Date/Time
Friday, 16 May 2014
All Day
Location
Stackpole Activity Centre, Pembrokeshire
Details
Introduction
This seminar will explore recent and ongoing developments in Welsh outdoor recreation, as well as delving into what the future looks like for the sector. An appetite for improved access to the outdoors, combined with major structural changes to the key government bodies which have responsibility for this, provide a colourful array of opportunities and challenges. Delegates will gain an understanding of how changing legislation, major capital spend, and partnership working is changing the outdoor recreation scene across Wales, now and in the future.
Thursday 15th May (early arrivals)
18:00 Arrive at Stackpole Centre
19:00 Beach BBQ (or wet weather dinner alternative)
Overnight accommodation at Stackpole centre
Friday 16th May (seminar)
09:30 Seminar registration; Tea/coffee
09:45 Welcome and introduction to Seminar: What is happening in Wales for outdoor recreation – the opportunities and challenges this is posing.
10:00 Keynote 1: Developing and managing the Wales Coastal Path
Richard Neale, National Trust
Elinor Gwynne, Natural Resources Wale
Developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (formerly Countryside Council for Wales), sixteen local authorities and two national parks, this 870 mile path provides a continuous walking route around the whole of Wales – from the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south. Some 20% of the path is owned by the National Trust. The path is as near to the coast as legally and physically practicable, whilst fully taking into account the needs of health and safety, land management and conservation. It was officially opened in May 2012. Richard will take us through the benefits of it’s introduction, while Elinor will discuss the path’s impacts on historic and nature conservation.
10:45 Keynote 2: Developing integrated legislation for outdoor recreation
John Watkins, Welsh Government
In 2013 the Welsh Government announced a review of existing legislation and guidance relating to access and outdoor recreation. The aim is to secure better access to the outdoors for recreation, modernise and simplify the current regulatory framework, and provide clarity and certainty over where people can go and what they can do there. John will talk to us about the process of developing integrated legislation for outdoor recreation, and provide an overview and update on the Welsh Government’s consultation and its current priorities for access.
11:30 Keynote 3: Challenges and opportunities facing Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
Emyr Roberts, CEO Natural Resources Wales
NRW brings together the work of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, as well as some functions of Welsh Government. Their purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future. This presentation will look at the many challenges and opportunities facing NRW, it’s priorities for 2014-15 and beyond, and how it can build on the existing partnerships with organisations like the National Trust.
12:15 Questions
12:40 Summary
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Depart
TO BOOK: Call the National Trust’s Stackpole Centre on 01646 661 425. You will be asked to pay at the time of booking. Lines are open 10:00-18:00 every day including weekends.
Cost:
£50.00 – delegate fee for seminar
£99.50 – as above plus accommodation the night before and breakfast
£114.50 – as above plus evening meal the night before Please ask about discounts available for members.