Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has postponed its final decision on the fate of Coed y Brenin and two other visitor centres in Ceredigion. This delay comes amidst growing opposition from various stakeholders, including:
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Cymdeithas Eryri (Snowdonia Society)
Meirionnydd's branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW)
Wales Tourism Alliance
Both the Snowdonia Society and other organizations have suggested that if NRW cannot continue operating the centre, they should consider allowing a local company, social enterprise, or community group to take over its management.
The Snowdonia Society, represented by director Rory Francis, has expressed deep concern about the closure plans. In a letter to NRW's chief executive, Francis emphasized the importance of the visitor centre as a community resource and urged NRW to explore alternative options if they cannot continue operating it.
NRW has stated that they are reviewing the feedback received during the consultation process and will make a decision later this autumn. They have also mentioned that if the closure proceeds, certain facilities such as car parking, play areas, and toilets will remain available.
This also comes off the back in September of Cycling UK, Beicio Cymru (formerly Welsh Cycling), the UK MTB Trail Alliance, Mountain Bike Wales and the Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation (WATO), along with over 90 other groups, organisations and businesses from across the Welsh mountain bike sector united to send a letter to Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs (who is the Welsh Government’s Minister responsible for Natural Resources Wales). You can read more about this here.
It has been announced that on the 9th October the Senedd will debate the petition to “Stop Natural Resources Wales closing Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Coed y Brenin & Ynyslas visitor centres.”. This petition raised over 13,000 signature. Another positive step to halt this NRW plan.
The closure of Coed y Brenin visitor centre would result in job losses and potentially harm the local economy. The centre, which attracts around 100,000 visitors annually, plays a crucial role in Meirionnydd's rural economy
As the controversy continues, the future of Coed y Brenin visitor centre remains uncertain, with many stakeholders advocating for its retention due to its significant role in the local community and economy.
The proposed cuts to NRW's recreation budget must be viewed in the broader context of their impact. These reductions will result in no allocated budget or staff to upkeep the 550km of mountain bike trails across all trail centres. Consequently, these trails will likely close within the next one to two years due to safety concerns from inadequate maintenance. This conversation is much wider than three visitor centres. Wales Mountain biking is in serious crisis.
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