Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog
Brecon Beacons Park Society
www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org

NEWSLETTERS

AUTUMN 2007

Keeping in touch by email

Since April we have made several announcements (eg about events) to members via email.  If you have not received these emails, it means that either we do not have an address for you or that the address we hold is invalid (70 cases).  If you wish to receive email announcements please send Ben Sladen (ben,sladen@aulden.plus.com) your current email address.

Mynydd Myddfai and the Pipeline Trust
Clive Eiles reports on an ongoing story

 The Society, among others, opposed the laying by National Grid of the gas pipeline across Mynydd Myddfai. Following the decision to do so, our approach has been to try and ensure that the work damaged the sensitive area as little as possible and that the land was reinstated as well as possible. We have held three briefing meetings and visits to Mynydd Myddfai - before work started, during the work and most recently on October 13th looking at archaeological finds and at the reinstatement process: if the more pessimistic fears prove accurate we shall have to hope that the present stand-off between the Park and the Grid about responsibility for the ongoing regeneration work is resolved.

Pipeline Trust Fund

National Grid had to negotiate putting the pipeline across Mynydd Myddfai with the National Park, which owns much of the land there. The agreement included £1,000,000 from National Grid for a Trust Fund for environmental work in the Park west of the A470, for conservation, environment protection, enhancement of awareness of environment, and education. The Trustees are to be the Grid, the Park, Wildlife Trust Wales, Council for Preservation of Rural Wales and the Park Society. A charitable status company will decide how the money is to be spent. While we opposed the route across Mynydd Myddfai, it’s some consolation that it will now be possible to get some valuable work done.

 Corporate Forum
Geoffrey Willams on making links with businesses

 The Executive Committee has been investigating the benefits of forming a forum of firms, companies and individuals which could help in achieving the Society’s aims by contributing in kind to events or campaigns or by funding contributions. The Corporate Forum will be launched soon and a list is being compiled of companies and businesses in and near the National Park which could be invited to join the Forum – please send any suggestions to Geoff.

 Monmouth and Brecon Canal: Living Links Project
A report from Helen Jeffries (Torfaen Council) and Judy Cox

 The canal through Torfaen to Newport and from Newport to Crumlin is in serious need of regeneration. Torfaen is leading a shortlisted Lottery bid – ‘Living Links’ – for regeneration of the canal which runs through some of South East Wales’ poorest communities and reaches the SE doorstep of the Park. Improving and developing the canal would encourage more inclusive use for a diverse range of activities and enhance walking, cycling and appreciation of wildlife and local history. In future it is hoped to open up the canal to Newport (giving access to the Severn and English canals). 
Meanwhile, you can see more about this Living Links lottery bid at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk .

A Cautionary Tale: Solo Walking
Anne Pritchard comments on solo hill walking

 Society member Ruth Palmer was injured in a fall recently whilst out walking alone not far from her Brecon home. She was carrying a whistle and mobile phone, but was in woods where no-one could have heard the whistle, and she could not get a mobile phone signal for nearly an hour. Luckily, she got a signal eventually, called the emergency services and was taken by air ambulance to Nevill Hall Hospital for surgery; she is back home on crutches. We wish Ruth a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the hill soon.

If you walk on your own, consider the following:
Don't take unnecessary risks by tackling overly long or difficult routes
Be fully prepared and equipped, and competent at navigation
Carry a whistle around your neck or in your pocket, not in your pack – the signal for needing mountain rescue is six short blasts in quick succession repeated at one-minute intervals
Consider taking a stick and a mobile phone. Mobiles don't work in some locations, particularly some hilly and remote areas, they depend on limited battery power, and their signals cannot be pinpointed with any accuracy. They are not a substitute for other safety precautions and the mountain rescue services stress they should be used to call for help only in cases of real emergency. If you do call for help (call 999 and ask for Police/Mountain Rescue) make sure to give your number and keep your mobile turned on so the emergency services can call you back.
Avoid using a personal stereo if this stops you remaining alert
Leave a route card (or note of your whereabouts) and expected time of return with family, friend, neighbour. Make sure they will raise the alarm if you have not returned by the deadline– and don’t forget to let them know that you have returned!   
[Based on advice from Ramblers website www.ramblers.org.uk/info/practical/safety.html#General and in Mountaincraft and Leadership, Eric Langmuir, 1995]

 New National Park Authority Posts

 John Cook is the new Director of Countryside and Land Management, with responsibility for Wardens and Estates; Access and Rights of Way; Tourism; Visitor Services and Centres; Education; management of BBNPA land. Dennis Canney and Kevin Jones are the new Area Planning Managers.

Reg Gammon  at Capel-y-ffin
Exhibition at Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery, 6  Oct – 1 Dec

Reg Gammon was a talented writer, artist and illustrator who died in 1997 aged 103.  Between 1939 and 1962 he lived in a farm above Capel-y-ffin. This exhibition of his writings and pictures captures the flavour of life in and around the Llanthony valley during and after World War II.

Walks and Special Events
Jim Wilson keeps us informed

The biggest change since the Spring Newsletter is the combining of the Guided Walks and Special Events Programmes: this saves on printing and frees up Clive Eiles for monitoring pipeline activity. Many thanks to Clive for his innovative stewardship of the Special Events Programme. I am very glad that Judy Cox, Dianne Thomas and Ruth Sansom are assisting Anne Pritchard and me with the new combined Guided Walks and Events Programmes - thanks to this new team, and of course to Leaders, for creating the Autumn Programme.

