February 2011. February 2011. February 2011.

The independent Public Inquiry will decide on

whether planning permission should be granted

for the re-development of the former army

camp at Cwrt y Gollen for comprehensive mixed

use. 

The mixed use development comprises

residential development, employment provision,

a pre-school nursery, a residential care home,

open space provision including allotments,

community orchard, sports provision and

associated infrastructure works.

In June 2010, Brecon Beacons National Park

Authority refused to grant planning permission to

Crickhowell Estates Ltd for the development. 

Crickhowell Estates Ltd have appealed the

decision which will now be heard by an

independent planning Inspector appointed by

the Welsh Assembly Government.  After hearing

all the evidence, the Inspector will make a

recommendation to the appropriate Welsh

Assembly Government Minister.  The Minister will

then decide whether to refuse or permit the

development.  

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All change at Oriel y Parc GalleryAll change at Oriel y Parc GalleryAll change at Oriel y Parc GalleryAll change at Oriel y Parc Gallery

Plans have been outlined for the future of the Plans have been outlined for the future of the Plans have been outlined for the future of the Plans have been outlined for the future of the

former café at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor former café at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor former café at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor former café at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor

Centre in St Davids.Centre in St Davids.Centre in St Davids.Centre in St Davids.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Authority, which runs the attraction in

partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National

Museum Wales, has appointed R. K. Lucas to

market the space occupied by the café which

closed last month.

The Park Authority hopes to see a business

operating from Oriel y Parc by Easter 2011, and

in the meantime is continuing to welcome

visitors to the free-to-enter gallery and visitor

centre.

Tegryn Jones, the Chief Executive of the Park

Authority, said:

“R. K. Lucas will be taking submissions from

interested parties, and we very much look

forward to seeing what types of operation

might be run from Oriel y Parc.

“We have already taken dozens of enquiries

from local and national companies operating

a variety of different services, so bids won’t be

restricted only to catering.

Oriel y Parc re-launched its exhibition, The

Changing Landscape, with new exhibits from

the National Collection, including Tenby

Harbour, by world-renowned British artist Lucian

Freud.

© Yr artist.

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Fan Dance or Fan Dance or Fan Dance or Fan Dance or

Barn Dance?  Barn Dance?  Barn Dance?  Barn Dance? 

Whatever you Whatever you Whatever you Whatever you

do don’t forget do don’t forget do don’t forget do don’t forget

your walking your walking your walking your walking

boots!boots!boots!boots!

Whether it’s the super Whether it’s the super Whether it’s the super Whether it’s the super

tough Fan Dance SAS tough Fan Dance SAS tough Fan Dance SAS tough Fan Dance SAS

route, a concert on St route, a concert on St route, a concert on St route, a concert on St

David’s Day, a David’s Day, a David’s Day, a David’s Day, a

traditional Twmpath, traditional Twmpath, traditional Twmpath, traditional Twmpath,

a Paddle and Pedal a Paddle and Pedal a Paddle and Pedal a Paddle and Pedal

event, a gentle stroll event, a gentle stroll event, a gentle stroll event, a gentle stroll

around Glanusk Estate or the singing and around Glanusk Estate or the singing and around Glanusk Estate or the singing and around Glanusk Estate or the singing and

walking experience from Patricio Church to walking experience from Patricio Church to walking experience from Patricio Church to walking experience from Patricio Church to

Llanthony Priory – it’s all happening at this year’s Llanthony Priory – it’s all happening at this year’s Llanthony Priory – it’s all happening at this year’s Llanthony Priory – it’s all happening at this year’s

exciting Crickhowell Walking Festival which starts exciting Crickhowell Walking Festival which starts exciting Crickhowell Walking Festival which starts exciting Crickhowell Walking Festival which starts

on Saturday 26on Saturday 26on Saturday 26on Saturday 26thththth February. February. February. February.

Now in its fourth year, the Crickhowell Walking

Festival is offering more than 70 guided walks

over nine of days in the Brecon Beacons National

Park from Saturday 26th February to Sunday 6th

March.  Catering for all ages, abilities and

interests, the beautiful walking terrain varies from

short and level easy routes to tough exacting

treks at high altitude.  A full programme runs

throughout the festival, providing weary walkers

and non-walkers with relaxation and

entertainment in the evenings as well as

alternative day pursuits. 

