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1
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)
2
£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.
3
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.
4
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.”
5
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.
6
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
7
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
[email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected].