Eryri marks 75 years since the designation of Wales’ oldest National Park Authority

A year of celebrations will highlight Eryri’s landscapes, communities, culture and future

Eryri National Park Authority is marking a historic milestone this year as it celebrates 75 years since the designation of Wales’ largest National Park.

The anniversary forms part of a significant year for the National Park movement, with the Peak District, the UK’s first National Park, marking its 75th anniversary this July, followed by Eryri, Dartmoor and the Lake District later in the Autumn.

To recognise the occasion, the Peak District National Park Authority has commissioned a special 75th anniversary report exploring why National Parks were created, celebrating their achievements over the past three quarters of a century, and looking honestly at the challenges and opportunities facing protected landscapes in the years ahead.

The report will be launched at a special event hosted at Bakewell, bringing together representatives from across government, conservation, farming, communities and partner organisations to discuss the future role of National Parks in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges, from nature recovery and climate change to access, wellbeing and sustainable communities.

For Eryri, the milestone is also an opportunity to tell a uniquely Welsh story, one rooted in language, culture, communities and a living landscape shaped by generations of people.

Established in 1951, Eryri became Wales’ first National Park. Today, it remains a landscape of international importance, home to vibrant communities, rich biodiversity, thousands of years of history and the highest percentage of Welsh speakers of any National Park. Following Eryri, Pembrokeshire Coast was designated as a National Park in 1952 and Bannau Brycheiniog in 1957.

To celebrate the anniversary, Eryri National Park Authority has developed a programme of events and partnerships throughout the year that celebrate the special qualities that make Eryri unique.

The Authority’s poetry competitions will be open throughout the summer, continuing Eryri’s strong literary tradition. Winners from the Under 11, Under 18 and Open categories will be awarded specially commissioned bardic chairs during a ceremony at Yr Ysgwrn on 21 October.

Liberty Lux News

Source: Eryri / Snowdonia National Park