DOCSLIB.ORG

Waterfalls Country

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Waterfalls Country Waterfalls Country Draft Phase 1 Report Page | 1 Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Waterfall Country .............................................................................................................................. 3 3. The Strategic Context ....................................................................................................................... 6 4. Methodology ....................................................................................................................................... 7 4.1 Engagement – our approach ............................................................................................................ 7 4.2 Asset-based mapping – our approach ........................................................................................... 8 4.3 Capacity Building Analysis ............................................................................................................ 11 5. Results of Asset Mapping .............................................................................................................. 12 5.1 Pontneddfechan .............................................................................................................................. 13 5.2 Glynneath .......................................................................................................................................... 15 5.3 Penderyn ........................................................................................................................................... 17 5.4 Wider area ......................................................................................................................................... 19 5.5 Summarising the success criteria ................................................................................................. 21 6. Drawing out the key issues, gaps and opportunities .............................................................. 21 6.1 Common Issues ................................................................................................................................ 21 6.2 Prioritising Community Action ..................................................................................................... 23 7. Community-led Local Development Opportunities ................................................................ 23 7.1 Emerging Themes ............................................................................................................................ 24 7.2 Case Studies and Examples ........................................................................................................... 26 7.3 Business Model Canvas ................................................................................................................. 29 8. Delivery Mechanisms and Required organisation structures ............................................... 30 8.1 Developing a Delivery Plan and Mechanism ............................................................................ 30 8.2 Possible Organisation Legal Structures: .................................................................................... 33 9. Next Steps ......................................................................................................................................... 35 Appendix 1 – Place maps for core areas in Waterfall Country ..................................................... 37 Appendix 2 - List of Engagement Activities ....................................................................................... 40 Appendix 3 - Case studies ...................................................................................................................... 41 Appendix 4 – Example of a Business Model Canvas ....................................................................... 45 Page | 2 1. Introduction In January 2020, Severn Wye Energy Agency won a tender to develop a feasibility study with communities in Waterfall Country and their strategic partners. The brief states that the purpose of the feasibility study is twofold: i. To find mechanisms for supporting community-led economic regeneration in the area, based on the strong visitor attraction that is Waterfall Country. ii. To work together to help manage visitors in ways that contribute to the quality of life of local people rather than being disruptive as is currently the case. Estimates suggest that more than 300,000 people visit the Waterfalls Area each year1, many focussed on well-known locations. This number is above the carrying capacity of the area. Previous engagement has, in the words of the brief, demonstrated that there is, “an appetite to get more involved and contribute to solutions rather than just influence them.” This report outlines the results of the first stage of engagement with communities in Waterfall Country. The aim is to assess whether there is a need for a new organisation to support this active involvement. The form of any new structure will follow on from an analysis of what such an organisation will do. Through initial community engagement, Phase 1 of this work has therefore focussed on what assets are available to the community, what gaps and opportunities exist to maximise positive visitor impact on communities and to give an early indication of the scope of a future work programme, backed by an appropriate structure. Initial community engagement has centred on the core area of Pontneddfechan, Glynneath and Penderyn with some discussions held with surrounding communities in the Upper Neath Valley, Brecon Beacons National Park and Upper Rhondda. Throughout the report, we have used the name Pontneddfechan although many people met during this interim engagement phase used anglicised version Pontneddvaughan. 