Llangattock Escarpment rockfall

Thanks to Tom Partridge for the attached photo, after he “spotted [from a distance!] what looks like some fresh rock fall on / near the path to Eglwys Faen on the Llangattock Escarpment.” We’ve been advised that this hasn’t affected the path but, as always, providers should take care when transiting that area with groups…

Changes to DBS regulated activity definition

From 1 September 2026, the law about regulated activity with children in England and Wales is changing, which might affect some SWOAPG Members. From that date the ‘supervision’ rule will no longer apply. This means that if a person teaches, trains, instructs, cares for or supervises children often enough, or overnight, they will be in … Read more

Sychryd Gorge – river-left access reminder

SWOAPG Members should already be aware that the landowner of the river-left bank of the Sychryd has denied permission for groups to enter his land – except for a few Providers with which he has entered individual agreements (as advised by us in Sychryd Gorge – river-left access update on 23 Apr 2023). However, it … Read more

Reports of ‘forbidden’ coasteering on Worms Head

We have learned of a report from both coast-watch lookout staff and a local wildlife organisation that ‘organised coasteering sessions’ are happening ‘regularly’ on the north side of the Worm. Due to seals and bird life this is an absolute no-go area for coasteering. Organisations taking groups coasteering (or any other activities for that matter) … Read more

Himalayan Balsam: a small favour for anyone heading to Llygad Llwchwr (and into our gorges and rivers)!

We received the following message a couple of weeks ago from Alan Bowring of BBNPA, requesting that anyone heading to Llygad Llwchwr in the near future might assist with destroying some Himalayan Balsam plants near the Llwchwr 2 shake-hole: “I found myself back at Llygad Llwchwr today and noticed a number of Himalayan balsam plants … Read more

Another important message for Waterfall Country gorge users (Sychryd & Mellte)

Things have been very busy again in Waterfall Country so far this season, with the Dinas Rock car park being particularly busy since the opening of the new pay-and-display parking opposite the Angel, which has only increased the pressure on the ‘free’ parking at Dinas Rock and within Pontneddfechan village (and which is, of course, … Read more

Outdoor Sector Deaf Awareness Session 21 July

We have been made aware of the following event which may be of interest to SWOAPG Members: As part of the Deaf Health Wales project and the Natural Resources hub, Deaf Health Wales are hosting a free event for Outdoor Sector stakeholders in Brecon and would love to see you there! The session will be a … Read more