Many of you will already be aware that the HSE Board has approved the option of an industry-led scheme to replace the current AALA licensing scheme – but that the final decision rests with Parliament and it will take a number of years before we reach a conclusion, Until then, there are no immediate changes to … Read more

Powys County Council is currently consulting on its new Rights of Way Improvement Plan (which excludes the Brecon Beacons National Park). Responses are invited from interested stakeholders by 15 January. See https://customer.powys.gov.uk/article/5395/Rights-of-Way-Improvement-Plan [link now defunct] for details. Most other Local Authorities in Wales are also currently reviewing their own ROWIPs, so look out for consultations … Read more

Following extended consultation with outdoor activity provider representatives, the National Trust has recently announced details of its new, sensible approach to managing events and activities on its land. See https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/outdoor-activity-providers and the attached presentation for more details. 1810-National-Trust-Outdoor-Activity-Providers-Scheme-presentation.pdf

In case any of you haven’t yet seen this… Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is calling out to the local communities of ‘Waterfall Country’ along with anyone else concerned about the area to take part in a public consultation regarding a new report aimed at addressing the traffic management issues in the area. The ‘Waterfall … Read more

"A few trees have fallen or slipped above the gorge on the approach to White Lady Cave and Town Drain. This means there are some loose rocks balanced on root balls and ledges." Please be careful! Thanks to Richard Hill for this alert.

WATO (Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation) – of which SWOAPG is a core member – is currently conducting a feasibility study (for the local council) on the scope for increasing the level of adventurous activity taking place on the Vale of Glamorgan coastline. This study is looking at the suitability of venues for activity and the … Read more

Just a 'final reminder' for any of you who haven't already registered for the South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group Annual General Meeting, 6.30pm Tue 27 Nov, Rock UK Summit Centre CF46 6RD Full details, agenda and reports (for those of you who like that sort of thing!) are at https://swoapg.com/event/swoapg-annual-general-meeting Afterwards: free tour of Centre … Read more

Following our recent notice (see below) regarding Powys CC’s consultation on future management of canoeing from Glasbury Bont… … Jane Hughes of Wye Valley Canoes has informed us that she is facing an imminent threat of legal action which, if successful, could have huge implications for all canoeing providers not only on the Wye but … Read more

Dear News, We hope you will be able to join us at the 2018 Annual General Meeting of the South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group on… Tuesday 27 November, 6.30pm at RockUK Summit Centre, CF46 6RD Refreshments will be available for purchase from the cafe and, after the meeting, a free tour of the Centre and … Read more

Paddlers on the UPPER WYE: please note revised parking arrangements at LLYSWEN / BOUGHROOD (South of Builth Wells): PLEASE DO NOT PARK in front of Archdeacon Griffiths Primary School in Llyswen (although you may still drop-off there). Alternative parking is available on the roads in Boughrood village (across the bridge) – but please continue to … Read more