coed-y-brenin

Funding Cuts To Welsh Trails Confirmed

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We’ve been reporting for a while that there were extensive budget cuts threatened at Natural Resources Wales, the land manager responsible for most of the places you’re likely to ride in Wales. These threaten the visitor facilities at the trail centres, but also – as staff numbers are cut – the maintenance of the trails themselves. Without staff to asses and repair trails, who will maintain them? Those involved in the Welsh cycling industry united in an effort to stop the cuts, however, yesterday, the NRW Board approved changes to make savings of £12m by 2025-26. This is £1m than originally planned, but still a huge reduction.

The cut will remove 233 posts from the organisational structure — of which 113 are unoccupied vacant posts. This means that 120 occupied posts will be removed from the structure by April 2025. NRW states that there are around 200 ongoing vacancies and new posts which they will use for redeployment opportunities. Further details can be viewed on the Case for Change Information Page, although there are no details as to exactly which posts will be removed or retained.

The background information states that ‘We will no longer operate catering and retail provision at visitor centres, we will actively seek out partners to run these services. The sites will remain open for walking, biking, play areas, car parking and toilet provision.’ So, take your own sandwiches (or better still, buy some at a local small business). As NRW has stated that it intends for the sites to ‘remain open for walking, biking, play areas, car parking and toilet provision’ you would hope that the budget doesn’t affect those responsible for trail maintenance, but that remains to be seen.

coed-y-brenin
In future, you can have a wee, but no coffee.

Here’s the official PR from NRW:

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will implement important changes to its structure, enabling it to sharpen its focus on areas where it can make the most meaningful impact for people and nature.

Following extensive consultation with the Trade Unions and their members, alongside engagement with staff,  NRW will streamline its activities and concentrate its resources on delivering essential services that only it can provide. It will invest in priority areas that will drive long-term benefits for Wales’ natural environment including enhancing efforts in improving water quality and monitoring.

The changes, which have now been approved by NRW’s Board, will ensure that the organisation is better equipped to deliver its corporate plan objectives to support nature’s recovery, tackling climate change, and minimising pollution.

Sir David Henshaw, NRW Chair said: 

“Our goal is to ensure that every pound of public funding is used efficiently and effectively, with a focus on tackling the climate emergency, restoring biodiversity, and addressing environmental risks. The changes we’re making now will help us maximise our impact where it matters most.

“This process is not only about addressing financial constraints but about putting NRW in the best shape to tackle the most pressing environmental issues. Every decision is aimed at maximising our impact where it’s most needed.

“While some activities will be adapted or delivered differently, the changes will free up resources to be invested in the areas that matter most. This will allow NRW to continue its leadership role in protecting Wales’ natural resources, driving positive change for future generations.”

While NRW is committed to investing in priority areas, the organisation will have to stop or scale back certain services to ensure that resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Following Trade Union consultation, several proposals have been adjusted, reducing the number of roles to be removed from the organisational structure. 120 staff members are directly impacted by this change and where possible, they will be redeployed within the organisation.

These changes reflect NRW’s commitment to considering staff perspectives throughout the process.

Following Board approval some services will be reduced or delivered differently, including areas such as provision of recreation on the land in our care and interpretation services.

Additionally, certain activities that fall outside of NRW’s statutory responsibilities or have a lower impact on key environmental priorities will be discontinued. This includes no longer having a physical library service. The catering and retail operations at Visitor Centres will also end. More information about this will be provided at public meetings (dates of which will be publicised shortly).   

Where there are changes in the services NRW will offer, it will work closely with customers, partners, and stakeholders to transition smoothly, ensuring the timely transfer of information, knowledge, and resources to others where possible.

 Sir David added:

“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and resilience our staff have shown throughout this period of change. We know this has been a challenging time, and we recognise the uncertainty that many have experienced. This process has not been just about restructuring, but about reshaping our organisation with a clear focus on the future.

“We understand these changes come with a personal cost, and we are committed to supporting our team as we move forward. Together, we are building a stronger, more focused organisation, one that will continue to protect and enhance Wales’ natural environment for future generations.”

