CHILDREN from a Brecon Beacons primary school were given the chance to learn about the industrial past at the remains of the Gunpowder Works near Pontneddfechan.
The pupils from Penderyn Primary School were led on a walk around the heritage site by education officers from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
The idea was to encourage them to connect with the past and to also develop their knowledge of the natural environment.
The Glynneath Gunpowder Works were abandoned in the 1940s and today the site is one of only two in Wales where the remains have been preserved. The gunpowder produced at Glynneath was vital to the growth of industrialisation during the 19th and early 20th century.
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is currently implementing a Heritage Lottery Funded project that will secure the future of the site, conserving its structures and bringing it back to life for visitors.
The BBNPA education officers provided a guided walk for the children that focused on telling the story of the works’ past and provided an opportunity for the children to see the ruins.
As part of the Heritage Lottery-funded project, the BBNPA wants to inspire local people to visit the area and by educating schoolchildren they hope to create future National Park ambassadors.
Mel Doel, BBNPA chairman, said: “The Gunpowder Works are important to our heritage, they played a fundamental role in the industrialisation era. This project will conserve the remains here for future generations. It’s great to see local school children engaging with our projects and also learning within our National Park”.