News that the Fforest Fawr Geopark has been awarded a second green card following its successful revalidation is a cause for celebration for the Fforest Fawr Geopark Management Group – Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and its many partners – who have worked tirelessly over the last four years to secure this second revalidation.
The European Geoparks Network (EGN) Co-Ordination Committee made its decision last month, after reassessing the Waterfalls Centre in Pontneddfechan, the range of established geo-trails, the distribution of high quality interpretation panels throughout the Geopark, its role in geo-conservation and in particular the work being done with local communities.
The Evaluators’ report praised Fforest Fawr Geopark’s strategy for working with communities, and commended the National Park Authority’s Ambassadors’ Scheme for significantly raising the profile of the Geopark and the National Park.
The achievement of Fforest Fawr Geopark’s successful green card bid is the result of effective partnership working between various bodies from the public and private sectors.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Fforest Fawr Geopark Development Officer Alan Bowring said: “I’m delighted with our success. The EGN’s report highlights how communities are playing an ever stronger role in the life of the Geopark – ultimately the Geopark is here for the community and its success is starting to bring local economic benefits.”
John Cook, Chief Executive of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive our revalidation green card for Fforest Fawr Geopark. The glowing report from the EGN committee is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff, partners and communities who have worked extremely hard to regain this accreditation.”
Julie James, Chairman of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, said: “The Fforest Fawr Geopark and its rich heritage is a real asset to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park – as is evidenced by the growing popularity of the yearly Fforest Fawr Geopark Festival. The varied landscape in the Geopark is truly unique, and well worthy of this revalidation.”
Fforest Fawr Geopark was first granted membership to the EGN back in 2005. For further information about the Geopark please log onto www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk or www.geoparcyfforestfawr.org.uk. Alternatively visit the European Geoparks Network website www.europeangeoparks.org or contact Alan Bowring on 01874 620 415 or by email.
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