A pupil from Crickhowell Community Primary School has won an iPad mini in a photo competition run by the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority in partnership with the Waun Fach Nature Fund project and the Black Mountains Graziers Association. Rhianna Haworth, age 9 took the winning image of the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir at one of her favourite spots in the heart of the Black Mountains.
Rhianna Haworth holding her winning entry with John Morris, Vice Chairman of the Black Mountains Graziers Association and Anna Edwards, Education Officer, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.
The competition marks the end of the first stage of a successful project to repair and maintain the precious peak bog and popular walking route in the Waun Fach area of the Black Mountains in the east of the National Park. The unique collaboration of Black Mountains Partnerships received funding of £200,000 from the Welsh Government’s Nature Fund to restore heathland, peat bogs and other habitats in the area which is also protected as a unique Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Education Department at the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority further supported the partnership by working with local schools to engage in the project. Sunita Welch, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park’s Education Manager commented: “We wanted children living within the area to think about the future of the landscape and learn about the importance of protecting it. It is important for everyone to understand that it’s a working landscape that is farmed and lived off as well as being a place we can all enjoy. We want to try and engage everyone who uses the National Park in looking after this special landscape and this project to protect the precious heather and peat bogs is a great example of everyone working together”.
John Morris, Vice Chairman of the Black Mountains Graziers Association who presented Rhianna with her prize added: “I am delighted that the National Park Authority had taken the initiative to visit local schools and explain the interconnection between farming and the uplands. Pupils and their teachers will have learned that as well as providing a beautiful landscape that is attractive to walkers and nature lovers, the hills are, first and foremost, a working environment. Indeed they are a key element in the livelihoods of many farmers around the Black Mountains who rely heavily upon their historic rights to graze livestock on the commons in these hills. These activities help maintain the wonderful landscape and many valuable natural habitats in addition to making a significant contribution to the local economy and holding communities together.”
Ed Evans, Member Champion for Agriculture and Land Management agreed:
“Agriculture has defined this landscape and it is so important to stress the valuable role that farming communities play in protecting the landscape. This project has engaged the interest of the pupils at Crickhowell Community Primary School and I am very happy that Rhianna has won an iPad for her school with her excellent photo.”
ENDS
Photograph © Peter Williams