Alerts

The following advice has just been issued by the British Caving Association: “We have received confirmation from the Welsh government that led caving and mine exploration activities in Wales can recommence from May 3rd. We await definitive dates for England, but following the same criteria, May 17th looks likely. It remains essential that all [cave … Read more

We have just been informed by Powys County Council that the suspension of canoe launching at Glasbury Bont is likely to continue for some considerable time (possibly months rather than weeks), since they are now required to undertake a “Habitat Regulations Assessment” before they can recommence any launching activity on the common. They have, however, … Read more

We have just e-mailed a second batch of personalised certificates to those of you who have completed SWOAPG’s new online training (required this year for anyone leading groups in the Sychryd and Mellte gorges), which you can use to prove to employers that you have completed the training. We will keep sending these out on … Read more

We have just e-mailed personalised certificates to those of you who have completed SWOAPG’s new online training for using the Sychryd and Mellte gorges, which you can use to prove to employers that you have completed the training. Completing this training is essential if you wish to lead groups in these gorges this year!!! If … Read more

This announcement from Welsh Government might be relevant to outdoor instructors: “All those who cannot work from home are being encouraged to access lateral flow self-test kits as they are rolled out across Wales. The rapid coronavirus testing kits will be available to collect from local test sites across Wales from Friday (16 April) this … Read more

We have received notification from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water that they “are planning on testing the operation of the reservoir scour valve(s) at Ystradfellte on 20/04/2021. The test involves a short opening of the bottom outlet valve(s) of the reservoir to ensure its efficient functioning.” They have added that “we do not envisage any problems … Read more

Continuing our theme of venue updates – thanks to Richard Hill for the following message: “The deep water between the great bedding cave and the collapsed entrances I and J at Porth yr Ogof has been scoured out again and was chest deep on going through today with the Pontneddfechan gauge at 0.22m.”

Peguet have issued information and guidance following the discovery of a defect in a Maillon Rapide manufactured by them. For details see peguet_safety_notice.pdf (lyon.co.uk)

The Welsh Government announced last night that  Outdoor Group activity for up to 30 adults can now restart from 26 April (brought forward from 3 May). Also, indoor sporting facilities, including gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools will be able to reopen on the 3 May for individual activity (previously 10 May); while gatherings of … Read more

As we all start getting out-and-about again, if you spot any significant changes at venues that you think other providers should know about (e.g. caused by winter weather or by wildlife moving-in during lockdown) – such as those we’ve recently posted about the River Wye and the Sychryd Gorge – please e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com (preferably with … Read more