Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority has reflected on a busy and productive 2025, with projects across conservation, heritage, and community engagement leaving a tangible impact on the area.

Staff and volunteers have been working across the landscape, from restoring peatlands and controlling invasive species to conserving historic sites and supporting local farmers.

In March, the Park launched the Brecon Nature Walk, bringing together residents and partner organisations to explore the local countryside and celebrate its wildlife. Two months later, it hosted the Wales Pollinator Task Force, welcoming organisations from across the country to share approaches to protecting pollinators and improving habitats.

The Park’s work with farmers through the Welsh Government-backed Ffermio Bro scheme has also shown strong results. In its first year, the scheme funded more than 1,700 metres of new hedgerow and approved 42 projects following 55 farm visits. Demand exceeded the £325,000 available, demonstrating local farmers’ interest in environmental improvements and nature-friendly land management.

Volunteers have played a key role throughout the year. They helped remove 816 Giant Hogweed plants near Llangattock and treated 126 Japanese knotweed sites along the upper Usk river. Their work has made woodland areas safer and improved biodiversity across the Park.

Heritage projects have also been a focus. Repair work and new signage at Twyn y Beddau has protected a Bronze Age burial mound from further off-roading damage. Funding has been secured to develop a conservation plan for the Grade I listed Adelina Patti Theatre at Craig-y-Nos Castle, one of Britain’s most important private theatres. In Llangynidr, five historic wash lanes were added to the Park’s Local List, recognising sites important to the community and helping preserve the area’s character.

The Park has also restored 28 hectares of peatland over the last year, more than double the area restored in 2024. Peatlands are essential for carbon storage, water management, and wildlife habitats. A further £1.75 million has been secured to continue restoration work over the next three to five years.

Access improvements have continued as well. Wardens resolved 440 issues across the rights of way network, replaced 48 stiles with self-closing gates, and refurbished six bridges.

Ecology programmes have also seen significant progress. Staff and partners worked with the Mynydd Iach Penderyn Partnership and developed a major Nature Networks Fund bid for ‘Curlew Landscapes Wales’. The Park also created a revised methodology for landscape condition training and launched a new Meadows Group. Advances in the Vital Signs rapid assessment approach have further strengthened the Park’s long-term strategy for biodiversity recovery.

Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe, Chair of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “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.”