Geopark Management Group

We are the management group of the international Geopark designation covering the Western half of the National Park. The group brings together public, private, educational and charity sector organisations to support sustainable tourism, education and (geo)conservation.

We are part of the ‘bottom-up’ global geoparks movement which began in the early 2000s, now numbering c180 around the world, with just nine in the UK.

We were accepted into the European Geoparks Network in 2005, and became a UNESCO project in 2016. Although Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is the lead partner , we collaborate with Natural Resources Wales, academia, trade and outdoor activity bodies, wildlife and heritage bodies and representatives of various tiers of local government, for their complimentary expertise, perspective and funds.

Our principle aim is to protect and promote deeper understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the western half of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, and encourage appropriate economic development based on sound sustainability principles.

Our Vision

Our vision would be the flourishing of vibrant communities living in harmony with healthy ecosystems, and welcoming visitors who bring benefits rather than create further issues. Whilst engendering a deeper understanding on part of residents and visitors alike of the inter-relatedness of geodiversity, biodiversity and a sustainable local economy.

Future Action

We will be further developing the geopark ‘hub’ at Craig Y Nos Country Park whist refreshing our ‘outreach’ activities across the Geopark. We also want to expand along the coalfield fringe to help these communities better integrate into the geopark with the aim of improving health and economic outcomes.

Y Bannau: The Future

This Plan, and its process of development, provides a welcomed framework within which the Geopark can action plan its activities with the hope of making a positive difference to this landscape, its communities and businesses, and visitors to it.