Brecon Beacons National Park Authority statement on Covid-19 countryside re-opening

Here is the latest statement from the National Park Authority:

“Following the Welsh Government’s announcement on Friday May 29th  of specific minor relaxations to movement restrictions in Wales and taking recent sector specific guidance from Natural Resources Wales into account, the Authority has been reviewing its approach to closures. We are using the NRW guidance, to plan how we move through the stages of the traffic light system for the easing of restrictions, as this enables us to do so in the best and most consistent way possible. Our utmost priority has been and remains, to protect people, our local communities and health services.

“Over the next week we will be:

  • “Finalising our review of those sites currently closed within the National Park in line with the NRW guidance and also the Health Protection Regulations (2020)
  • “Meeting with partners to co-ordinate and agree the re-opening of some sites in-line with Welsh Government’s traffic light system
  • “Preparing to reopen some areas in the week commencing 8th June pending agreement with partners (please see https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/list-of-brecon-beacons-national-park-closures/ for updates.)
  • “Starting the processes required to prepare for the eventual re-opening car parks and toilets owned by the National Park Authority including legionella testing and installation of safety systems while awaiting the Welsh Government review on the 18th June.

“We have been and continue to work behind the scenes with partners at both national  and regional levels to develop a coordinated approach to re-opening.  It is our guiding principle that we should avoid contributing to an increased public health risk from large numbers of people flocking to beauty spots and their impact on local communities.

“For the more popular sites, particularly Pen y Fan, Waterfalls Country and Llyn y Fan Fach, these areas need to remain closed for the time being but we are working with partners to plan the major work necessary to prepare for the safe return of people to these locations in line with the Welsh Government traffic light system.

“With our partners we are also exploring innovative changes to how we approach the management of visitors at honey pot sites, for the benefit of the environment, local communities and businesses.

“We are undertaking these processes in order to keep our local communities, staff and visitors safe in the interests of public health as Wales responds to the global pandemic. Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe, Chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said “We would like to thank both residents and visitors for their patience, support and for continuing to respect the restrictions in Wales. The protected landscape will be well worth the wait when it’s finally safe to return – safe for local communities, visitors and staff.”

Leave a comment