Reflecting on six years of Cynllun Yr Wyddfa implementation

Since the launch of Cynllun Yr Wyddfa in 2018, Partneriaeth Yr Wyddfa has navigated one of the most challenging periods ever faced by our National Parks and other rural areas due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite these challenges, the Partnership has successfully delivered the majority of its action points and achieved notable successes. Since 2018, the Partnership has established itself as a highly effective forum for sharing information, identifying collaborative opportunities, and pooling resources. It has also gained extensive experience in leading innovative projects, addressing significant challenges, and engaging with various communities.

When reflecting on the work accomplished, several successes stand out. These include the innovative Plastic Free Yr Wyddfa initiative, as well as the significant improvements to the Sherpa’r Wyddfa network. The 2023/2024 figures present a remarkable 79% increase in users of the Sherpa compared to pre-Covid levels. The introduction of a prebooking system at Pen y Pass has significantly reduced illegal parking incidents in the area, while the T10 pilot bus service in Ogwen has been developed as a long-term enhancement to the region’s sustainable transport options. Over a thousand individuals and business owners have been trained through the Eryri Ambassador programme, helping to share the Partnership’s core messages. The Llwybrau’r Wyddfa app has been downloaded more than 33,000 times. Both the Yr Wyddfa Volunteer Wardens and Caru Eryri schemes have grown in strength, while the innovative Plastic Free Yr Wyddfa initiative has gained exciting momentum.

The Covid-19 pandemic has not only transformed working practices and meetings but has also altered visiting patterns. These changes have had a profound impact on the Partnership’s work, often requiring flexibility and adaptation. One notable shift has been the discovery of areas that were once relatively quiet, but now see increased users, placing significant pressure on communities around Yr Wyddfa. While the issues remain familiar—such as light and noise pollution, litter, wild camping, off-lead dogs, and illegal parking—the density of users at certain times has amplified these challenges to unprecedented levels. This has introduced entirely new challenges, such as the rise of overnight campervans and tent boxes in non-permitted areas, human waste on Yr Wyddfa, outdoor swimming, and an increased attraction to water. These activities, particularly in fragile protected sites like Afon Cwm Llan near the Watkin Path, have brought fresh concerns to the forefront that were previously unseen before the pandemic.

Addressing the parking and transport challenges through multi-agency collaboration has proven to be particularly challenging at times. However, effective partnership working has been developed and strengthened, leading to improvements, such as the increased use of the Sherpa service and a notable decrease in illegal parking incidents at Pen y Pass. These positive changes have been evident on the ground in a relatively short period.

Working with limited resources presents its own challenges, often resulting in some projects taking longer than desired. However, the achievements of the past six years are worthy of celebration and provide a strong foundation for the Partnership to continue this vital work moving forward.