Today (Wednesday 15 September), the Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones will launch a new ecotourism audio trail at Glaslyn Nature Reserve, near Machynlleth in mid Wales.
As you walk the 6.4 mile Glaslyn and Bugeilyn circular trail, all is revealed about the area’s rich historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Tourism is a vital component of the economic sustainability of the Cambrian Mountains region, and the use of new technology is an essential part of its development. By linking cultural, historical and environmental aspects, the audio trail gives people a greater insight into the rich heritage of the area.
This project is part of the Pumlumon Project supported by Wildlife Trust Wales. The project runs alongside the Cambrian Mountains Initiative, spearheaded by HRH Prince of Wales, to promote rural enterprise, protect the environment and add value to products and services in Mid Wales.
The Glaslyn and Bugeilyn audio trail starts at the Wynford Vaughan-Thomas Memorial, situated on the mountain road between Machynlleth and Llanidloes. The walk starts and finishes at the memorial, taking in parts of Glyndŵr’s Way, Glaslyn nature reserve and Bugeilyn farmstead.
Stephen Hughes, the Pumlumon Project team economist, said “we hope the trail will in particular attract younger people, by offering a new route across access land guided by the audio tracks. The tracks include short interviews with farmers and with the former resident of Bugeilyn farm”.
The Countryside Council for Wales Montgomeryshire Team Leader, Carol Fielding said: “Whilst enjoying a stimulating walk across a beautiful landscape, visitors will hear, among other things, how well managed uplands contribute greatly to society’s needs – helping to store carbon, conserve water, and reduce the risk of floods in lower-lying areas.”
The multi-track download for MP3 or mobile phones is available from the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT) website at: http://www.montwt.co.uk/audiotrail.html.
The minister will then attend a dinner with some of the regions ambassadors.
The project is a partnership between the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Wild and Green Tourism Project, the Countryside Council for Wales, Powys County Council, Glasu (a rural development initiative in Powys) and is supported by Powys Local Action Group.