Recent and Current Programmes

The Spring Programme, with 45 walks (although poor weather necessitated cancelling or postponing a few) had 640 participants, averaging 14 per walk. The “John Sansom Commemorative Weekend” included some of John’s personal favourites, with 55 people on the walk to John’s memorial. The Summer Programme, with 50 walks (43 in Summer 06), including the AGM Weekend and two trips to N. Wales, proved very popular with 577 participants (478 in Summer 06) with an average of 13 per walk. The current Autumn Guided Walks and Events Programme has 49 walks and 6 events, including two walks on World Car Free Day (22 Sept) using public transport, a joint walk with Blaenafon World Heritage Site, and the Ceredigion Coast Path.  Events include a Walls of Llangynidr outing, a visit to a Beacons Way Art Trail work, and a “Tribute to Alexander Cordell” illustrated talk (November 9th). Feedback on the “Walking at a Gentler Pace” initiative would be welcome. The Winter 07/08 Programme is in development - thanks for contributions received so far.

Looking Ahead – a Walking Festival and a Great Debate

Work is already in progress for the Spring Programme! The Society is involved in a Walking Festival in the Crickhowell area in March 2008. On April 18th-19th the Society will host the first ever “Welsh Park Societies Weekend”  – a weekend of walks and events for members of the three Welsh National Park Societies, including a Great Debate on the future of Wales’ National Parks. (Information on the Special Events website page.) Please send Jim YOUR suggestions on how our programmes should evolve in the future.                                   

Walks Leaders and Other People News

A few changes to our walk leader community since the Spring Newsletter: many thanks to John Wilks, who has stepped down from leading, for his contributions. Welcome to new leaders - Pat Sheehan, Eamonn McGreevy, Andrew Leonard, Penny Leonard, Angela Morgan, Dilys Harlow and Angela Woolley. Arrangements for first aid training for leaders who wish it are in progress. Thanks to all who have created, delivered and participated in our programmes - it has been fun.  Other people news: we wish Ruth Palmer a swift recovery from her bad fall when walking alone (see Anne Pritchard’s article). Also on a possibly painful note, Good Luck to Paula Ace who will compete in the December Everest Marathon; and congratulations to Vanessa Priestly who completed a sweltering London Marathon this summer.

Website News - Web Walks are Big Hits

 The Guided Walks and Special Events sections of the website continue to expand: have a look!  Within the Guided Walks Section there are now 6 new Self Guided Walks, with maps, in various parts of the Park. They are devised by Society members and can be downloaded and printed free. This is now one of the most popular sections of the Society’s website.

Building a Walks Library - Can YOU Contribute?
Asks Judy Cox

As a possible spin-off from the success of these self-guided walk routes, plans are afoot to build a library of self-guided walks which the Society could perhaps publish in the future – possibly on the website or in printed format. The walk routes could be used by new leaders or may inspire existing leaders. To help build a collection of self-guided walks, Judy Cox would like members to send her written route descriptions of their favourite walks within and around the National Park, in a format like the ones on the website. These walks should avoid popular areas by offering the less well-known delights of the Park and nearby areas. The descriptions should be clearly written and should include local information - eg history, legends, geography. Please contact Judy for further information (contact details on back page).

Car-Sharing is Carbon-Sparing

We are all thinking of ways to lighten our environmental impacts. We highlighted ‘World Car-Free Day’ in this Autumn’s programme. To get out into the National Park we use cars, as public transport options are so limited (see Judy Cox’s article, Spring 2007 Newsletter.) The Society would like to encourage more car-sharing. Some members do share cars to Guided Walks – why not consider doing that more often? When you meet other walkers who live in your area, swap contact details and liaise about lifts.
Any other green ideas? Contact the Newsletter with your suggestions.

Trekking in Iceland with Clive Eiles

In 2006 Clive led a group of 9 people trekking in North West Iceland. Next summer (July-August 2008) he will be going to the East Fjords, a spectacular, wild area known as the land of the deserted inlets. More information is on the Society website. For details please contact Clive: clive.eiles@ukgateway.net 

Augustus John Landscape Painting

 William Gibbs is pleased to report that with the help of BBPS members, Brecknock Museum and Art Trust was able to locate the viewpoints (near Crai) from which Augustus John, an artist from S Wales, painted a Beacons landscape in about 1912. This helped the Museum gain Art Fund money to buy the picture, possibly the only John landscape in a Welsh collection.

Art Trail Education Project
Liz Gibbs tells us of a creative spin-off from the Beacons Way Art Trail

The Society is working on a new initiative to encourage young people to enjoy and value the National Park. The BBNPA Education Department is to develop Activity Days to get children/young people out into the Park, using the Art Trail works to develop their appreciation of landscape. Hopefully, with funding from the Society, local artists, some of whom worked on the Art Trail project, will be involved. We are applying for matching funding for transport costs: the Activity Days will be targeted at schools on the Park’s periphery in areas of social deprivation where transport costs can discourage use of the Park’s facilities.

‘8 Stones 8 Artists’

This book about the Beacons Way Art Trail, which includes materials to make rubbings of the 8 art works, is published by Little Fish Press. Available from the Society Website; Crickhowell Information Centre; Art Shop, Abergavenny; Mount Street Gallery & Book Shop , Brecon; or bookshops, it costs £4.99.