2. Waterfall Country The area known as “Waterfall Country” is traditionally centred on Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte. These communities and their car parks at Dinas, Cwm Porth, Gwaun Hepste and the small parking area at Clun Gwyn are the focus for a lot of visitor footfall and often get congested at peak times. The wider “Waterfall Country” is less defined. The core area for the current study encompasses Pontneddfechan, Glynneath and Penderyn. The wider area includes Coelbren (and the Henrhyd Falls), Ystradfellte, Rhigos, Cefn Rhigos, the Upper Rhondda Fawr Valley (Blaencwm and Blaenrhondda), Blaengwrach, Clyne and Melincourt and Resolven. The study has not covered the National Trust waterfalls at Aberdulais, although the consultants recognise that this is often considered as part of Waterfall Country. 1 Waterfall Country Partnership Board Minutes. 21.11.19 Page | 3 Most of the study area (with the exception of Ystradfellte and Coelbren) is within the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund CIC benefit area. Community Profiles for localities in this area can be found on their website https://penycymoeddcic.cymru/community-profiles-and- supporting-communities/. Figure 1 (overleaf) shows the whole area considered in this study as Waterfall Country. Detailed descriptions and asset-maps of the core areas are included in Chapter 5. Key assets in the core areas are included in maps in Appendix 1. The area straddles a range of public sector boundaries including: • Three Local Authorities – Rhondda Cynon Taf, Powys and Neath Port Talbot. • Three Public Service Board areas - Cwm Taff PSB (covers Merthyr and RCT) Powys PSB and Neath Port Talbot PSB. • Two Police Authority areas – Dyfed Powys and South Wales. • Three Health Boards – Powys, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, and Cwm Taf. Penderyn and Pontneddfechan are in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The area is also covered by three LEADER Local Action Groups (Arwain Powys, Rural Cwm Taf and Regenerate Neath Port Talbot). Page | 4 Figure 1 – Map of Waterfall Country Page | 5 3. The Strategic Context One consequence of the multiple borders is the range of strategies that cover the area. These include local authority Well-being Assessments, Local Development Plans and Local Development Strategies (LEADER). The following plans and strategies are of most relevance to the current study: • Aberdare and Upper Cynon Valley, Tourism Destination Plan. Wisdom, Walks and Waterfalls https://businesswales.gov.wales/dmwales/sites/dmwales/files/documents/aberdare- and-upper-cynon.pdf • Upper Rhondda Destination Plan https://businesswales.gov.wales/dmwales/sites/dmwales/files/documents/upper- rhondda_0.pdf • Glynneath Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 2012 • Waterfall Country Management Plan 2010 • Brecon Beacons Visitor Management Plan (2015) • Brecon Beacons Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Destination Action Plan 2017-2020 • Brecon Beacons Visitor Management Plan (2017) The reports that mention Waterfall Country identify common issues, specifically infrastructure weaknesses. These will be discussed below. The consultants are aware of major strategic projects planned for the area which may have an impact on the visitor offer and/or demand for leisure opportunities in future. These have the potential to provide jobs and/or provide tourism opportunities through new experiences and accommodation. They include: • Rhondda Zip World (Rhigos). The opening of a South Wales version of the popular North Wales visitor experience. • Rheola Estate leisure development, (http://www.npt-business.co.uk/2566). • Cwm Hwnt, Rhigos. Motorcycle and car adventure experience, training and events. The Onllwyn Rail Test
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Neath Valley Key Data Neath Valley
    Key data Neath Valley Neath Valley 1 Introduction 2 2 Population and Social Profile 3 2.1 Population 3 2.2 Ethnicity 3 2.3 Welsh Language 3 2.4 Health 3 2.5 Housing 3 2.6 Economy and Employment 4 2.7 Communities First Areas 4 2.8 Index of multiple deprivation 4 3 Access to facilities 5 3.1 Services and facilities 5 3.2 Highways and Access to a private car 6 3.3 Travel to work 7 3.4 Public transport 7 4 Minerals, Renewables and Waste 8 4.1 Mineral and aggregate resources 8 4.2 Renewable Energy 8 4.3 Waste 8 5 Quality of life 9 5.1 Air quality and noise pollution 9 5.2 SSSIs and areas of nature conservation 9 5.3 Built Heritage 9 Key data Neath Valley 1 Introduction This is one of a series of overview papers that are being prepared to inform discussion on the preparation of the plan. These overview papers outline the main issues that have been identified through work on the background papers. They will be amended and expanded as the discussion and work develops and any comments on omissions or corrections will be gratefully received. Background papers are being prepared on the 8 community areas that make up Neath Port Talbot and on specific themes such as housing. They will be available from the LDP website www.npt.gov.uk/ldp. How to contact the LDP team 1. Via the website; www.npt.gov.uk/ldp 2. Via email; [email protected] 3.
