Representing providers of Outdoor Adventurous Activities in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons
Urgent alerts and other e-mails sent to Subscribers as well as paid Members
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday a Start-Up Grant to support new small / micro businesses dealing with the severe impact of Coronavirus – which may be of value to outdoor providers who have not been eligible for other schemes to date. The fund will be worth £5m initially with flexibility for the future. … Read more
Following announcements by the Welsh First Minister on 19 June, the majority of the Brecon Beacons National Park (but not the Central Beacons, eastern Fforest Fawr or Waterfall Country) is now open for safe local use (within 5 miles of your home). The sites that remain closed (see map and list below and here) are closed … Read more
WATO (Wales Adventure Tourism Association) has issued the following statement containing additional clarification from Welsh Government, applicable until 6 July when more changes are anticipated for adventure tourism. This clarifies that professional instructors may travel more than 5 miles to work, so might enable some of you to do more with individuals or single households … Read more
Brecon Beacons National Park has re-opened the following areas in the Black Mountains and eastern National Park. Other areas of the Black Mountains, Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr and Black Mountain remain closed – see https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/list-of-brecon-beacons-national-park-closures/ for details (including a map showing the closed areas). Now open: BB-5 Black Mountains – WestAll areas of access land … Read more
The Welsh Government has confirmed to us that the guidelines for exercise and meeting other households under the current ‘Red’ Covid-19 recovery phase do permit a single instructor “to work with one family group from one household at a local venue that is open” – provided that all necessary social distancing and hygiene guidelines are … Read more
Wales’ three National Park Authorities have welcomed new Welsh Government guidance reinforcing the need for people in Wales to stay at home, stay safe and protect the NHS. The Park Authorities are also calling on all UK residents to respect rules and measures in place in Wales to protect everyone, and will be making significant … Read more
At recent regional Tourism Forums attended by WATO representatives, Visit Wales acknowledged on behalf of the Welsh Government that they are aware of those who are falling between the gaps i.e. sole traders, those below VAT threshold, newly incorporated businesses, micro business who don’t pay PAYE, those with no business rates and freelance instructors. They … Read more
Since the Outdoor Alliance wrote to the Welsh Government on 1 April asking for clarification and reassurance about the closures of footpaths and access land due to Covid-19, the Welsh Government has now provided guidance to landowners and managers, saying: “Limited closures are targeted to prevent overcrowding in specific areas only, and widespread closures of … Read more
A message from Dyfed Powys Police: Criminals are using the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic to scam the public – don’t become a victim. Law enforcement, government and private sector partners are working together to encourage members of the public to be more vigilant against fraud, particularly about sharing their financial and personal information, as criminals seek … Read more
Members of the Outdoor Alliance (including SWOAPG) wrote on Monday to the Welsh Government expressing our concerns about the ‘blanket’ closure of footpaths and access land in Wales during the Covid-19 crisis. The letter asks the Government to provide clearer information for the public about what areas are closed and about what they regard as … Read more