The current requirement for non-AALA providers wishing to use the Upper Mellte gorge is that they “have been observed using the site in an appropriate and safe manner by an independent Technical Advisor selected by NRW (Natural Resources Wales) and BBNPA – the majority landowners”. In practice, NRW had in recent years delegated to SWOAPG the approval of a provider’s chosen Technical Adviser, but has now decided that a more rigorous approach is needed. From 1 June 2025, the requirement will therefore change to say:
- Organisations delivering Gorge Walking in the [Upper] River Mellte must hold a current AALA License covering Gorge Walking at this site, hold an equivalent inspection scheme License, such as Adventuremark, or be assured through the Visit Wales Adventure Activity Assurance Scheme (VWAAAS) Adventure Activity Assurance Scheme | Industry Visit Wales
This means that, for providers wishing to deliver gorge-walking in the Upper Mellte:
- AALA licence holders need do nothing new (since they will have confirmed their AALA licence as part of our annual gorges sign-up process) – as long as their licence remains valid.
- Non-AALA licence holders (including those whose licence expires) will need to send SWOAPG evidence of their ‘independent’ assurance (covering gorge-walking as an activity) through Adventuremark etc. or the VWAAAS – although the timing of this will depend on whether you have previously been signed off via a TA report to SWOAPG:
- from 1 June 2025 if your AALA licence expires or you have not previously been signed off with SWOAPG;
- by 1 April 2026 if you were signed off with SWOAPG prior to 1 April 2023; or
- within 3 years of the date you were signed off with SWOAPG, if this was on or after 1 April 2023.
- NB: MOD users will remain covered by their existing TOPL arrangement with NRW, so need do nothing new.
As usual, if you have any questions on this change please drop an e-mail to coordinator@swoapg.com.