Running from Saturday 23rd October to Sunday 31st October, the action packed ‘Splash Week’ event aims to inspire people of all ages to take an interest in water and nature through hands on water based recreational activities in canals, lakes, rivers and the wider outdoors in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Full details can be found here http://www.breconbeacons.org/splash/news-and-events
Just some of the highlights of the weeklong programme of activities include electric boating, canoeing, sailing, gorge walking, bird watching, kayaking and even how to build a traditional Welsh craft – the coracle.
‘Splash Week’ will also see the launch of ‘Boating for Wildlife’ campaign. This event will start off with a mega clean up of the River Usk on Sunday 31st October supported by Tidy Wales. Canoe clubs who often run the white water on the section of the River Usk from Sennybridge to Crickhowell will bring their boats along for a different purpose to clean the rubbish out of this popular and beautiful river; improve it as a habitat and perhaps also show that boaters can be a force for good willing to give something back to the rivers they play on.
With funding support from Environment Agency Wales, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and the Welsh Assembly Government, ‘Splash’ is a project set up to broaden the potential for locals and visitors to enjoy some of the wonderful waterways in the Park.
Water recreation has been a much discussed topic at the Welsh Assembly Government and only last year, Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing announced funding for exemplar water access projects saying that: “Wales’ rivers and lakes are underused for outdoor recreation – with missed opportunities for local businesses and communities”
Gez Richards, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s ‘Splash’ Project Officer said: “Taking the plunge into outdoor water recreation can be a little daunting especially if you are a beginner or haven’t been on the water for a long time, but Splash Week is a fantastic opportunity especially to bring your children along and try something altogether for some fun and safe water related activities. Besides the mountains and hills, the Bannau Brycheiniog has some wonderful rivers, lakes and canals that are perfect for exploring and enjoying the wider environment – we hope to encourage as many people as possible to come along and take part in what Splash Week has to offer.”
For information on any of these events contact Gez Richards at the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority on 01874 624437 or by email gez@breconbeacons.org