Snowdon set for war on plastics

FOOD WRAPPERS AND DRINK BOTTLES BLAMED FOR RESIDUES BLIGHTING UK’S MOST-VISITED MOUNTAIN

SNOWDON is set to declare war on disposable bottles and food wrappers after large amounts of plastic residues were found at the summit.

This month a feasibility study will set out the steps needed if the mountain is to achieve Plastic Free Status.

These are likely to include practical measures, such as extra “refill” capacity for reusable water bottles and a crackdown on single-plastic packaging.

Running alongside this will be a renewed publicity campaign advising walkers on ways they can help tackle the plastics menace on the UK’s mostvisited mountain.

It is hoped the national park’s emphasis on sustainability will drive a cycle of responsible tourism.

The study, commissioned by the Snowdonia Partnership, has been completed but not yet published.

It comes on the heels of research which confirmed suspicions that Snowdon’s soils now harbour large concentrations of microplastics.

Most of these tiny particles are thought to stem from the degradation of larger pieces of plastic such as food wrappers and drink bottles.

Some included microfibres from clothing.

Scientists are still assessing the potential dangers posed by microplastics but the consensus is that, longer term, they represent a significant threat to wildlife and even human health.

Snowdonia Partnership chairman John Harold said: “These results are a stark reminder of how persistent plastic is when it gets into the environment.

“This work shows what happens when plastic is let loose in the soils and freshwater of our precious protected areas; it breaks into countless particles and we lose control of it.”

Microplastic pollution was identified in all soil samples collected along the Llanberis Path in April 2021.

This revealed that microplastics accounted for around 5% of the total volume of plastic recovered.

Samples were analysed by tech firm CGG at its geoscience laboratories in Conwy, with the results used to build a Microplastic Pollution Index.

This showed the largest amounts of microplastics were seen where people congregate in large numbers, notably at the summit.

However, the largest concentrations were found lower down the mountain at a bridge used by Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Mr Harold is also director of the Snowdonia Society, which organises a series of litter-picking days on Snowdon – and elsewhere – during the year.

He said: “A huge amount of litter is cleared by staff and volunteers, but by no means all gets picked up.”

The provision of bins on Snowdon is unlikely to be included in the feasibility study’s list of recommendations.

As well as causing practical difficulties with collection, and wind dispersal, the idea contradicts the walkers’ edict that “what goes up must come down”.

Mr Harold hopes businesses can be encouraged to ditch the sale of harmful products such as single-use bottles. Such a move could also be driven by walkers as they become better informed about plastic pollution and the need to be better prepared.

Not all littering is deliberate; much is accidental, and this needs to be addressed too, said Mr Harold.

“If, for example, you climb the mountain with your lunch in a tupperware box, you’re less likely to see food packaging and wrapper blown away in sudden gusts of wind,” he said.

BEDDGELERT

ST MARY’S CHURCH: Services are now being held every Sunday at 9.30am. alternating between Holy Eucharist and Morning Prayer.

CYMDEITHAS HANES BEDDGELERT: The latest news and the AGM reports can be obtained on email from Margaret at brynbedd1@gmail.com / 01766 890550”

BLAENAU FFESTINIOG

SSAFA GWYNEDD: Seeks new caseworkers in the Gwynedd area to help and support our veterans and their families. If you can help, please contact Andy Williams 07958524298.

CAERNARFON

GWYNEDD LIBRARIES: are now available online. it’s possible to download all sorts of e-resources online through Gwynedd Libraries. You can access these resources online for FREE through any Internet accessible device These resources are available in Welsh and English and are suitable for adults, children and young people. e-books, oral e-books through Borrowbox, e-books, e-audio books through Borrowbox, e-magazines and e-comics through RB Digital, Ancestry family history site, Theory Test Pro to practise the theory driving test questions. Also If you are a member of Gwynedd Libraries you can register for access to the National Library of Wales’ electronic resources including: People’s collection Wales, Welsh newspapers online and Welsh Journals. You can see what’s available through visiting: http://www. gwynedd.llyw.cymru/librarycatalogue. Remember, to access all of this you need to be a member of your library first! But becoming a member is simple, you can join online and then you can access all of the digital resources.

ANGLESEY & GWYNEDD WIDOWED SOCIAL GROUP:

This is a social group covering Anglesey, Bangor, Caernarfon and Llyn, set up for widowed people to enjoy life again in the company of other widowed people who understand. As a guide it is suggested that people aged 50-70 will get the most from membership, as we aim to be active, out and about. At the moment it meets regularly in Bangor, Menai Bridge and Caernarfon and also meets up weekly for walks, and to go to opera, ballet, gigs, cinema, meals, pub quiz and weekends away. If you are an internet user please go to www.meetup.com and enter “Anglesey&Gwynedd Widowed” (without the quotes) then apply to join. Or Call Dilwyn on 01248 601599, email dilwyn198@gmail.com, or Lyn on 01286 678252, email lyn2910@yahoo.co.uk Please note: this is not a dating group.

FREE YOGA TASTER: The First Time For Everything programme will hold a free yoga taster session for over-55s at Byw’n Iach Arfon, Bethel Road, Caernarfon on Thursday, September 9 at 1pm. To register your interest or to book a place, call 07468 498694. No places without booking due to limited spaces The session is free (healthy light refreshments provided).

CLYNNOG FAWR

COMMUNITY WEBSITE: The Community Council intends to establish a community website which will include details of the work of the Community Council but will also have space for other information such as local history, forthcoming events, etc. Anyone with ideas for the site are welcome to contact the Clerk (01286 660141).