    [Show full text]
  • England LEA/School Code School Name Town 330/6092 Abbey
    England LEA/School Code School Name Town 330/6092 Abbey College Birmingham 873/4603 Abbey College, Ramsey Ramsey 865/4000 Abbeyfield School Chippenham 803/4000 Abbeywood Community School Bristol 860/4500 Abbot Beyne School Burton-on-Trent 312/5409 Abbotsfield School Uxbridge 894/6906 Abraham Darby Academy Telford 202/4285 Acland Burghley School London 931/8004 Activate Learning Oxford 307/4035 Acton High School London 919/4029 Adeyfield School Hemel Hempstead 825/6015 Akeley Wood Senior School Buckingham 935/4059 Alde Valley School Leiston 919/6003 Aldenham School Borehamwood 891/4117 Alderman White School and Language College Nottingham 307/6905 Alec Reed Academy Northolt 830/4001 Alfreton Grange Arts College Alfreton 823/6905 All Saints Academy Dunstable Dunstable 916/6905 All Saints' Academy, Cheltenham Cheltenham 340/4615 All Saints Catholic High School Knowsley 341/4421 Alsop High School Technology & Applied Learning Specialist College Liverpool 358/4024 Altrincham College of Arts Altrincham 868/4506 Altwood CofE Secondary School Maidenhead 825/4095 Amersham School Amersham 380/6907 Appleton Academy Bradford 330/4804 Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School Birmingham 810/6905 Archbishop Sentamu Academy Hull 208/5403 Archbishop Tenison's School London 916/4032 Archway School Stroud 845/4003 ARK William Parker Academy Hastings 371/4021 Armthorpe Academy Doncaster 885/4008 Arrow Vale RSA Academy Redditch 937/5401 Ash Green School Coventry 371/4000 Ash Hill Academy Doncaster 891/4009 Ashfield Comprehensive School Nottingham 801/4030 Ashton
    [Show full text]
  • Managing Online Communications and Feedback Relating to the Welsh Visitor Attraction Experience: Apathy and Inflexibility in Tourism Marketing Practice?
    Managing online communications and feedback relating to the Welsh visitor attraction experience: apathy and inflexibility in tourism marketing practice? David Huw Thomas, BA, PGCE, PGDIP, MPhil Supervised by: Prof Jill Venus, Dr Conny Matera-Rogers and Dr Nicola Palmer Submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of PhD University of Wales Trinity Saint David. 2018 i ii DECLARATION This work has not previously been accepted in substance for any degree and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree. Signed (candidate) Date 15.02.2018 STATEMENT 1 This thesis is the result of my own investigations, except where otherwise stated. Where correction services have been used, the extent and nature of the correction is clearly marked in a footnote(s). Other sources are acknowledged by footnotes giving explicit references. A bibliography is appended. Signed (candidate) Date 15.02.2018 STATEMENT 2 I hereby give consent for my thesis, if accepted, to be available for photocopying and for inter- library loan, and for the title and summary to be made available to outside organisations. Signed (candidate) Date 15.02.2018 STATEMENT 3 I hereby give consent for my thesis, if accepted, to be available for deposit in the University’s digital repository. Signed (candidate) Date 15.02.2018 iii iv Abstract Understanding of what constitutes a tourism experience has been the focus of increasing attention in academic literature in recent years. For tourism businesses operating in an ever more competitive marketplace, identifying and responding to the needs and wants of their customers, and understanding how the product or consumer experience is created is arguably essential.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dandie Dinmont Terrier
    www.davesbits.couk INTRODUCTION Poet Lauriat I’ll never become But composing this book has been such fun So don’t criticise my effort at rhyme Which over the years has taken much time. It’s a memory of me for you to browse To pass away your leisure hours! SPRING WALK I leave the house to start on my round And take the path along the Oat Ground, Passed the field where the children are playing Being pushed on the swings gently swaying. I take the lane down to Holy Well See the hawthorn buds beginning to swell. Primroses bloom on the banks down this lane, ‘Neath the hedges cut by machine again. Little birds searching for somewhere to nest Keep checking to see which side is best. Left passed the ponies asleep in the sun And the chickens are scratching in their run. The blackthorn’s in flower, winter’s not over yet I hope its rain and not snow that we get. I follow this lane which runs by the stream Note the leaves on the willow turning green. Under the tunnel of overgrown trees Where the catkins are swaying in the breeze. An old yew tree leans where vegetables grow And roses are pruned for their summer show. Under two huge poplars which come into view Spring flowers form a carpet of yellow and blue. The path crosses the stream and goes on beyond Where the breeze causes ripples upon a pond. The cattle in the field are chewing the cud The coot’s on her nest and ducks in the mud.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014-2014 Programme
