We have recieved the following message from Punch Maughan, Volunteer Friends & Patrons Coordinator at Theatr Brycheiniog – which may be of interest to some SWOAPG Members: “I have been working on an initiative around International Women’s Day / Brecon Women’s Day – focusing on women in the outdoors. We are currently signing off the … Read more

To Activity Tourism Businesses: The Next Tourism Generation Project (NTG) based at Cardiff Metropolitan University is assessing digital and sustainability skills in tourism and hospitality in Wales. Sectors include accommodation, F&B, tour operators and agencies, visitor attractions and destination management. Your views are important and NTG kindly requests that you complete a questionnaire (survey link … Read more

We have received the following message from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority regarding their works at the Gunpowder Works: "We’ve now completed the building consolidation phase of the project so access to Looney’s Leap shouldn’t be an issue. We still have a year in which to spot any defects so if there is anything that … Read more

Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation (WATO) is working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan council to review the current and potential interest in provision of outdoor activities at coastal venues along the Heritage Coast. Wales is experiencing a surge in visitor numbers, particular those in search of outdoor activities. The Vale of Glamorgan has excellent natural … Read more

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