This year, Kenton Cool, one of Britain’s leading

climbers who led the Ranulph Fiennes’

Expedition to the summits of Eiger and Everest will

give a fascinating insight into the life at the top! 

Help to Improve PathsHelp to Improve PathsHelp to Improve PathsHelp to Improve Paths

Volunteers were working hard in late November Volunteers were working hard in late November Volunteers were working hard in late November Volunteers were working hard in late November

improving sections of footpath on Snowdon.improving sections of footpath on Snowdon.improving sections of footpath on Snowdon.improving sections of footpath on Snowdon.

Latest figures show an 18% increase of visitors on

the footpaths of Snowdon compared to last

year. As a result, the landscape is scarred and

the natural beauty of the area is damaged.

With the help of Snowdonia National Park

Authority staff, Outdoor Education Students from

Coleg Llandrillo and volunteers from the

Snowdonia Society have been working to

improve sections of the Miners and PYG Path.

Rocks and loose gravel were removed and

ditches were cleaned to improve drainage.

On behalf of Snowdonia National Park Authority,

Access Officer Peter Rutherford said, 

“Following the work that was completed last

week, we have succeeded in achieving two

important things. An important path for walkers

has been defined and at the same time, the

danger of erosion in some places has been

minimised. We are very grateful to the volunteers

from Coleg Llandrillo and the Snowdonia Society

for their help. As an Authority, we are always

eager to collaborate with volunteers and

organizations to help us maintain the fabric and

the character of the Park.”

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Councils convene for National Park Councils convene for National Park Councils convene for National Park Councils convene for National Park

conferenceconferenceconferenceconference

Representatives from communities across the Representatives from communities across the Representatives from communities across the Representatives from communities across the

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park were given Pembrokeshire Coast National Park were given Pembrokeshire Coast National Park were given Pembrokeshire Coast National Park were given

the floor during a question and answer session the floor during a question and answer session the floor during a question and answer session the floor during a question and answer session

with Park Authority Officers at a recent seminar.with Park Authority Officers at a recent seminar.with Park Authority Officers at a recent seminar.with Park Authority Officers at a recent seminar.

The Authority hosted a Seminar for City, Town

and Community Councils at Pembrokeshire

College in Haverfordwest.

Chairman of the Authority Richard Howells

gave a welcome address before Chief

Executive Tegryn Jones introduced the

Authority’s recently launched draft Corporate

Strategy. Attendees then discussed and fed

back on the Strategy in smaller focus groups

led by National Park staff; followed by a

thought-provoking question and answer

session. 

Groups focused on issues such as planning,

recreation and community engagement.

Authority Chairman Richard Howells said:

“There are just over 50 City, Town and

Community Councils in the National Park,

representing the interests of more than 22,500

people.”

“So this conference gave us a valuable

opportunity to engage with people who may

be directly affected by the Authority’s work

and gave them a chance to air specific

concerns about issues around the way the

National Park is cared for.”

National Park awards grant to support National Park awards grant to support National Park awards grant to support National Park awards grant to support

Green Valley woodlandsGreen Valley woodlandsGreen Valley woodlandsGreen Valley woodlands

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has

awarded nearly £5,000 to The Green Valleys CiC awarded nearly £5,000 to The Green Valleys CiC awarded nearly £5,000 to The Green Valleys CiC awarded nearly £5,000 to The Green Valleys CiC

to support its sustainable community woodland to support its sustainable community woodland to support its sustainable community woodland to support its sustainable community woodland

work and management schemes.work and management schemes.work and management schemes.work and management schemes.

The Green Valleys CiC has been awarded a

Conservation and Community Grant of £4,446

which will be used to specifically develop its

Sustainable Community Woodland group

projects.    The cash boost will be used for a

number of initiatives including developing

woodlands throughout the National Park and

enabling Community Woodland Management

groups across the area to undertake

management of local woodlands.

The funding will also help improve local

biodiversity; generate a sustainable supply of

locally produced wood fuel and sustainable

timber products for crafts and building products;

reconnect communities to the land through

practical management; bring communities

together in shared activity; promote health and

well being through exercise and connection with

the outdoors and share skills and increase the

woodland skills base.