Upland Erosion
Geoff Williams reports

Society members will be aware of erosion problems caused or exacerbated by the impact of boots or of off-road vehicles. Walkers appreciate efforts to maintain surfaces on well-trodden routes and to minimise scarring of upland landscapes. We can all try to minimise impact – for example, walking on and not alongside laid paths, avoiding seriously damaged paths, and planning some group walks in less-visited parts of the Park.  The Park Authority is considering adoption of an excellent ‘Upland Erosion Strategy’ which outlines plans for managing this problem. The Strategy responds to a condition survey in 1996/7 which identified problems on 1285 kms of mountain paths by seeking to up-date this figure, review efficacy of remedial treatments, identify future requirements and  funding sources for remedial work and look at solutions tried elsewhere. It recommends integrated management of footpaths and creation of an independent charitable Trust to implement the plan.  

Off-roading

As reported in the last Newsletter (Spring 2007), motorised activity in upland areas causes erosion; it’s often illegal but very difficult to monitor. Solutions to that complex ongoing problem are always being sought and the Committee is looking into possible mechanisms for reporting sightings of potentially illegal off-roading incidents, in liaison with the police and other relevant bodies.

Ticks and Lyme Disease

A walker contracted Lyme disease, carried by ticks, in the west of the Park recently. Check for ticks on skin/clothes after walking, specially in bracken or woodland. Ticks need to be on skin for 24 hours to transmit the disease. Early signs are red rashes and flu-like symptoms: seek medical advice

Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Roger White has been maintaining input from the BBPS

 The Rights of Way Improvement Plan will shortly be published by the Park Authority. When last year’s draft RoWIP was published we commented on issues such as erosion control, map errors, maintenance standards and planning.  An amended draft was produced by the Authority this summer and we submitted further comments. The final version of the RoWIP is a great improvement but remains rather weak on costs. We are glad to note that most of our comments have been taken into account and, optimistic as ever, hope that it will be used for real improvements in the network of rights of way.

 Do you have news or views on Rights of Way or Access?
Society member Mary Lewis monitors rights of way local issues within the Park. If you have information, please contact Mary on 01792 232883.

The ROW closures along the pipeline route have been extended to the end of the year. The footpath behind Sgwyd yr Eira (reported in the last ‘Beacon’) is still closed pending decisions about how to deal with the unstable rockface.
Access issues are among matters discussed by the Park’s Local Access Forums and Area Advisory Forums, on which Society members sit. If you have views or questions on these, contact Geoff Williams: gdvaughan.will@virgin.net 

Planning – a Watchful Eye
Liz Gibbs reports on the Society’s new approach to planning issues

 In order to monitor development and planning within the Park, a new subgroup of the executive committee has been set up:  Geoffrey Williams, Richard Chandler and Elizabeth Gibbs are currently making representations about the Ministry of Defence application for continued military use at Brynich Fields, Brecon, and monitoring the proposed development at Cwrt-y-Gollen, near Crickhowell. The Park Authority is developing a “planning portal” to enable public internet access to planning applications. The subgroup will scan this to pick up developments of concern and submit comments where necessary.

 Walls of Llangynidr
William Gibbs on some recent activities

Our most recent project to rebuild a section of mountain wall on Glaisfer Isaf is well under way. Dewi Vaughan who qualified through Walls of Llangynidr training scheme has almost finished a 30 metre stretch of wall just below the mountain road as you leave LLangynidr on the Beaufort road. Dewi also held a very successful demonstration of dry stone walling at the Llangynidr Show, at which WOL had a display tent and was able to show off to local residents and visitors what we have achieved since 2000.

News items for this twice-yearly Newsletter are always needed
 please contact the editor, Miriam Griffiths

 Intriguing Sights and Interesting Snippets?
Share them with other members by sending them to the Newsletter editor.  

 Judy Cox would like to know if anyone has further information on these:
- A weathered stone slab in the ground inscribed HE THAT SINNETH IS OF THE DEVIL BE YE HOLY, near Hafod Farm NE of Brynmawr GR SO 209131.
- A new slate post on Gilwern Hill, N of Clydach and NW of Gilwern, above the lower Clydach Gorge. (GR SO 237132). One face is inscribed BOB SMITH; the sides are cut with Ogam characters - who can read Ogam?
- Near Keepers Pond between Govilon Road and B4246 in a hollow near the Ice cream van: a recent carved cross with a plate "Bobby". GR SO 253108.

Meanwhile Miriam Griffiths has so far found 11 ‘Mrs Macnamara’ boundary stones (dated 1820s) in the Black Mountains and is tracking down information about Mary, wife of John Macnamara. Well-known legends about him tell us nothing about these stones - unusual in marking property owned by a woman.

Geoff Williams reported seeing a gruesome drama on a Society walk: two 'burying' or 'sexton' beetles (Necrophorus vespilloides) burying a dead Common Shrew. After mating, male and a female bury a carcass; the female lays eggs under the soil near the body and she and her offspring will feed on it.    

And after spotting an open rain water 'leat ' over the Newport - Abergavenny rail track, Geoff would like to know of others in the area. ”This is quite rare - I know of one other over the Mid Wales line at Sugerloaf halt N of Llandovery”

Lost your walking poles?

Found after the Society Walk on Sunday 1st July at the bridge at Llangadog - a pair of trekking poles. Contact Geoff Williams to arrange collection.

Newsletter Editor
Miriam Griffiths: miriamg@ntworld.com 
Telephone: 029 2023 8930

SPRING 2007

Help Wanted - Apply Within!

