What is the purpose of National Park in relation to Henllys Vale? Lesson 11

What are National Parks? Set up under the National Parks and Countryside Access Act of 1949 They were set up so: the characteristic landscape beauty is strictly preserved; access and facilities for open-air enjoyment are amply provided; wildlife and buildings and places of architectural and historic interest are suitably protected; established farming use is effectively maintained." (taken from

Where are the National Parks in the UK? There are currently 9 in England 3 in Wales 2 in Scotland

The purpose of National Parks: 1.To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural hertiage fo the National Parks 2.To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of those areas by the public. 3.To seek to foster the economic and social well being of the local community without incurring significant expenditure in doing so.

Henllys Vale The Brecon Beacons National Park

General overview of the Brecon Beacons National Park Established in 1957 It covers 520 sq miles It can be divided into 4 areas: (From West to East) The Black Mountain The Fforest Fawr The Brecon Beacons The Black Mountains The highest point is Pen y Fan at 886m above sea level It has some of the most beautiful physical features in the UK from lakes, waterfalls and caves It also has a lot of historical features from castles, standing stones and market towns.

33,000 people live in the National Park. The largest settlement is Brecon with a population of 7,500. It has 75 SSSI’s (sites of special scientific interest) covering 20% of the National Parks area. Over 3.5 million visit the National Park each year. Approximately £126.3 million spent by tourists in 2004.

Who owns the land in the Brecon Beacons National Park? 70% Private owners 14.3% National Park Authority 7.7 % Forestry Commission 3.9% Welsh Water 3.7% National Trust 0.8% Countryside Council for Wales

Why is Henllys Vale so important? It is a part of the heritage of the area –Lime kilns and its role in the agricultural industry –Coal mining and its role in the industrial revolution in South Wales –Brickworks (Brynhenllys) Lime Kilns Chimney Disused tram line following Afon Twrch

It will encourage different types of tourism to this site: -Educational visits -Walking (not just tourists from Ystradowen, Cwmtwrch & Cwmllynfell) -Bird Watching -Healthy lifestyle It is important for the National Park to sustain and enhance areas like Henllys Vale for future generations. In the next lesson you will find out what the Brecon Beacons National Park is doing to maintain Henllys Vale and the conflicts that may occur in a project of this type.