    Programme – Swansea Ramblers We offer short & long walks all year around and welcome new walkers to try a walk with us. Mailing List: [email protected] 1 Swansea Ramblers wish to thank all walk leaders for providing walks for this programme. Without volunteer leaders, a programme of walks would not be possible. If you are a member of the Ramblers and would like to learn how to lead a walk, please contact the Programme Coordinator. Secretary [email protected] John France Tel: 01792-547439 Membership [email protected] Steve Hawkes Tel: 01792-360495 Programme [email protected] Roger Brown Tel: 07977-144074 Weekday Walks [email protected] Julia Robson Tel: 01792-371428 Swansea Ramblers www.swansearamblers.org.uk Ramblers GB www.ramblers.org.uk Swansea Ramblers, (formerly known as West Glamorgan Ramblers) was formed in 1981. Since then we have welcomed many new walkers to the group who come to share our enjoyment of the countryside. We organise walks across a wide area into East Wales, West Wales, Mid- Wales, and of course Gower. The Ramblers' Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. A registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1093577. A registered charity in Scotland, no: SC03979. Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87- 90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW. Front Cover Photograph: Llanrhidian Church v10 2 Programme Updates: www.SwanseaRamblers.org.uk Keeping in Touch We occasionally send out emails about social events and to let you know what’s happening in the group.
    [Show full text]
  • A Bryophyte Assessment of Coedydd Nedd a Mellte SAC and Associated Sssis, 2006 to 2017
    A bryophyte assessment of Coedydd Nedd a Mellte SAC and associated SSSIs, 2006 to 2017 Graham Motley (NRW Usk Senior NRM Officer, Operations South East Wales) & Sam Bosanquet (NRW Non-vascular Plant Ecologist, Evidence Analysis Group) Evidence Report No. 211 Date About Natural Resources Wales Natural Resources Wales is the organisation responsible for the work carried out by the three former organisations, the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales. It is also responsible for some functions previously undertaken by Welsh Government. Our purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, used and enhanced, now and in the future. We work for the communities of Wales to protect people and their homes as much as possible from environmental incidents like flooding and pollution. We provide opportunities for people to learn, use and benefit from Wales' natural resources. We work to support Wales' economy by enabling the sustainable use of natural resources to support jobs and enterprise. We help businesses and developers to understand and consider environmental limits when they make important decisions. We work to maintain and improve the quality of the environment for everyone and we work towards making the environment and our natural resources more resilient to climate change and other pressures. Evidence at Natural Resources Wales Natural Resources Wales is an evidence based organisation. We seek to ensure that our strategy, decisions, operations and advice to Welsh Government and others are underpinned by sound and quality-assured evidence. We recognise that it is critically important to have a good understanding of our changing environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Waterfall Country Community Engagement Plan 2020
    Waterfall Country Community Engagement Plan 2020 – 21 Introduction Historically there has been a lack of communication from stakeholders to the community regarding the projects and initiatives underway to tackle over-tourism issues. This has led to misunderstanding and resentment from the community who were unaware of the work undertaken, the different responsibilities of the different organisations or how they could contribute. Communication within the area has been better since Facebook groups have been used, but not all residents use this platform and often do not get the information they require. Engagement between partners will encourage cooperative working and community involvement. The key partners in this area are the Community Councils of Ystradfellte and Pontnedfechan Council and Penderyn and Glynneath Councils. The newly set up community