Park Society Executive Members, who are all non-paid volunteers, are aiming to extend the Society’s scope and influence in the National Park during 2007/08. At the moment they are committing as much time and effort as is reasonably possible, so they are going to need some help. If any member feels able to assist with such tasks as monitoring planning procedures, helping with Guided Walks or Special Events programmes, preparing meeting agendas and taking minutes, monitoring the upland landscape, reviewing Rights of Way modifications or even watching National Grid build a gas pipeline, please contact any Executive member: All offers of assistance will be gratefully received.

Work begins on National Grid Pipeline
Roger White updates us

Previous Park Society Newsletters have reported our consistent objections to the routing of the gas pipeline through environmentally sensitive areas of the National Park, particularly the moorlands of Mynydd Myddfai and Mynydd Bach Trecastell. In the autumn a Society member saw and reported contractors’ vehicles damaging the area, resulting in National Grid improving their site controls to prevent further such incidents.
As noted in our Annual Report, despite our objections, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry gave consent to National Grid for their pipeline route including the sections through parts of the National Park. National Grid then had to seek agreement for its methods of operation – and very recently construction work has begun at Mynydd Myddfai.
Meanwhile the National Park Authority has appointed Wyn Morgan as Pipeline Warden, a post which will be funded by National Grid for six years. He will be an important link for people with an interest in the pipeline and its effects on local communities and environment. The Society will be helping him in monitoring and keeping watch on the construction work and we ask members to report any unsatisfactory activities connected to pipeline construction: contact Clive Eiles (clive.eiles@hertford.oxon.org;  01550 740188) if you can offer help or information. In addition National Grid will sponsor an environmental fund on which we are being consulted

Special Event at  Mynydd Myddfai

On May 5, in the Society’s current special events programme, there is a visit to see the Archaeology of Mynydd Myddfai.  This will include a preview of some “future archaeology”, the gas pipeline, currently being constructed

Changes to National Park Area Management

Until now the National Park has been managed in three areas – Western, Central and Eastern. With the departure of Mike Scruby, Eastern Area Manager, the Park's operations are being reorganised into two areas – Western and Eastern.
The current Central area will be divided in two, with Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du becoming part of the new Western Area to be managed by Judith Harvey; thus the whole Geopark will be in the new Western Area. Alan Ward, at present Central Area Manager, will manage the new Eastern Area; this will include the eastern part of the current Central area together with all the present Eastern Area. In effect, the Gap Road (the ‘Roman Road’ which runs north from the Taff Fechan valley and over the Beacons escarpment between Cribyn and Fan-y-Big) will form the dividing line between the two new Park Areas.

Illegal Off-Roading – a vexed question
A report from Geoffrey Williams

The executive Committee has been discussing the vexed question of the damage that is being caused to the upland areas of the Park by illegal off –roading, following reports about the enormous amount of damage caused west of the Talybont Reservoir.  This damage will possibly be more costly to repair than that caused by the National Grid on Mynydd Myddfai.
Photographs of the damage were taken on a Society walk and a sub- committee was set up to report on the problem. This group, having gathered information from all over Wales, is now seeking a meeting with the Park Authority and liaison with the Police. The problem is complicated because of the difficulty of preparing a suitable reporting form, which could be used by Society members to report damage and illegal activity, and the need to work closely with the Park and the Police and the Local Authorities who are responsible for the enforcement of the law in this matter. In addition, it is not always clear when there is vehicular right of way on certain tracks – it depends on their classification, which is not always fully detailed on OS maps.

The Beacons Way Art Trail
Elizabeth Gibbs gives a progress report

The Beacons Way Art Trail has been developed by Brecknock Museum Art Trust and the Park Society. Along the route of each of the eight sections of the Beacons Way will be a block of locally quarried Old Red Sandstone – from Fforest Coal Pit – into which has been set a 30cm by 21cm relief image created by an artist working in or near the National Park. The images, mostly cast in iron or bronze, display a variety of responses to the landscape, its ecology and mythology. Half the artists are sculptors – Sally Matthews, Richard Renshaw, Desmond Harrison and Sue Hiley Harris; the others are painter Megan Jones, watercolourist and print-maker Robert MacDonald, maker of artist books Shirley Jones and embroiderer Marcelle Davies.
The Guide to the art trail, ‘Eight Stones, Eight Artists: Exploring the Beacons Way Art Trail’ by David Moore is published by Little Fish Press. It introduces artists working in the Brecon Beacons, with information about the eight artists and a photograph of each artist by Bernard Mitchell. Sketch maps show the location of the eight artworks and there is guidance on how to take rubbings of the images with a wax crayon or soft pencil on tracing paper.
An exhibition entitled ‘The Beacons Way Art Trail’ is at the Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery until 20th May. Preparatory works by each artist are displayed alongside a map of the walk section and other works. The Art Shop in Abergavenny has a selling exhibition of work by these artists entitled ‘Eight Artists on The Trail’, from 17th April – 12th June.  On 26th April it hosted a book-signing marking the publication of the Guide to the art trail.

The Guided Walks Programme Continues Apace
Jim Wilson reports

As you may recall from the last Newsletter, my approach is:  “If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It”.  Well, the Guided Walks Programme still isn’t broke, but continues to be very successful and much enjoyed by participants.  However, several new initiatives have been agreed by the Executive Committee. These include:
- Expanding the programme with  more walks similar to the current ones (to help keep the average number of participants to a reasonable level)
-  Augmenting the programme with more walks to suit members who prefer walking at a more leisurely pace (eg. the “Walking at a gentler pace” series of walks introduced in the Spring programme)
- Improving the Society’s support of our Walk Leaders by subsidising Navigation Training, First Aid Training and Kits, and Emergency Shelters.

