Volunteers, walkers, mountain rescuers and other outdoors enthusiasts gathered recently at the Visitor Centre, Forest Holidays Garwnant for the Walking the Brecon Beacons (WTBB) Open Day and Spring Festival.

WTBB grew from a common interest in getting outdoors for fitness and mental health and has grown to more than 30,000 members. Its success has drawn international attention and their work in the field of well-being was featured on ITV’s Coast and Country last week.

On Friday’s episode, presenter Sean Fletcher met with group members on a walk, learning about the benefits of walking together and the new friendships it forges.

Directors Dai Powell, Janine Price, Carl Llewellyn and Ambassador Mikey J Allen were joined by Forest Holidays Rangers. Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team, Search and Rescue Dogs Association South Wales, Merthyr Valley Ramblers, RSPB Wales, Brecon Beacons Tourism, Visit Brecon Beacon Bannau Bryceniog, Freedom Days, As you See it Media Ltd, Durban's Shoe Repairs and other supporters including Jacqui Rafferty, Lindee Meredith, Abigail Driscoll, Ethan Cooper and Justin Price.

Activities included wildlife wonders, forest survival, mini tots and mini forest rangers. There were rescue demonstrations by Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and the Severn Area Rescue Dog Association - whose dogs put on an impressive display.

There was an enjoyable walk with Merthyr Ramblers, Brecon Beacons Tourism had plenty of interest in their geological map and the RSPB shared lots of information with visitors.

Talented photographer Neil Holman attended the day, capturing photos and has kindly agreed to join the team as group photography advisor.

WTBB are proud to announce that they are working with Crickhowell-based As You See It Media Ltd to construct a new website which will support WTBB’s work in raising funds for the mountain rescue teams by selling merchandise.

There are many planned group walks and other activities over the coming months.

What's next for WTBB? Janine Price and Chris Thomas of ROC Outdoors have been working with Heidi and Keri Davies of Dark Sky Escapes on a family-friendly well-being festival within the Brecon Beacons later this year. The date for this event will be confirmed soon.