12th November 2004
Forty young people from all over Wales have outlined their vision for the future of the Countryside during the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales’ annual youth conference held at Plas Tan y Bwlch Snowdonia. The event was sponsored by the Countryside Council for Wales and Arriva Trains Wales. The young people state that they want a countryside ‘where the unique culture, traditions, language and environment are respected and understood by all who live and visit the area’.
One student states that, ’we want the opportunity as young people to live and work, to make decisions that affect our future and to take part in all the area has to offer’. CPRW Director Peter Ogden said that ‘the feedback from the young people has been extremely positive with a number noting their desire to seek employment in the environmental field following their experience’.
The young people were given the unique opportunity to visit community, recreation and environmental projects in Snowdonia as well as working with representatives from The National Trust, The University of Wales Bangor, Keep Wales Tidy, Plas y Brenin Snowdonia Active, The Forestry Commission, Cwlwm Glaslyn and the Countryside Council for Wales.
After spending time studying the current issues that face rural Wales they came up with their vision. They felt that development in Snowdonia had to be sustainable and encompassing of local resources including employment and training of local people, young and old. They also wanted to see the same technological facilities available to people living in rural areas as people in cities and access for all to them.
Young people from all over Wales were able to attend as they were given free travel by Arriva Trains Wales, Geraint Morgan, community affairs manager for Arriva Trains Wales “Our trains provide a valuable service to many rural communities and also assist visitors to explore the areas of natural beauty that Wales has to offer. “It is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in the issues that affect the countryside today and we were delighted to support the children with their travel arrangements to the conference.”
The young people stated that all aspects of the countryside should be taught at schools from a young age, promoting a feeling of personal responsibility and respect for the countryside which will bridge the gap between conflicting groups.
Roger Thomas Chief Executive of the Countryside Council for Wales noted ‘It is vital that there are opportunities for young people to stay in their communities - we are working with the University of Bangor to actively encourage Welsh youngsters to get skills to protect and enhance our environment’
The vision was presented to the Chief Executive of Snowdonia National Park who said“The positive comments which have developed from this conference are very valuable to us as an Authority and will be considered carefully as I, officers and Members of the Park Authority prepare for future challenges. After all, listening to young people’s views today is of paramount importance as we prepare to face our tomorrow.”
Further details from:
CPRW on 01938 552525