The Autumn and Winter Programmes

The Autumn programme was well received by members, generating 38 guided walks (42 guided walks Sept/Nov 2005) with a total of 457 people participating. The average attendance was 12 persons per walk during this period and the average length of walk was 18.7km or 11.7 miles.  The Winter programme also proved popular: it provided 34 guided walks (33 guided walks in Winter 2005/2006) with a total of 536 people participating. The average attendance was 16 persons per walk during this period and the average length of walk was 18km or 11 miles. Mention must be made of Roger White’s “Personal Best” of 53 people on his “Black Mountains in Winter” walk on 27th Jan. Two walks were cancelled due to very severe weather conditions while the “Winter Traverse of the Beacons” on 11th Feb was reduced to the first and last sections of the walk as it was not possible to stand up on the tops. On a more serious note, Dan Hadfield had a fall during the walk on 4th Feb, was quite shaken but had no major injuries; he has now recovered fully. Well done to all who helped manage the incident.

Current and Forthcoming Programmes

The current Spring programme came out on schedule. It contains 45 walks including the return of the popular Friday walks and introduces a new category  “Walking at a Gentler Pace” which offers walks of similar length and grade to our established walks but catering for those who prefer a slightly slower pace.  Unfortunately the Spring programme did not get off to a flying start: atrocious weather conditions on 4th March caused cancellation of the “Dance of the Four Fans” walk and postponement (till 10th June) of “Day 4 of the Beacons Way”. I believe that both of these decisions were correct as the safety of participants must be paramount and after all it is supposed to be fun. The programme is now going well and the development of the Summer programme is in progress.
The Beacons Way series of walks (one stage on the first Sunday of each month) is fully booked with a waiting list.                       

Walks Programme Latest News

We have additions to our walk leader community: Malcolm and Wendy Winney and Sean O’Donoghue: all have lots of long distance walking experience both within and beyond the National Park. Congratulations to Ros Grant, Rob Knowles and Terry Cox on passing their Walking Group Leaders assessment.
The Guided Walk section of the website continues to evolve and expand, notably with the creation of the new “Useful Information” page, where information of general use to members and anyone who likes walking in the Park is to be found. The information is both long lasting (eg useful web sites) and transient (eg temporary closures of car parks).
Here are a few eye popping statistics for the last twelve months’ Guided Walks Programme: there have been 2126 participants on the 172 walks held, with a total of 38,845 km being walked; (the earth’s circumference is 40,077 km)!! 
I hope you all continue to enjoy the Guided Walks Programme and please do not hesitate to contact me with ideas and suggestions for the Programme

Footpath problems when you are out and about in the Park?

Roger White reminds members to report problems on footpaths and Rights of Way (obstructions, map errors, misleading signs, broken furniture) to the Park Authority. Call Avril Barnes at the National Park headquarters on 01874 624437 or email row@breconbeacons.org; or contact Area Wardens.

John Sansom Memorial Weekend
A message from Ruth Sansom

The Society’s memorial weekend was a wonderful tribute to John. The Friday afternoon and evening, showing his interest in Dry Stone Walling, the Llangynidr walls and the Beacon Way Art project brought back many memories of his enthusiasm and interest. I can’t put into words the emotion experienced by the events on Saturday which will remain with me forever. So many people came to remember John and the effort he put into the Beacons Way. Then to see the plaque in the wall at Cwm Gu bearing his name and dates is the greatest tribute anyone could ask. Timothy, Lucy and I scattered John’s ashes where he would have wished. The tributes paid to John in ‘The Bear’ were a lovely end to an unforgettable day. Sunday’s walk of Stage 2 of the Beacons Way provided a splendid finale - glorious weather to start and a fine storm on the Table Mountain; John was in his element in a thunderstorm. 
Timothy, Lucy and I cannot thank the committee sufficiently for the effort, time, generosity and thought put into this very special weekend - John would have enjoyed every minute. Thank you, everybody. One more thought: John was a very modest man and would have been overwhelmed by the tributes to him.

Public Transport and the National Park
Judy Cox calls for joined-up thinking

The Brecon Beacons National Park, like all National Parks, is a sparsely populated rural area, poorly served by public transport. Cars are essential for residents and visitors, for whom large car parks are needed. Congestion can be unpleasant, as in the Llanthony valley in the summer. Unofficial, unsightly passing places and car parks appear. Getting around is very difficult for those without their own transport and visiting the National Park is impossible for many living in deprived areas. The Beacons Bus is an excellent step in the right direction but its catchment area is limited; like all public transport it is also expensive. There are no train stations within the Park although there are nine, soon to be ten, reasonably close to the boundary. Train services are often poor at the weekend, especially on Sundays if disrupted by engineering work, yet this is the popular visiting day. There is lack of coordination between bus and train services and a general failure to promote access to the Park.