ST BEUNO CHURCH: There are bilingual services every Sunday morning at 10am, alternating between Holy Communion and Morning Prayer. This Sunday, September 5 will be Holy Communion, The church is open to visitors every day from 9am-5pm. All are most welcome at any or all of the above.

CRICCIETH

ST CATHERINE’S CHURCH: Sunday services at 11am.

SSAFA GWYNEDD:

Seeks new caseworkers in the Gwynedd area to help and support our veterans and their families. If you can help contact Andy Williams 07958524298.

LLANBERIS

SSAFA GWYNEDD: Seeks new caseworkers in the Gwynedd area to help and support our veterans and their families. If you can help, contact Andy Williams 07958524298.

PENRHYNDEUDRAETH

BOOK BABIES: Take part in this free fun informal play, craft and art project with storyteller Gilly Brownson, making a new book, a copy of which will be given to each family taking part. Starting, September 7 Holy Trinity Church Hall Penrhyndeudraeth for parents with children underschool age. Telephone Angela on 01766 770686 for details. Sponsored by Mantell Gwynedd.

LLYFR BABANOD: Mae’r cynllun yn cynorthwyo teuluoedd a gofalwyr plant sydd o dan oed Ysgol i ddatblygu’n llafar. Cymerwch ran, yn rhad ac am ddim, yn yr hwyl a chwarae anffurfiol, sesiynau celfyddyd a chrefft gyda’r chwedleuwraig Gilly Brownson, i wneud llyfr newydd, gyda chopi i bob teulu fydd yn cymeryd rhan. Felly, am fwy o fanylion, ffoniwch Angela ar 01766 770686. Noddir gan Mantell Gwynedd

PORTHMADOG

ST JOHN’S CHURCH: Sunday services at 9.30am

SSAFA GWYNEDD: are requesting new caseworkers in the Gwynedd area to help and support our veterans and their families. If you can help,contact Andy Williams 07958524298.

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer and St. Joseph (Porthmadog and Pwllheli). Masses and Services in Pwllheli will also be relayed as live streams and can be accessed by following the link in the live streaming section of the Parish website: porthmadogpwllhelirc.wordpress.com

PORTHMADOG MARITIME MUSEUM : Is now open. All COVID regulations will be followed; a summary will be posted on the outside door and in the lobby. Unfortunately, the children’s activity area will be closed. There will not be a booking system but the maximum number of visitors allowed inside at any one time will be strictly enforced. We will be open 12-4 every day and with your cooperation you visit can still be enjoyed and we look forward to seeing you.

PWLLHELI

WOMEN’S AID: De Gwynedd Women’s Aid provides support to all women living in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd who have suffered or are currently suffering domestic abuse, regardless of age, marital status, culture and language, with or without children. We offer free confidential information and help on benefits and housing, and we are there also to those who just need someone to talk to. Contact on 01758 701005,.

SSAFA GWYNEDD: Seeks new caseworkers in the Gwynedd area to help and support our veterans and their families. If you can help, contact Andy Williams 07958524298.

BANC BWYD PWLLHELI FOODBANK: would like to thank everyone for their generosity this year, the Foodbank would not be able to function without them. The Foodbank should be able to continue at St Peter’s Church. Check the facebook page for further details – Banc Bwyd Pwllheli Foodbank – or phone Karen Cooper on 07747800320.

CANOLFAN FELIN FACH: Staff at Canolfan Felin fach are on the other end of the phone Monday - Friday 10am 2.30pm during lockdown. For any enquiries or a chat please contact us on 01758 701 611

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer and St Joseph (Porthmadog and Pwllheli): Masses and Services in Pwllheli will also be relayed as live streams and can be accessed by following the link in the live streaming section of the Parish website: porthmadogpwllhelirc.wordpress. com

TALSARNAU

POST OFFICE: In the Canolfan Community Centre Monday 12.3-3pm and Thursday 9-11am.

TALYSARN

CAPEL SEION: Ar Medi 5, am 2 o’r gloch yn nghwmni Mr John Roberts, Waunfawr.

TREFOR

MAESYNEUADD: Ni fydd oedfaon nac unrhyw weithgareddau eraill ym Maesyneuadd am y tro. Cadwch lygad ar y poster ar y reilings ac ar dudalen Facebook Eglwys Maesyneuadd, Trefor. Os hoffech gael benthyg llyfrau Cristnogol i blant neu oedolion i’w defnyddio dros y cyfnod anodd hwn, cysylltwch â Tir Du (660340). Mae yna restrau o adnoddau Cristnogol a lincs i oedfaon Cymraeg a gafodd eu darlledu ar y we ddydd Sul ac sy’n dal ar gael i’w gweld ar wefan ysgolsul.com. Os byddwch yn defnyddio’r amser i glirio ac yn dod o hyd i hen ffôns symudol, mi fyddwn ni’n eu casglu i fynd at achos da pan ddaw popeth yn ôl i normal.

Y FELINHELI

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Chair – Mr Daniel ll. Williams. All enquiries via The Clerk Heather Jones 07867982518 clercfelinheli@aol.com

RVS: Royal Voluntary Service Volunteering are looking for new volunteers to join our team and help us with our Community Transport, Good Neighbours and Positive Steps services in Gwynedd and Ynys Mon. If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life we would like to hear from you Contact Gwenda Hughes on 01248 661915 or Gwenda.hughes@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.