Latest news with #NationalParksandAccesstotheCountrysideAct1949
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- North Wales Live
Eryri is named third best national park in Europe
Eryri (Snowdonia )has been named the third best national park in Europe. A list has been compiled of the finest national parks in the whole continent. Despite fierce competition Eryri made the top ten - the only site in Wales to make the cut. Iglu Cruise compared Tripadvisor data to calculate which ones have the highest percentage of five-star (excellent) reviews. 50 of Europe's most popular national parks were used in the data sample, with a table of the top ten below. They said: "To appreciate a country's natural beauty, visiting a national park is a great way to enjoy scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and opportunities for relaxation and adventure. "A national park is a dedicated area of protected land which preserves the natural environment. Europe alone is home to over 400 national parks in countries across every corner of the continent. But which national park in Europe is the best?" The only parks to finish above Eryri were Parque Nacional Ordesa y Monte Perdido in Spain and Triglav National Park in Slovenia. On Eryri National Park, they said: "In third place, and the first UK national park on the list, is Eryri/ Snowdonia National Park, with 84.6% of five-star reviews. "Eryri National Park is located in northwest Wales, in the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy. It was the first national park to be established in Wales, following the implementation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, officially gaining the status in 1951. "According to the official website, over four million people visit Eryri National Park each year, with over 1,500 miles of public footpaths. Notable highlights include hiking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), whitewater rafting and taking a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway."
South Wales Guardian
19-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Ynysdawela Nature Park declared local nature reserve
Ynysdawela Nature Park, in Upper Brynamman, has been made the seventh local nature reserve in Carmarthenshire. This decision was approved by the council's cabinet on June 16, 2025, based on the park's biodiversity and environmental significance. It now means that Ynysdawela Nature Park is recognised as a Local Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Ecological surveys and investment from the Welsh Government's Woodland Investment Grant have shown that the 16.5-hectare site is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This includes the protected species Hazel Dormouse and Marsh Fritillary butterfly. The two species are protected under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. There are also nine species of bats, 64 invertebrate species of conservation importance, and two invertebrate species never before recorded in Wales. Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "Ynysdawela is a valuable example of how we can protect and celebrate our natural heritage while providing meaningful spaces for people to connect with nature. "Declaring it as a Local Nature Reserve will strengthen our commitment to biodiversity, climate action and community wellbeing across Carmarthenshire." The nature park, which is part of the National Forest for Wales, is a mix of ancient semi-natural woodland, coal spoil regeneration, and former farmland. It is used by schools and the local community in the Amman Valley for educational, recreational, and conservation purposes. The declaration aligns with Carmarthenshire's Tree and Woodland Strategy (2025), which promotes responsible access while protecting ecosystems. The other local nature reserves in Carmarthenshire are Pembrey Burrows and Saltings, Ashpits Pond and Pwll Lagoon, North Dock Dunes, Carreg Cennen, Glan-yr-Afon, Kidwelly, and Morfa Berwig, Bynea. More information about Carmarthenshire's green spaces and gardens can be found on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
