How the staycation boom has triggered a crisis in Snowdonia... and how one team is trying to fix it
THE SNOWDONIA SOCIETY SAYS HUGE SPIKE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IS CAUSING SERIOUS EROSION, DAMAGING PATHS AND SPREADING LITTER
EVERY year 10 million people visit the Snowdonia National Park to sample some of the best scenery in the world.
The figures have yet to be released yet, but there was a noticeable increase in visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, with crowds queuing to reach the summit of Snowdon.
In 2019, the latest data available shows 800,000 visited the park’s three key peaks – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon); the Glyderau range and Cadair Idris. That’s almost double the number of visitors in 2017.
But this scale of footfall has an impact and it is groups like the Snowdonia Society that are working to help preserve these areas for future generations.
Registered in 1967, the group works to protect, enhance and celebrate Snowdonia’s wildlife and heritage working alongside local communities, organisations and businesses to achieve this.
Claire Holmes, the group’s engagement officer, said: “This year we are stepping up our work to deal with the climate emergency and the increase in staycation tourism that has been affecting spots like Yr Wyddfa summit and Cwm Idwal.
“The massive influx in tourists has left us, and the various other groups who care for the national park, dealing with a crisis left behind after they’re gone.”
“Damaged paths, serious erosion issues and litter problems are some of the key issues.”
The group maintained over 6.2 miles between November 2019 and December 2021, shared between 146 volunteers – equating to 620 volunteer hours.
“Beyond looking to prevent future damage, we are also working to repair the damage that has already been done.”
“The work we do is split into three key categories to work towards this.”
Those three categories are: Campaigning: A key part of the group’s manifesto is to fight to protect our national beauty spots.
This is done through a range of planned campaigns, alongside fighting unwelcome planning applications.
A major recent campaign for the group was standing against the Llanbedr bypass, which was axed last November.
“One of the things we were really concerned about was the impact on the local environment the bypass would have,” Claire said.
Conservation: The day to day work of the charity, the group engages in a range of different jobs as and when they are needed.
This includes, but isn’t limited to, planting trees, litter clearing, path management and gorse clearance.
The key goal of all their conservation work is to maintain a healthy biodiversity across the national park and its connected areas.
“These are great opportunities for people to get involved, to help out across a range of settings and have the time to appreciate the true splendour of our national park.”
Engaging people: The Snowdonia Society understands the need to protect the future of these beauty spots.
This is done through raising awareness and imparting more information to people who use these areas for walking, climbing and holidaymaking.
“A big part of this is the education groups we offered, which have slowed due to Covid, but we will be getting back into full flow this year,” said Claire.
“We also have plans for a range of nature workshops, slate and heritage walks alongside a very special one looking into our native breed of daffodils in Snowdonia.
“It’s all about getting people engaged with the environment around them and showing them what’s special about it.”
The group also offers a range of workshops for children and families to get involved from a young age.
“The demand for what we do really shows our need for a National Nature Service.
“The last two years have really proven the importance of connecting with nature for our wellbeing, not to mention it helps relieve pressure from the NHS.
“Without all our members, volunteers and all the many kind donations we receive from the public, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing the work we’re doing. We welcome support from people in any of these capacities.
“If anyone would like to get involved they can find more information on our website.”