group Proactive Pontneddfechan is proving invaluable for engaging with residents and identifying and managing events and celebrations to bring people together. Newsletter A quarterly newsletter, which can have additional shorter publications if needed, has already proved a successful way of disseminating information from stakeholders and within the community about the projects underway and has helped to promote community led initiatives. This is leading to greater understanding about the complexity of delivering these projects, the different responsibilities of the authorities and stakeholders involved information and stories about the natural environment and heritage a platform for community groups and members to advertise events and share activities. Online Survey – Connection to Nature COVID 19 has provided a unique environment where residents are forced to stay within their locality and exercise there. In normal circumstances the area would already see a high number of visitors but during the pandemic the lock down has prevented this.
    [Show full text]
  • THE OGWEN VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESCUE ORGANISATION 41St
    THE OGWEN VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESCUE ORGANISATION 41st ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2005 Published by the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation Bryn Poeth, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0EU Edited by Dave and Jo Worrall © OVMRO 2006 Please note that the articles contained in the Annual Report express the views of the individuals and are not necessarily the views of the Team. Argraffwyd gan / Printed by: Gwasg Ffrancon Dol Dafydd, Bethesda, Gwynedd LL57 3LY 1 Contents Chairman’s Foreword 5 Team Leaders Report 9 Incident Report 13 Incident Narrative 15 Equipment Officer’s Report 25 Treasurer’s Report 27 Garage Appeal 30 Transport Officer’s Report 31 Training Officer’s Report 33 Press Officer’s Report 37 Ogwen on the Web 39 Garage Report 41 Casualty Care Report 43 333 Support Group - Chairman's Report 47 Location of Collection Boxes 46 Salutation to My Mother 49 Carole De Silva 52 40th Anniversary 53 Now to the case of the wrong Mountain and the 55 guide who disappeared! 2 Chairman’s Forward The OVMRO Team year is slowly drawing to a close and with it the 40th birthday anniversary for the Team. It has been a privilege and indeed an honour to be Chairman of the Team during this important landmark in its history. The anniversary has been celebrated by many events organised by a working group within the Team and 333 and thanks are due for their hard work. We began in March ’05 with the AGM and the annual dinner where we hosted some of the founding members of the Team as our guests.
    [Show full text]
  • Walks and Talks in the West of the Brecon Beacons National Park
    Walks and talks in the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park Join us across Fforest Fawr Geopark – the western half of the Brecon Beacons National Park - for 16 days of walks, talks and exhibitions from Saturday 26th May to Sunday 10th June 2012. You will find more details and advice on how to get the most out of this events programme on Fforest Fawr Geopark website’s Festival page at www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk/geopark-festival-2012/ - any updates to this programme will be posted there. KEY: walks talks NPVC = the National Park Visitor Centre, a.k.a. the Mountain Centre. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on short leads unless otherwise stated. = access for all: short, flat(ish), barrier-free walks suitable for wheelchairs & pushchairs, = easy: relaxed pace suitable for novice walkers, = moderate: steady pace but some ascent involved, = energetic: some steep ascents, = strenuous: longer walks with several steep ascents requiring a good level of fitness. Each walk has a maximum number of participants – book ahead to avoid disappointment! Please remember to bring warm/waterproof clothing/sun protection /personal medication as appropriate and a packed lunch & flask for all walks which last more than ½ day. If you are 17 or under, please bring a parent or guardian. Ordnance Survey grid refer- ences are given – all walks are on OS Explorer map sheet OL12 ‘Brecon Beacons National Park: western area’ FESTIVAL WARM-UP: Wednesday 23rd May, 7-8.30pm Sunday 27th May, 10am-1pm Myddfai: a Geopark community From Cwm to Cwm Dr Tony Ramsay, scientific director of the Geopark gives Join us for a walk ‘From Cwm to Cwm’ following this trail a warm-up talk for the festival which begins in earnest a on the southern slopes of the Black Mountain, visiting few days later.
