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The National Trust is a partner in the
Snowdonia Green Key Consortium. It owns a great deal of land in
Snowdonia.
"Snowdonia is justly famous for its epic upland
landscapes, including Hafod y Llan on the southern flank of
Snowdon, acquired following a successful public appeal in 1998. The Watkin
Path, one of the main routes up Snowdon, runs the length of the entire
estate. The Trust owns eleven of the main mountain peaks, including Tryfan
(part of the Carneddau property), where the first successful Everest
climbers trained. The Carneddau and Ysbyty Estate, together
covering over 15,000ha (37,000 acres), contain some of the most exciting
scenery of all and include Cwm Idwal, a nature reserve famous for
its flora since the 17th century. South-west of Betws-y-Coed is Ty Mawr
in the charming little valley of Wybrnant, which offers many delightful
walks.1
It is estimated by the
National Trust that more than a quarter of a million people contributed to the public appeal in 1998 to buy
Hafod y Lan farm, more than 4,000 acres of land on the
southern flank of Snowdon. The appeal passed the target of £4m with 10
days to spare. Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas,
vice-president of the Snowdonia appeal said at the time
"This campaign has shown how important Snowdon is to so many
people.
"The people of Wales and elsewhere have demonstrated their
determination that this symbol of Wales will be protected for future
generations and that the balance between agriculture, access and
conservation will be maintained for ever." The Chris Brasher Trust pledged its entire year's income to the Save Snowdonia appeal
guaranteeing at least £200,000. Sir Anthony Hopkins, president of the Snowdonia Appeal, donated £1m towards
saving Snowdon for the Nation. Other substantial donations from the generating
company First Hydro, the National Grid, a charity concert by the South
Wales band Stereophonics and a sponsored Run for Snowdon helped the
National Trust to reach the target. The Welsh Office promised to hand over more land to
the National Trust so that it would own two-thirds of the summit if the
appeal was successful. This public response demonstrated how important
access to Snowdonia is.
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How is it that the National Trust, which was founded in 1895 to
preserve places of historic interest or natural beauty permanently for
the nation to enjoy1, provides very few parking spaces
in the whole of the core area to access 37,000 acres?
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Why is the Trust's attitude to parking in Snowdonia so
different to their attitude in the Lake District where small screened car
parks are provided by the Trust (free to members).
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At present there are no charges for the spaces at Tryfan. If
they are retained will the Trust be brought into line like Forest
Enterprise?
(It was recommended that
"Forest Enterprise should be
approached as a potential stakeholder - It is important that they
increase their own charges to reduce the amount of 'grazing' to find
cheaper car parks"2
- the Forestry Commission is now a partner in
the consortium) see also Observation 15.
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Why is the Trust in partnership with a consortium whose
idea of a consultation process
is to hold seven public meetings, all on weekdays,
during a fortnight in January when very few visitors are in the area?
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How
many NT members know about this scheme and its implications?
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Is the Trust aware that the so called Consultation Draft
promises that "these strategic aims, objectives and targets are
not final and will be revised to reflect your views and comments after
the consultation period" [para 5.11] yet in the same report
boasts progress to date:
"A significant number of projects are already being implemented
or are under development within the Northern Snowdonia area which are
directly and indirectly achieving the aims and objectives contained
within this strategy" [Para 10.1] 3?
(We can confirm that at Pen y Pass car park, where people set
off up Snowdon on the Pyg Track or Miner's Track, 19 parking
spaces have been removed in order to create a bus turning
circle. Charges of £2 an hour are suggested with a maximum two hour
stay during high season).
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