Back when investment was still going in to Coed y Brenin (8 years ago)

As we’ve reported before, businesses and communities around the key trail centres, like Coed y Brenin, are concerned that without the full suite of facilities at trail centres, visitor numbers will dwindle and those dependent on the likes of families staying in B&Bs will suffer. Local politicians have issued the following statements:

Councillor Delyth Lloyd-Griffiths said:

This is terrible news for Coed y Brenin, the staff, and everyone involved in the campaign to prevent the closure of this treasured local asset. It is also a blow to the local and visitor economies in Meirionnydd, to which Coed y Brenin contributes significantly. I am very disappointed that Natural Resources Wales have been so reluctant to work with local groups to seek a pragmatic, community-led solution to keep the centre open and allow the community to bring forward a viable business plan to take over the running of the whole site. The people I represent will be devastated by this news, as will those who come from far and wide to enjoy the recreation and social opportunities this world-class centre has to offer. I remain steadfast in my opinion that the future of Coed y Brenin lies in the hands of the local community and will continue to work with local group Caru Coed y Brenin to drive this forward. 

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS and Liz Saville Roberts MP added:

This news comes as a devastating blow, foremost to the retail and catering staff at Coed y Brenin who have worked diligently under a cloud of uncertainty for months, but also to the wider community who have fought hard to resist this closure. We have argued from the outset that the long-term future of Coed y Brenin is best served in the hands of the local community, but sadly we have found ourselves in a position where the needs of the local community are being dismissed, despite overwhelming support for community ownership.  We have repeatedly urged Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to engage constructively with local group Caru Coed y Brenin who are well-placed to take over the running of the site. The people of Coed y Brenin and the surrounding area have made Coed y Brenin what it is, and both NRW and the Welsh government should bear this in mind when tendering for future ownership. It is extremely regrettable that sufficient time wasn’t afforded to allow local groups to formally submit business plans, despite NRW assuring us in February that nothing would happen for two or three years. The closure of this fantastic resource is being rushed through without meaningful consultation and scrutiny, and with little regard to the impact on the local and visitor economies. Coed y Brenin is a fantastic brand which requires real investment and development, driven by those with the expertise and knowledge to harness the site’s potential. NRW should be working openly and creatively with local communities to ensure valued resources such as Coed y Brenin continue to serve local people and the Meirionnydd visitor economy alike. If NRW and the Welsh government aren’t willing to properly invest in the site then they should step aside and transfer responsibility to the local community who are ready and willing to step in.

It’s also not just about visitors – without maintenance of official trails, why would you travel to them? Failure to maintain and develop official trails can surely only lead to more conflict elsewhere, as people build the trails they want on their doorstep. Hopefully the local communities will be given the opportunity to run the catering facilities on NRW sites, maintaining the visitor numbers to the sites, keeping the demand for trails high – and their maintenance on the priority list for NRW’s future budgets.

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Home Forums Funding Cuts To Welsh Trails Confirmed

Viewing 23 posts - 1 through 23 (of 23 total)
  • Funding Cuts To Welsh Trails Confirmed
  • kayak23
    Full Member

    I know it’s an investment thing again, but I can’t help thinking if they were able to take a few leaves out of BPW book and build some dedicated dh trails and uplift then things might really pick up there.

    Years and years ago, before bikeparks like BPW were a thing, we used to go to Afan where there was a guy running a business (Gilbert) doing uplifts. More like a taxi really but he had access to the forest tracks .This was great for us more dh-focused riders.

    Maybe an element of that might start picking things up at CYB?

    Don’t know. Shame for all.

    1
    boco
    Full Member

    Rode Afan back in March with trail closures ( on the Wal) and chatting to some local riders stating how miss managed it had all become, such a shame. However the little hub cafe half way around was still open, fortunately.

    vinnyeh
    Full Member

    With respect to the visitor centre- is this not just reverting to the original setup at cyb, when Sian and Dafydd ran things? Weren’t we all up in arms when they lost the lease? So this is at least in part a good thing? Or am I missing something?

    2
    thegeneralist
    Free Member

    With respect to the visitor centre- is this not just reverting to the original setup at cyb, when Sian and Dafydd ran things? Weren’t we all up in arms when they lost the lease? So this is at least in part a good thing? Or am I missing something

    Absolutely shocking chain of events. Booting them off, **** it up then leaving everything ****.