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History on School WallsHistory on School WallsHistory on School WallsHistory on School Walls

Pupils from Ysgol Nebo, Dyffryn Nantlle, together Pupils from Ysgol Nebo, Dyffryn Nantlle, together Pupils from Ysgol Nebo, Dyffryn Nantlle, together Pupils from Ysgol Nebo, Dyffryn Nantlle, together

with artist Luned Rhys Parri, have been recording with artist Luned Rhys Parri, have been recording with artist Luned Rhys Parri, have been recording with artist Luned Rhys Parri, have been recording

the local history of the area by creating murals the local history of the area by creating murals the local history of the area by creating murals the local history of the area by creating murals

to be placed on the School’s walls.to be placed on the School’s walls.to be placed on the School’s walls.to be placed on the School’s walls.

Cors y Llyn is Common Land, situated between

the village of Nebo and Llyn Cwm Dulyn and

over a period of six days, pupils aged between 3

and 11 have been creating murals which include

the history of Cors y Llyn, Dorothea Quarrymen

and the smallholders of Nebo.

Many years ago, the smallholders of Nebo and

local quarrymen used to bring their cattle to

graze at Cors y Llyn, but the tradition declined

when a cow bought a miscarrying disease to the

marsh and the arrival of the Second World War

secured an end to the tradition. In time, the

marsh became a wild habitat and today a

wealth of biodiversity can be found.

Bwrlwm Eryri officer, Naomi Jones said,

“Over the years, the history of Nebo and Cors y

Llyn has survived due to oral history and

photographs and the work undertaken here is a

continuation of this tradition. The Authority is very

happy to be a part of this process by providing

opportunities for the children and the residents to

learn and appreciate the history, culture and the

biodiversity of the area.”

From Open Space to Cyber Space From Open Space to Cyber Space From Open Space to Cyber Space From Open Space to Cyber Space

The presence of the National Parks on the Internet continues to grow. Most of the UK National Park

Authorities, including all three Welsh NPAs are engaging with social networking and are raising the

online presence of National Parks.

If you want to read their profiles, pages, tweets and channels, which all provide continual up to

date information. The National Parks Portal contains a comprehensive selection of appropriate links.

That page is accessed via this website address :

http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/aboutus/ourwebsites.htm

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Former CEO awarded OBEFormer CEO awarded OBEFormer CEO awarded OBEFormer CEO awarded OBE

The former Chief Executive of the National Park The former Chief Executive of the National Park The former Chief Executive of the National Park The former Chief Executive of the National Park

Authority has been awarded an OBE for Authority has been awarded an OBE for Authority has been awarded an OBE for Authority has been awarded an OBE for

services to the environment, after 35 years at services to the environment, after 35 years at services to the environment, after 35 years at services to the environment, after 35 years at

the helm.the helm.the helm.the helm.

Nic Wheeler was appointed National Park

Officer in 1974 and is the longest serving Chief

Executive within the family of UK National Parks.

Chief Executive of the National Park Authority

Tegryn Jones, who took over from Nic in 2010,

said: "This is a very fitting honour for a lifetime's

contribution to the National Park and all of us at

the Park Authority are delighted for him."

Under Mr Wheeler’s direction, the National Park

as an organisation grew from 29 people to a

staff of 150, including part-time and seasonal

workers. It evolved from a department of the

former Dyfed County Council to become a

free-standing authority in its own right.

You can learn about National Parks Wales at You can learn about National Parks Wales at You can learn about National Parks Wales at You can learn about National Parks Wales at

www.nationalparkswales.gov.ukwww.nationalparkswales.gov.ukwww.nationalparkswales.gov.ukwww.nationalparkswales.gov.uk. Most of our work, including . Most of our work, including . Most of our work, including . Most of our work, including

seminar materials, consultation responses and position statements seminar materials, consultation responses and position statements seminar materials, consultation responses and position statements seminar materials, consultation responses and position statements

are available on the site and comments are always welcome are available on the site and comments are always welcome are available on the site and comments are always welcome are available on the site and comments are always welcome

nationalparkswales@anpa.gov.uk. nationalparkswales@anpa.gov.uk. nationalparkswales@anpa.gov.uk. nationalparkswales@anpa.gov.uk.