 What’s needed

 A recent Council for National Parks seminar on National Parks and Transport, attended by Geoff Williams and myself, noted the need to:
- promote train and bus services to, from and through National Parks.
- establish and advertise links with connecting transport services that will serve public needs. Taxi services must be available and advertised.
- encourage and promote Park and Ride facilities.
- promote and publicise green transport policies within and around Parks.
- promote “specialist” mini-bus services, which can use the rural roads.
- promote cycling - safe off-road routes, bicycle-carrying facilities on public transport, and cycle hire, including child- and disability-friendly equipment.
- establish long-term funding.
We should campaign for local stations to be regarded by the Park Authority and by rail and bus companies as gateways to the National Park. Joint and coordinated timetables for these services are needed. At the seminar examples of transport in other National Parks were referred to, eg the excellent, popular Puffin Shuttle mini-bus servicing the Pembrokeshire Coast.                             

 Our personal contribution

Then there is the equally difficult matter of our personal contribution. Members are widespread; without realistic alternatives, we drive to Programme walks often over quite long distances; (sharing cars where possible). Using a coach for each walk is not always possible; the coach may not be able to reach the start or end point. Using service buses may result in overcrowding, excluding the public. Occasionally trains may be possible but Sunday services are poor and liable to change; timetables are published too late for our Programme. 

Any bright ideas? What we need is joined-up thinking: JudyOCox@aol.com 

Sand and Gravel in the Usk Valley
Nigel Phillips follows the story’s twists and turns

In an initial version of its Unitary Development Plant the National Park Authority declined to indicate where reserves of Sand and Gravel (which might then be extracted by future developers) were located within the Usk Valley. This was contrary to Welsh Assembly Government advice and so the BBNPA included notification of the reserves in a 2nd edition of their UDP. Considerable disquiet among various organizations led to a Public Enquiry, which ruled against the inclusion of sand and gravel reserves on the grounds that the quality and quantity of the reserves was not known and that the area is a protected landscape. The BBNPA agreed to abide by this and modified its UDP accordingly. However WAG objected again, threatening possible financial penalties if its wishes were not followed and Park Officers did another about-turn and proposed a further modification to include the reserves.
Along with many other organisations, the Park Society objected to this latest modification and at a December meeting Park Authority Members unanimously rejected the inclusion of sand and gravel reserves, to the delight of all interested parties. Subsequently WAG has directed the BBNPA not to adopt its UDP without showing the reserves. Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside Carwyn Jones said the action was regrettable but necessary 'to ensure that important sand and gravel resources in the National Park are protected for future generations'. It seems likely that the Park Authority will not formally adopt their UDP but still use it as a framework for making planning decisions. Park Society Executive members are monitoring the situation and will no doubt make further protestations if necessary.

 Walls of Llangynidr

 Plans are well in hand for the Walls of Llangynidr project to be incorporated into the Park Society. Walls of Llangynidr was originally formed as a working partnership between the Brecon Beacons National Park, the South Wales Branch of the Dry Stone Wall Association and Llangynidr Community Council. Its aims are to repair and rebuild the dry stone mountain walls of Llangynidr; to create a pilot community project for the preservation of stone walls within the National Park; and to train skilled builders of dry stone walls.
They wish to expand their activities to other areas of the National Park and will be able to use the Society's charitable status to gain easier access to funding for this important restoration work. It is intended that a Walls of Llangynidr representative will sit as a member of the Park Society Executive and that members of the Society will be offered guided walks to visit restoration sites. Maybe there are members who wish to be trained in dry stone walling techniques?

Society Special Events Programme
A reminder from Clive Eiles

Look out for the next programme of Special Events, which comes out shortly. 
Note the topical event on May 5th at Mynydd Myddfai. On April 29 there is the rearranged visit to Worms Head, postponed from March 4th.  The visit starts from 9am at Rhosilli, but please let me know if you want to come.

National Park 50th Anniversary

This year is the Brecon Beacons National Park’s 50th anniversary – and the Park Authority is putting on several celebratory activities, including exhibitions, events and publications. The Society was represented at a special service in Brecon Cathedral on 15th April. There’s also a new National Park logo and a new Conservation Trust has been created

Society Web-site: www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org

The Park Society web-site has recently been reorganized, the 'home' page simplified and a 'contents' page added. The 'Society News' page has a section on recent news and links to 'Press Releases', 'Newsletters' and 'Campaigns and Issues'. More articles from 'The Beacon' are available and the many pages within 'The Beacons Way' section now contain almost 50 pictures of the route as well as a new 'Hints and Tips' for navigators. 'About the National Park' contains a range of information and Useful Links to other web-sites. The 'Guided Walks' pages are now being managed by Jim Wilson. As well as the Current and Next Guided Walks Programmes there are 'Trails and Treks' and 'Useful Information' for walkers. A new service will enable users to view and download a series of Self Guided Walks within the Park.
Any comments or ideas for developing the web-site (please) to Nigel Phillips.

News items for this twice-yearly Newsletter are always needed – please contact the editor, Miriam Griffiths: miriamg@ntworld.com 

AUTUMN 2006

 Proposed Memorial to John Sansom

The death of Society founder member John Sansom on 24 June was a huge loss to the Society of a much-respected colleague and friend.
On behalf of the Society, Chris Barber is currently working on ideas for a permanent memorial to John Sansom. It will take the form of a stone plaque inscribed with his name, the dates of his life and the simple statement: "He created the Beacons Way". Beneath these words will be a carving of the Beacons Way  waymark. It is hoped that the memorial will be set into a rebuilt  stone wall in Cwm-gu on the Beacons Way.
The Executive Committee are considering organising a special John Sansom Memorial Weekend (probably 13-15 April, 2007), with events taking place relating to John's interests, such as stone wall renovation. The memorial will be unveiled on the Saturday and those attending will walk to Cwm-gu along the Beacons Way from Crickhowell. This date has been chosen because it is close to the anniversary of when John led the very first  walk along the Beacons Way for the Society.
Further details will be made available sometime next year.

