Waterfall Country Newsletter
The latest ‘Waterfall Country Update’ from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is available here:
Posts with this category will be posted automatically to the South Wales Outdoor Instructors Facebook page (via IFTTT and Buffer)
Survey on Lyme Disease and Outdoor Workers
SWOAPG has received the following request, which our Members may wish to assist with: “Research project: Lyme Disease and outdoor workers. Could you help complete a survey? “Do you do paid or voluntary work outdoors in parks, woodlands, cemeteries, gardens, farmland, countryside or other similar locations in Wales? “If the answer is yes, I … Read more
Fallen tree branch hanging precariously above path to Loonies’ Leap
There is a large, fallen tree branch hanging precariously above the path at the zig-zags between the Dinas Rock Hill Fort and Loonies’ Leap – please beware that it could fall at any time (if it hasn’t already!). We have informed NRW, the landowner. Thanks to the providers who brought this to our attention!
Provider-led Caving with Covid-19
The Outdoor Alliance Wales and BCA Qualifications Management Committee have been trying (unsuccessfully!) for several weeks to get a definitive answer from the Welsh Government as to whether / under what circumstances Provider-led caving is currently permitted in Wales, since it is not explicitly covered by the Covid regulations and guidance. The latest information we … Read more
Good Practice for preventing Covid-19 transmission in the Waterfall Country gorges
SWOAPG Members identified at an online workshop on 19 August the following suggestions for ‘good practice’ for preventing Covid-19 transmission in the Waterfall Country Gorges: Managing clients & equipment Be vigilant: repeat and reinforce messages (politely!) to clients Use a table to separate staff from clients during equipment issue Consider using masks / visors during … Read more
Social Distancing with under-11s
Following a question raised with us about social distancing with under-11s, we’ve done a bit of digging! The Welsh Government Guidance currently states that: “In circumstances where young children mix with others, it may not be practical to attempt to maintain continual 2 metre distancing (between children, or even between children and adults). This is … Read more
Important Reminder for ALL Gorge Users: online workshop Wed 19 Aug 7-9pm
Thank you to those of you have already signed-up for Wednesday evening’s workshop. Following recent reports of “Providers in the gorges making no attempt whatsoever to social distance – neither between group members nor between the leader and the group members”, we believe it is important for ALL gorge users to attend this workshop, to … Read more
URGENT ALERT: Loonies’ Leap launch platform is loose!
We have received a report today that the stone which forms the ‘launch platform’ at the very corner of the top jump at loonies’ Leap on the Lower Mellte is LOOSE! Please undertake your own risk assessment as to whether it is still safe to jump from this point… Stay safe out there!
The Outdoor Adventure Activity Sector Barometer Survey – August 2020
WATO and its core members (Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Snowdonia-Active & South Wales Outdoor Activity Provider Group) have recently conducted an Adventure Activity Sector Barometer Survey. The purpose of the survey was to gauge how the sector is doing on the pathway to recovery. It was administered across Wales and engaged with businesses on: If they … Read more
Gorge Users’ Workshop – Wed 19 Aug 7-9pm
We hope that as many Gorge Users as possible will be able to attend this Zoom workshop next Wednesday evening: please RSVP (using the button on the website event listing; or by e-mail) to register your interest. Now that Providers have re-commenced using the gorges in Waterfall Country, SWOAPG wishes to take the opportunity to review … Read more