    Does the original shack over the road still exist, or has it rotted away. Will they get to use the new building?

    7
    ShanAndy
    Full Member

    Aside from everything else, gutted for the 120 people who are about to be put at risk. They have my sympathy, a lot of organisations in this sector (including the one I work at) are downsizing to cut costs. It’s going to be a tough job market for a while.

    1
    chrismac
    Full Member

    I’m still struggling to understand how they managed to set up a business model that couldn’t run a centre like cyb profitability. I hope those who are at risk find something suitable quickly.

    chakaping
    Full Member

    Headline doesn’t quite match up with this:

    you would hope that the budget doesn’t affect those responsible for trail maintenance, but that remains to be seen.

    And is there any indication whether the community bid to run CyB cafe/VC might be favoured?

     

    1
    dirkpitt74
    Full Member

    Well that sucks……..

    Is the bike shop at CYB staying?

    2
    robingrant
    Full Member

    It’s disappointing that NRW’s board have signed off the planned cuts to their recreation budgets and the subsequent restructure, which, amongst many other things, will mean the temporary closure of their visitor centres. However, thanks to many different organisations’ efforts, hopefully we’ve collectively made NRW’s board and the Welsh Government aware of the implications of the cuts. We’re hopeful that when NRW finalise their post cuts-and-restructure plans over the next few months, they won’t be as bad for mountain biking as they would have been otherwise. However, in any scenario, once those plans are clear, we expect there will be more coordinated action the mountain bike community will need to take to secure the future of Wales’ trails, so watch this space.

    That’s a quote from me, Robin Grant, Chair of the UK MTB Trail Alliance.

    siscott85
    Free Member

    It’s a shame the Cafe’s and Centres will close, mostly because of the staff losing their jobs.

    I’m not surprised though, they’re generally not great. Someone mentioned EU funding above. Yes a lot of the newer centres got built with EU funds, you’d think with an effectively free building you could run a cafe at a profit, but it’s not the case. It’s seems a symptom of EU / Public funded facilities, they will invest in grand, usually too large buildings but because funding is usually a one-off thing, there’s no money to run or maintain them.

    IME the Cafe’s, I’ll say it how I feel it, they’re crap. Service is slow and unenthusiastic; food has a strong school dinners vibe, prices are at the higher end, which you wouldn’t mind if it was better.

    Alternatively, the privately run Cafe’s at FOD / Llandegla are really good and generally busy.

    MTB riding in Wales is changing. NRW are now more willing to work with local riding groups to grant licences for ‘wild trail maintenance’. In South Wales at least BPW is sucking up all the weekender business, but the semi and unofficial places are becoming more popular as they offer a better riding experience from better maintained trails.

    1
    nickingsley
    Full Member

    Fair point by @siscott85, cafes at FoD, BPW and Llandegla are usually both busy and have keen staff. At some other cafes, I’ll not mention which I think, the staff just come across as uninterested, a bit like the food they offer.

    zomg
    Full Member

    Didn’t several of the enthusiastic holders of café leases in state-managed forests notoriously lose their leases before things went downhill? It feels like a common pattern: a small start driven by passionate people who then get squeezed out after the local amenity they contributed to has become more established and recognised; followed inevitably by a collapse presided over by distant bureaucrats and shoddy local franchise-holders?

    Gribs
    Full Member

    I’m not sure I’ll notice the difference. The last time I visited Nant yr Arian on a Saturday in August the cafe was shut and from my last visit to CYB I’d rather head to Dolgellau for lunch. They appear to have changed in the same way as Glentress has rather than sticking to the traditional stodge and cake like Ae, or having decent pizzas like Kirroughtree. Friendly, interested service goes a long way too.

    1
    burko73
    Full Member

    I think things like cafes work better when run by small local businesses who run cafe’s rather than large govt organisations. Thinking about visitor centres round my way the county council run ones I wouldn’t bother eating at but ones where the food offer is leased to a local cafe are often much nicer. Places like CYB need the cafe to be as much of a draw as the trails in a way. That would suck in passing visitor trade as well as those who go for the biking.