News Items for Next Newsletter

The next Newsletter comes out in Spring 2007.  Please send items of current interest about the National Park – eg  news, events, changes, activities – to: 
Miriam Griffiths  miriamg@ntlworld.com or ring 029 20 238930.  

An Icelandic Saga:
In June, Clive Eiles led the Society’s first ever
 Walking Trip Abroad

“It exceeded my expectations”, said one person, of our ten day walking trip to the far north west of Iceland, s when we had arrived back in the nearest town, after a high speed, and quite bumpy boat ride.  Perhaps it was relief that the boat arrived to pick us up, after we had waited an hour or so for it in the rain.
It could have been the open air hot water swimming pools, or the  fish fresh from the sea which did it. Or perhaps just the whole experience of spending 10 days in one of the remotest parts of Iceland, walking up the Arctic Ocean coast, and having the entire place almost all to ourselves.  Of course the good weather helped too, and the stunning scenery.  It might also have been the places we stayed in, which culminated in spending 3 nights in the country’s most northerly lighthouse, now automatic, where  the keeper’s house is now used in the summer for accommodation.
Then there was the group (9 in all) itself.  I got an email from the people who run the lighthouse – “I have to thank you for coming and for the lovely people you bring to us.  This group was very good and we often talk about you, very kind and warm people all of you.  We will meet you again one day, I hope in Wales.”
Next summer I shall be taking a group to the opposite side of Iceland, I hope it is half as enjoyable as last year – and to come you do not have to pass a test for loveliness!

The Future of Foot and Mouth Fences

 Several post and wire fences were erected in various locations in the National Park during the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001. The future of these fences, including discussion as to whether they should be removed, is presently under consideration and discussions will take place between interested parties, the National Park Authority and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Two Society Navigation Courses
Both at:  Brecon Beacons National Park Craig-y-nos Country Park Visitor Centre on the A4067. Grid Reference: SN 839155. 

GET LOST! 
A two-day basic navigation course 
Designed to test and improve basic navigational skills, the course will cover: map symbols, hand-railing, compass bearings, distance measurement and detailed route planning. Of benefit to mountain walkers, it should be a useful introduction/refresher for those wishing to go on and obtain more advanced navigation qualifications.

 GET LOST AGAIN!
A two-day more advanced navigation course
Designed as a follow-up to ‘Get Lost!’, this more detailed and intensive course will cover: map interpretation and comparison, micro-navigation, relocation strategies, contour navigation, using a GPS and night navigation.
Contact Nigel Phillips for dates and more details: 01639 730179.or go to the Navigation Courses Page

 Litter Makes a Fine Display at the Mountain Centre

 The Park Society was delighted with the quality of the entries for the “Litter Project” Prize, a competition, run with the Park Authority and Keep Wales Tidy, for school projects that engaged young people in thinking about litter and its impact on the environment. At the award ceremony on July 12th at the Mountain Centre, the National Park Education Officers had made a fine display of the work submitted.
There were six excellent entries, but that from Llangors Church in Wales Primary School won first prize of £500:  the pupils had been encouraged to think for themselves and createdan imaginative display that reflected deep involvement and a real understanding of the issues.
The prizes were presented by Councillor Mrs Margaret Morris, former Chairman of the National Park Authority and the runners up, who all received £100, were Aberaeron Primary School, Gilwern Junior and Infants School, Llangynidr County Primary School, Sennybridge County Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Ryd y Grug, Merthyr.  The Chief Executive of the Park Authority, Chris Gledhill, and Kirsty Williams AM also spoke to the guests who included pupils and teachers from the schools, who enjoyed a special tea funded by the BBNPA’s Sustainable Events Fund.  It is intended that the competition be run again in 2007/8 with some modification to encourage entries from Secondary Schools.

Making Sure the Voice of the Park Society is Heard

 The Executive Committee continues to represent the Park Society on various National Park Authority committees and groups and to make sure that the society’s views are contributed to topical discussions and decisions. As well as ongoing representation on Area Advisory Forums and Local Area Access Forums, the Society has representation on two other Park Authority committees – the Geopark Management Group and the Beacons Way Steering Group. 
The Society is also a member of the UK Council for National Parks (which keeps us in touch with general issues affecting National Parks, and we maintain contact with organisations like  the Ramblers and the Countryside Council for Wales, to share news and information.

 United We Stand!

Some members of the Executive Committee met with counter-parts from the Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia National Park Societies during the summer. It was agreed that the three National Park Societies in Wales could benefit from closer contact and sometimes working together or sharing information.
As 2007 is the 50th anniversary of the Brecon Beacons National Park, plans are afoot to invite members from the other two Welsh Park Societies to join our members for a weekend of events and walks in mid-May. Pencil the 13-15 May into your diary as the likely weekend for showing visitors from the other two Societies around our Park.

