Representing providers of Outdoor Adventurous Activities in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons
Many thanks to those of you who’ve responded to our request for contributions to cave Radon monitoring. We’ve already had around £800 pledged to support this work, but it’s not too late to join in – please contact coordinator@swoapg.com if you’d like to contribute to one or more dosimeters. NB contributions need to reach Richard … Read more
Many thanks to those of our Members who’ve renewed your SWOAPG membership already – if any others of you need a reminder of how to pay, please let us know! As we have already indicated, this year we are changing the gorge training requirements slightly, so that all Providers and Gorge-Leaders now need to review … Read more
This year SWOAPG is making a small change to our arrangements for gorge-walking access in Waterfall Country. Instead of asking Providers to confirm that they have completed SWOAPG Code of Conduct Training, no matter how long ago, we are asking that, from 1 April 2021, ALL gorge-walking PROVIDERS and LEADERS leaders must have reviewed our … Read more
We’re still awaiting clarification from the Welsh Government on when outdoor ‘group activity’ for adults (larger than 4 people from 2 households!) will be permitted – although we have been advised that “from 27 March (to be confirmed) the intention is to allow organised outdoor activities to support the development and wellbeing of children” – … Read more
Just in case you hadn’t seen this message (we hadn’t until we were told about it in a meeting this morning!), Brecon Beacons National Park Authority made the following announced on Friday. Hopefully this might now allow at least a few outdoor providers / staff to start getting back into the hills for re-familiarisation, personal … Read more
The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) has recently released some ‘return to work guidance’ (see attached document). Whilst AALA licensed providers are likely to have received this guidance directly from HSE, it also has relevance to both licensed and non-licensed adventure activity providers.
The Outdoor Alliance Wales (of which SWOAPG is a Member) has today launched a manifesto calling on Governments to promote the Delivery of sustainable outdoor recreation and learning for a resilient and healthy Wales. Senedd Members and MPs have been sent copies of both the English and Welsh versions of the manifesto, which are available … Read more
As you may be aware, there were some new ionisation radiation regulations (IRR17) that came into effect in 2018. These are HSE legislation and all providers that operate in caves/mines need to conform to them. The first stage of this is to produce a Radon risk assessment and establish the radon levels in the caves. … Read more
Natural Resources Wales has advised us that they will be operating fish traps on the Upper Usk (at Abercamlais on the Sennybridge-Aberbran section) and on the Yscir during the period April-May 2021. Although we anticipate few paddlers using the rivers during this period, anyone contemplating a trip on either river section needs to be aware … Read more
The Welsh Sports Association, Sport Wales and Team Wales have written a joint letter (attached) to the Welsh Government ahead of the next review of Coronavirus regulations on the 12 March. They are seeking relaxations to enable a return to outdoor sporting activity, and a clear timetable for the return of indoor activity, including: “The … Read more