    1
    keithb
    Full Member

    It’s slightly baffling why NRW are running the cafes in the first place?  It’s not exactly the core business of an environmental regulator, is it?   With government procurement regs setting up suppliers for things like milk and bread would be a nightmare, so what tends to happen is a regional/national contract for a single supplier is made, with poor quality ingredients to keep costs down!

    It also seems short sighted to close them, rather than lease them as ongoing concerns.  Not having faith that facilities are available will likely reduce overall visitor numbers to the site,  cutting off nose to spite ones face, springs to mind.

    It could easily take a decade to recover from this, with all the dependant businesses suffering along the way, from shops, accomodation, food outlets and all the local supply chains of those businesses.

    One can only hope the trails themselves survive long enough and well enough for the rest of the economy and trade around them to recover.

    chakaping
    Full Member

    also seems short sighted to close them, rather than lease them as ongoing concerns

    Local community group wants to operate cyb, this news doesn’t give any indication of whether that is being explored – I did ask in my comment above.

    6
    Anne
    Full Member

    Currently riding at CyB for a couple days (yes in the snow). The visitor centre including the cafe is still very much open and despite closure being confirmed no date has been set. Beics Brenin very much there. Trails are riding brilliantly. Use it or lose it

    Talking to a local riding on the trails, one local business who already runs pubs/catering locally put in a bid to run the cafe but was turned down. Another local business is currently still applying.

    IMG-20241119-WA0015

    FunkyDunc
    Free Member

    Funding Cuts To Welsh Trails Confirmed

    So to confirm are the ‘trails’ being cut or is it just the visitors centre?

    Ambrose
    Full Member

    The trails are not being cut. The visitor centre is.

    vmgscot
    Full Member

    Thanks @Anne for the update – we are heading down this weekend for our annual pilgrimage to North Wales.

    I am probably in the minority but I visit CyB because I still enjoy the trails as they are, and don’t particularly need an uplift or extreme gnar here – we go to Antur over the hill for that.

    vmgscot
    Full Member

    Banner on the NRW CyB webpage states…

    “Retail and catering provision at three visitor centres managed by Natural Resources Wales will remain open until March 31, 2025, and will then close.

    After closure we will launch a public exercise to look for partners who may be interested in helping to run these services at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas and Coed y Brenin in the future.

    All paths, trails, car park, play area and toilet facilities will remain open at the sites and we are holding public meetings to update communities on November 25, 26 and 27.”

    1
    FunkyDunc
    Free Member

    The trails are not being cut. The visitor centre is.

    so completely misleading thread title.

    Stuff like this is no better than the MBR stuff.

    people will read the headline and the think that’s the end then. No point going, which is far from the truth

    Personally I couldn’t care about a visitors centre, I went there to ride bikes. But I always stayed local and supported the local economy. Headlines like above make people not even go to the area

    robingrant
    Full Member

    Thu @ 5pm: Online Public Meeting on future of Coed y Brenin & Nant yr Arian

    Hi everyone

    We wanted to let you know that NRW are holding an online public meeting at 5pm this Thursday, 5th Dec, on the future of Coed y Brenin and Bwlch Nant yr Arian:

    We are holding an online public meeting to update communities on the future of Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas and Coed y Brenin visitor centres.

    The online meeting will start at 5pm on Thursday, December 5 and you can join via this link https://orlo.uk/Y8K09

    This meeting will cover the same information provided at public meetings recently held in the local communities and will include the chance to ask questions.

    If you’re at all interested in what happens to these important parts of the UK’s mountain bike infrastructure, then please attend the online meeting to show your support!

    NRW have also set up an online consultation page, which may be updated with some FAQs before the meeting, and where they give an email address for people to ask questions ahead of the meeting.

    NRW are currently saying that, although they’re temporarily closing the cafes and visitor centres while they look for new partners to take them on, the trails themselves will remain open and continue to be maintained. Given the budget cuts that NRW have committed to, we are sceptical about NRW’s intention and ability to maintain the trails on an ongoing basis, and thus whether they’ll be able to keep the trails open in the long run. That scepticism seems to be shared by the local businesses and communities around the trails.

    Thank you in advance for your help on this.

    cheers

    Robin

    Robin Grant
    Founder & Chair
    UK MTB Trail Alliance

Viewing 23 posts - 1 through 23 (of 23 total)

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