Geopark Consultants – Feasibility study for the expansion of the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark (into Neath Port Talbot County Borough)
Client: Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
PSC was commissioned by the National Park Authority (BBNPA) to prepare a feasibility study for the expansion of the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark (FFUGGp) beyond its current boundary into those parts of Neath Port Talbot County Borough which fringe the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
The Geopark is a partnership of organisations from the public, commercial and charity sectors, operating within the borders of the National Park since 2005. The BBNPA is the lead partner; other key partners include Cardiff University, Natural Resources Wales, Heneb (the combined Archaeological Trusts of Wales) and Brecon Beacons Tourism.
As part of the study, PSC undertook an audit of the natural, cultural and intangible heritage assets of the proposed expansion area within Neath Port Talbot which includes protected sites such as scheduled ancient monuments, Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGS), SSSIs and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).
One of the main drivers for the potential expansion into Neath Port Talbot was the opportunity to include new sites related to the impressive mining heritage across this part of South Wales.
Our research involved working with community representatives and other key stakeholders to assess the strength of appetite for the expansion and to identify the stories which help to establish and explain the relationship of the communities to their landscapes. We also carried out an online survey among residents and communities and a further survey among local school representatives. The overall aim was to bring the cultural, natural and intangible assets together to provide an attractive, authentic visitor experience and education resource in partnership with the Geopark and other agencies to generate local economic benefits and engender pride in those communities, leading to additional social benefits. The feasibility study examined the advantages and disadvantages of expansion of the Geopark into Neath Port Talbot along the Geopark’s current southern border. The study also included an extensive prioritised action plan broken down into themed areas including suggested interpretative themes and stories for the expansion area, where applicable.
Key consideration was given to the involvement and engagement of local communities and the Local Authority.
We also set out how the revised Geopark would be best administered in the future in a way which would maximize the impact of investment and provide best value for money as well as the greatest impact in terms of environmental, social and economic benefit. In addition we carried out a funding review to identify potential funding streams for the project initiative. To find out more about the Geopark and latest expansion proposals, please click here.
How can we help?
If you have any questions about carrying out a feasibility study please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk