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Experts have raised alarms about the survival of some of Wales’ most threatened wildlife in Nant Ffrancon, a valley located within the country’s largest national park, Eryri (also known as Snowdonia). According to the National Trust, the area is experiencing a severe ecological decline that puts several species at risk of disappearing completely, including the mountain blackbird and the mountain finch.
In response to these urgent concerns, a new conservation initiative with a budget of £1 million has been launched to safeguard and restore more than 4,000 acres of habitat within Eryri National Park. Simon Rogers, representing the National Trust, emphasized the critical state of affairs, stating, “We’re in a very serious situation – we’re in a nature emergency. There are so many species in this valley which are on the brink of extinction.” The area covers a diverse and remarkable landscape, from the towering peaks of Cwm Idwal to the deep recesses of Dyffryn Ogwen, and is home to unique ecosystems that are now deteriorating. Species such as the ring ouzel face the threat of vanishing forever.
The project aims to bring together local communities, tenant farmers, and volunteers to work collaboratively on restoring the natural environment over 4,040 acres. Rogers highlighted the presence of an exceptional variety of habitats in the region while cautioning that many species remain perilously close to extinction. This effort also complements the Mountain Jewels of Eryri (Tlysau Mynydd Eryri) conservation partnership, which is led by Plantlife Cymru and focuses on protecting some of the rarest alpine plants in Wales.
Through ecological surveys and continuous monitoring, including tracking species like the woodcock and otter as well as plant life such as aspen and juniper, the health of the valley will be assessed. Innovative methods, such as the use of GPS collars on livestock, are being employed to refine grazing management. Rhys Wheldon-Roberts, the Cwm Idwal Partnership Officer, explained the value of this technology: “The collars on the cattle allow us to move the cattle around the landscape and you can monitor it as you go, and the farmers can see that data live on their apps. It can make grazing something much more effective for the cattle and for nature.”
The project places significant importance on community involvement and volunteer participation. Wheldon-Roberts noted, “There are opportunities for people to get involved in monitoring, in volunteering, just learning about the landscape in general.” He also mentioned that local schools visit the area frequently, giving young people a chance to observe firsthand the project’s influence, especially how properly managed cattle grazing supports conservation efforts. This engagement helps foster a collective appreciation and responsibility for preserving this distinctive landscape.
Funded with nearly £1 million from the Nature Networks Fund, managed by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, the project sets a foundation for long-term recovery. Rogers stated, “What we’re trying to do with this project is set a foundation for the future. Some things will change in the next three years, but what we’re doing is setting ourselves up so that recovery can continue for decades afterwards.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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