Fforest Fawr Geo
park has had a very successful year with the establishment of a broad based Fforest Fawr Geopark Partnership to manage and develop the Geopark through a Management Group. The wide range of expertise available within the partnership will ensure the success of projects aimed at promoting education and geotourism and will lead the development of sustainable economic programs which will benefit communities both within and around the boundary of the Geopark. Highlights from 2006 included:
- The Launch of the Fforest Fawr Geopark at the Mountain Centre, Libanus on 21 April 2006 by Lord Kinnock of Bedwellty, Honorary President of the Geopark. The event, attracted some 3000 visitors to celebrate the establishment of the first European Geopark and UNESCO Global Geopark in Wales. Lord Kinnock presented prizes to schoolchildren who won design awards in the BBNPA ‘Fforest Fawr Geokids’ logo competition. The logo will be used to promote a new childrens’ website, t-shirts and other Geopark products.
- The award of £101, 561 by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund for Wales to the British Geological Survey (BGS) to produce a walker’s guidebook and accompanying 1:50,000 walkers geological map; walk leaflets illustrating geology, biodiversity archaeology and geoconservation within the geopark; a 1.25,000 detailed geological map and accompanying booklet; a geopark website. These projects will be developed partnerships between BGS, Cardiff University and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
- The appointment of Mr. Alan Bowring as Fforest Fawr Geopark Development Officer, from 2nd January 2007.
- The establishment of an educational program for schoolchildren including field and classroom activities and participation in European Geoparks Week 2006.
Further information: Alan Bowring Alan.Bowringgeopark@breconbeacons.org / Tony Ramsay tonhel@btinternet.com