A Bannau Brycheiniog National Park employee from Brecon has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Community Development.

Francesca Bell has worked as the National Park Authority's Community Development Officer for the past 10 years. She has championed the engagement of all sections of the community and visitors to access and enjoy the natural beauty of the National Park and its landscapes.

She has also been a long-standing community volunteer in Brecon and the surrounding area, and set up the Friends of Brecon Groves group, a repair cafe, working tirelessly to encourage take-up of local places for nature grant funding to bring the community closer to nature and to improve access to green spaces and nature trails in and around the town.

She found out she had been nominated in November, after a letter came through from the Cabinet Office with brief details on why she had been nominated. Ms Bell is yet to know who put her forward for the award.

Speaking to the Brecon and Radnor Express, Ms Bell said: “It was very kind of people to nominate me and I feel honoured to be recognised in this way. My initial reaction was one of great surprise and ‘why me?’”

Ms Bell is active in the community, ensuring people can access the national park.

“I like to be of help to other people and the environment and with others, get things done,” she said.

“I enjoy the social aspect and being part of a team. Staff and volunteers at the National Park and volunteers in Brecon do a great job. Brecon is a brilliant place to live and has a strong community spirit. Like most volunteering, you usually get back more than you give.

“Much of my work involves helping community groups who may not easily be able to access our beautiful area for various reasons. Disabilities, lack of transport, and financial hardship are some examples. I organise and lead days out and the Park Authority has provided funding to help with transport costs.

“I have volunteered in the area since moving here 22 years ago, setting up Brecon Repair Café with Brecon Volunteer Bureau and Friends of Brecon Groves and Prom with local residents.”

The British Empire Medal will be awarded locally by the Lord Lieutenant of Powys, but a date is yet to be confirmed.

Judith Harvey, who has been with Bannau Brycheiniog National Park since 1995, has also been awarded a BEM for her service.

Ms Harvey, from Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, began her career as one of the UK’s first female wardens at Dartmoor National Park, before bringing her passion over the border.

Her work has focused on ensuring the National Park is a welcoming, accessible, and safe space for all to enjoy while supporting landowners, communities, and the warden team in managing and restoring the natural landscape.

“I am a strong believer in National Parks and what they stand for - both access and nature conservation. It is a privilege to contribute to their future,” she said.