Friends of the Brecon Beacons (Brecon Beacons Park Society) were delighted to attend a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act in Wales.

This was the act that led to the creation of thee National Parks and five National Landscapes.

The event, entitled “Celebrating Welsh Designated Landscapes” was held at the Senedd in Cardiff on Tuesday, March 5 and was hosted by the Campaign for National Parks. The aim was to bring together those who are working towards a positive future for all our National Parks and designated landscapes. 

Representatives of the National Parks societies, Friends groups and other partners and allied organisations had the opportunity to listen to a number of speeches, network with each other and discuss our hopes and aims for the future.

Around 100 people attended the event which was sponsored by Carolyn Thomas MS, and keynote speeches were given by Julie James, MS, Minister for Climate Change and Llyr Gruffydd MS. 

Ms James reminded attendees that our National Parks and Designated Landscapes make up a quarter of our land mass. This highlights that the work taking place in these areas is vital to improve habitats for wildlife, encourage biodiversity and maintain precious habitats such as upland peats.  

Attendees were also treated to a lively speech from Alun Elidyr on the challenges of farming in Eryri.

A presentation from the Our Food 1200 group offered an insight into the project that aims to ensure that 1200 acres of land within Bannau Brycheiniog is available for small scale fruit and vegetable growing. This ensures low food miles and provides local communities with employment opportunities close to home.

A spokepserson for Friends of the Brecon Beacons told the Brecon & Radnor Express: “We hope that there will be further opportunities to coordinate with Welsh Government on the aims and objectives of keeping our environments beautiful, full of wildlife and home to thriving communities in the years ahead.:

If you are interested in joining Friends of the Brecon Beacons (Brecon Beacons Park Society) to help protect and conserve the National Park for the benefit of all they would love to hear from you. They offer several free guided walks a week to members as well as monthly talks and a quarterly online newsletter as well as a twice-yearly magazine entitled “The Beacon”.

The Society is a UK Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation, governed by a Constitution which is lodged with the Charities Commission.

For more information visit their website www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org