The Last Days of a Black and White Cat
Judy and John Cox report

Those on the August 12th Glamorgan heritage coast walk, led by Rob Knowles and Judy Cox, may wonder what became of a thin, weak cat found near Limpert Bay near the start.  At the end of the walk, a few of us went back and found the cat, extremely weak and unable to stand. He struggled and meowed but we got him home for the night. Next morning at the Emergency Vet surgery at Ystrad Mynach he was pronounced a neutered male, elderly and near starving; he did not have any serious feline illnesses so we brought him home, named ‘Limpet’, derived from Limpert Bay. For the next couple of days, he ate small meals (scrambled egg was a favourite) and became quite lively and affectionate - but he was not house-trained! His condition deteriorated and a day later  he could only totter in circles, seemingly nearly blind and deaf. After careful discussion with our sensitive Vet, we realized that his quality of life and life expectancy were poor and, deeply upset, we asked that he be put down. So Limpet died in my arms and is buried in our field along with our other cats. At least he was cared for in his last few days. A heartfelt thank you to a supportive Vet who refused to charge for our visit.

 Ideas for Special Events?
From CLive Eiles

 I hope you have enjoyed the Special Events programme over the last couple of years. If so I hope you keep coming (and if not please let me know).  If you find ideas for events that would interest you – and therefore possibly others – or if you come across someone who could put on something interesting for us, please let me know.   clive.eiles@ukgateway.net telephone:  01550 740188  

The Guided Walks Programme Strides Ahead
Jim Wilson updates us

I have taken over from Nigel as Walks Secretary, assisted by Anne Pritchard. What an act to follow! Nigel and John Sansom before him built up what is generally regarded as one of the best Guided Walks Programmes in the country. “If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It”! – but there are a couple of developments. Firstly, the “Beacons Way - One Day a Month” series enables people to do the Way piece by piece or to fill in gaps. Secondly, we’ve increased the number of full length walks over the winter - the most popular period – to keep the average number to around 10 to 15 which I believe is the preferred group size.  
The Summer Programme had 42 varied routes walked by 455 participants and the Autumn Programme contains 46 walks. It was the first under the new regime and was produced on schedule. Many thanks to all concerned. The Winter 06/07 Programme, contains 35 walks with two walks offered most Sundays.

 The most important people in delivering any walks programme are the Walk Leaders. Many thanks to you all for putting up with my nagging for entries in the programmes and especially for your enthusiasm and competence in going out in all weathers to lead walks for society members and guests. I am very keen that the Society recognises leaders’ work and commitment and supports them. As part of this the Society recently sponsored a two-day First Aid Course led by Alan Ward of the Park Authority, for some of our leaders. The participants, who were awarded a Rescue Emergency Care certificate, found it very useful, giving food for thought about incidents we might have to deal with on the hill. This course is the first of several initiatives being considered and I am currently collecting more ideas from walk leaders.
There have been a few arrivals and departures in our walk leader community:  Many thanks to Dan Hadfield who, after many years, has decided to step down from leading. To Pavel Vitek, who is currently recovering from a leg operation, best wishes on your speedy recovery. Mike Bebb is also taking a wee break from leading at the moment.  We welcome two new leaders:  Jim Wilkinson, is very knowledgeable on the park, especially its history and ecology. Terry Cox is a new society member; he is a valleys boy and has led for the Park Authority.

I hope you all continue to enjoy the Guided Walks Programmes and please do contact me with ideas and suggestions on how you feel our programmes should evolve in the future. Jim Wilson 01291 691184 jim.wilson60@virgin.net 

The National Grid Gas Pipeline

 As reported in our Spring Newsletter, the proposed route of a new pipeline to carry imported gas from Pembrokeshire into England will cross northern sections of the National Park. The Society’s response is being led by Roger White, who has had a lot of contact with National Grid and their contractors regarding several environmental issues.   National Grid have now submitted the environmental statement for their proposals  to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for approval. We continue to oppose taking the pipeline through the Park and in particular through the moorland of Mynydd Myddfai and Mynydd Bach Trecastle.  In our view the proposals fail to comply with the statutory requirements of the Environment Act 1995. The Society put on a Special Event about the pipeline’s route on Mynydd Myddfai on 7th October, just as this Newsletter was being prepared for the press.
National Grid have not changed their commitment to the route through the National Park, but they have taken account of our numerous detailed comments ranging from the avoidance of archaeological sites to the impact on the landscape.
We have great respect for the high professional standards of work on the environmental statement.  We have given a lot of attention to footpaths as some of these are not statutory rights of way and could be missed by local government officers. We have provided information on routes used across the open moorland and because of our intervention on this issue, National Grid have agreed to treat these as though they were rights of way.
We have had a little fun pointing out that National Grid were asking the Secretary of State to approve a specification for stiles without any treads - people-proof stiles?  We are pursuing the arrangements for long term monitoring and management, and avoiding the kind of eyesores and ecological upsets that can be seen on the extant pipeline route between Gilwern and Hafodyrynys  (Mynydd Llangatwg and Mynydd Coety).  
A copy of our response is available from Roger White: roger.whiteuk@hotmail.com

National Park Planning Applications

The Park Society Executive are looking for someone to review National Park Planning Applications and advise them if there are any contentious issues which might merit representation being made to the National Park Planning Committee. If you are such a person, or know of anyone who might be interested, please contact Nigel Phillips or any other member of the Executive. nigel.phillips@blueorg.com 

A Date for your Diary – 2007 AGM

 Next year’s Annual General Meetimg  will be on the 2nd June 2007.
 A BBPS AGM is a lot more than just a meeting. The provisional location for next year will be a venue in the Craig–y-nos area and the Executive is looking into a themed event focusing on the Geopark.

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