2025 Delivered Action for Heritage, Nature and Community Across the National Park.

Connecting People and Nature

In March, the Brecon Nature Walk was officially launched, bringing together participants from the local community, the National Park and our partner organisations to celebrate the connection between our green spaces, wildlife and community.

In May, Bannau Brycheiniog hosted the Wales Pollinator Task Force, welcoming organisations from across the country to share work on pollinator protection and habitat recovery.

Strengthening Sustainable Farming Through Ffermio Bro

The first year of the Ffermio Bro scheme, a Welsh Government programme supporting farmers to make improvements for nature and the environment, saw significant uptake and success.  Funding was granted for more than 1,700 metres of new hedgerow, while the team conducted 55 farm visits and approved 42 projects. Total expressions of interest exceeded the £325,000 capital allocation, demonstrating strong community engagement and demand for nature-friendly farming support.

Tackling Invasive Species

Bannau Brycheiniog’s Invasive Non-Native Species programme treated 126 Japanese knotweed sites along the upper Usk river and removed 816 Giant Hogweed plants from woodland near Llangattock. Volunteers played a crucial role, contributing directly to improved biodiversity and safer public access.

Heritage Protection Highlights

2025 saw significant conservation projects across the Park’s historic landscape. Repair works and new signage at Twyn y Beddau to protect this Bronze Age burial mound following years of off‑roading damage.

Funding was secured to develop a conservation plan for the Grade I listed Adelina Patti Theatre at Craig‑y‑Nos Castle, bringing together heritage partners and theatre specialists to safeguard one of Britain’s most important private theatres.

Five historic wash lanes in Llangynidr were also added to the Park’s Local List, strengthening community pride and preserving evidence of historic shared water access. The Local List provides a record of heritage assets, including buildings, archaeological sites, monuments, historic locations and valued open spaces. These are not nationally listed but remain important to local communities and the character of Bannau Brycheiniog.

Peatland and Uplands Restoration Project

In 2024–25, the National Park restored 28 hectares of peatland, that’s an impressive 133% increase on the previous year’s total. A further £1.75 million has been secured to support peatland restoration over the next three to five years, recognising the essential role peatlands play in carbon storage, biodiversity and water management.

Ecology and Landscape Innovation

2025 saw substantial progress across multiple ecology programmes within Bannau Brycheiniog, including partnership work with the Mynydd Iach Penderyn Partnership, developing a major Nature Networks Fund bid for ‘Curlew Landscapes Wales’ and creating a revised methodology for landscape condition training. The launch of the Park’s new Meadows Group and advances in the Vital Signs rapid assessment approach further strengthen the Bannau Brycheiniog’s long-term strategy of biodiversity recovery.

Improving Access Across the Rights of Way Network

Wardens resolved 440 issues across the rights of way network in 2025, improving safety and accessibility for residents and visitors. The team replaced 48 stiles with self-closing pedestrian gates and refurbished or replaced six bridges, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient access network.

Historic Environment Partnership 

The Historic Environment Partnership continued to bring together heritage bodies, community groups and statutory organisations to promote and protect the Park’s cultural assets. This year the partnership supported better management of historic sites, expanded community involvement and facilitated essential funding and guidance for conservation projects of both local and national significance.

Ongoing Planning and Policy Support

The Heritage Team provided year-round specialist advice to ensure that planning and policy decisions protect the Park’s historic buildings and landscapes, while enabling sensitive, sustainable development in harmony with the area’s cultural character.

Celebrating Volunteers

Volunteers remain at the heart of the Park’s work, contributing vital monitoring and recording of historic sites and playing a significant role in conservation across Bannau Brycheiniog. Their dedication continues to help safeguard the Park’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

“The achievements of the past year reflect the passion and dedication of everyone who cares for this remarkable landscape, from volunteers and land managers to our local communities. Their collective effort proves that meaningful action for nature, heritage and community is not only possible but happening every day here in Bannau Brycheiniog. We are proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what we will achieve together in the years ahead.”

Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, Chair of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority