From high craggy peaks, remote tranquil moorlands and lush green ravines opening out to expanses of awe-inspiring estuaries – Eryri (Snowdonia) has it all. On the 18th of October, this special area will celebrate 70 years since its designation as a National Park, and to mark this special occasion the Park Authority has arranged a variety of events.
The designation came about in the wake of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which ensured that designated areas of natural beauty, their culture and wildlife were protected from overdevelopment and safeguarded for the nation. Snowdonia was the first of the Welsh designations, and third in the United Kingdom.
Our predecessors, as we have, faced many challenges along the way when responding to and embracing the advancement of technology, transport and general way of life, but we pride ourselves that Snowdonia’s special qualities continue to flourish to this day, side by side with the new world, and that it continues to be regarded as one of the most remarkable areas in the world. As well as its rugged mountains and dramatic landscapes, our unique culture and heritage, and the Welsh language which is at the heart of our identity, lures visitors from the four corners of the earth.
Many exciting projects and special events will be held to celebrate this special milestone. Various local artists have been commissioned to create works of art to celebrate Eryri, which will be available to enjoy through a digital map. Our Conservation Service have also invited Community Councils to help us plant 5,000 native trees across the Park, one for each resident celebrating a 70th birthday, and every child to be born in 2021.
To record seventy years of Park life, we have rummaged through old photographs to create an on-line image gallery. As well as using dust-coated photos from the Authority’s library, the public are invited to contribute to the gallery by submitting their old photos that record their experiences of living, working or visiting the National Park.
During the week leading up to the big day a special journey will take place from the north of the Park to the south, with staff, volunteers, members and partners completing sections on foot, on wheels and through water! The journey will finish in Aberdyfi, where there will be a small celebratory gathering, a fitting end after a very challenging eighteen months since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wyn Ellis Jones, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority said:
“This year’s celebration comes at a significant time in our history, as we emerge from one of the most challenging periods since our designation – for both the communities and us as an Authority. There is no doubt that times have changed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, but with such passionate and committed staff, volunteers, members and partners, I’m confident that Eryri will continue to be just as special to our future generations.”
To bring celebrations to a close, a special television series following the stories of National Park residents and staff will air on S4C. Over the past eighteen months we have been working with Cwmni Da on a four episode series which will give viewers an insight into the pleasures and challenges of caring for, living and working within the boundaries of one of the world’s most renowned National Parks.