    [Show full text]
  • RCT Local Development Plan Annual Moitoring Report 2018
    Appendix 1 Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan Annual Monitoring Report 2017-2018 Covering the period 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018 CONTENTS Page Executive Summary 3 1 Introduction 9 2 Monitoring Framework 11 3 Contextual Change 15 4 Local Development Plan Monitoring 29 5 Sustainability Appraisal Monitoring 71 6 Conclusions and Recommendations 97 Appendix 1 Status of LDP Allocations 104 Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan (LDP) was adopted on 2nd March 2011. As part of the statutory development plan process the Council is required to prepare an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). The AMR will provide the basis for monitoring the progress and delivery of the LDP, the Plan’s sustainability credentials, and it identifies any significant contextual changes that might influence its implementation. This is the seventh AMR to be prepared since the adoption of the Rhondda Cynon Taf LDP and provides a further opportunity for the Council to assess the impact the LDP is having on the social, economic and environmental well-being of the County Borough. Key Findings of the Annual Monitoring Process 2017-2018 Contextual Change This section looks at local, regional, national and international factors that have had an influence on land-use development in Rhondda Cynon Taf and subsequently on the implementation of the LDP during 2017-2018. These include: A. National Policy, Guidance or Legislation: • The Town and Country Planning (Enforcement Notice and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2017; • The Town and Country Planning (Trees) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2017; • Draft Planning Policy Wales Edition 10; • TAN 24: The Historic Environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Scrutiny : Schools Meeting
    MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL SCRUTINY : SCHOOLS MEETING 4.00PM MONDAY, 27TH JANUARY, 2014 COUNCIL CHAMBER This Agenda has been prepared by the Democratic Services Department. Any member of the public requiring information should contact the department on (01685) 725203 or email [email protected] . Any reference documents referred to but not published as part of this agenda can be found on the Council’s website or intranet under Background Papers. A G E N D A 1. Apologies for absence 2. Declarations of Interest (including whipping declarations) Members of the Schools Scrutiny Committee are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct. In addition, Members must declare any prohibited party whip which the Member has been given in relation to the meeting as per the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011. Note: a. Members are reminded that they must identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and b. Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chair when they leave. 3. Consideration of Agenda items To allow the Scrutiny Committee to consider and discuss items on the agenda prior to the arrival of reporting officers, invited attendees or witnesses. 4. Progress against targets set in Accelerated Improvement Plans (AIP's) and next steps See attached report (Pages 1 - 8) 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Starting School Book 2016-17
    Starting School 2016-2017 Contents Introduction 2 Information and advice - Contact details..............................................................................................2 Part 1 3 Primary and Secondary Education – General Admission Arrangements A. Choosing a School..........................................................................................................................3 B. Applying for a place ........................................................................................................................4 C.How places are allocated ................................................................................................................5 Part 2 7 Stages of Education Maintained Schools ............................................................................................................................7 Admission Timetable 2016 - 2017 Academic Year ............................................................................14 Admission Policies Voluntary Aided and Controlled (Church) Schools ................................................15 Special Educational Needs ................................................................................................................28 Part 3 31 Appeals Process ..............................................................................................................................31 Part 4 34 Provision of Home to School/College Transport Learner Travel Policy, Information and Arrangements ........................................................................34
    [Show full text]