A Senedd member has called for changes to the way Wales’ uplands are managed after visiting Llangynidr Mountain following a major wildfire.

James Evans MS visited the mountain on Monday (August 17) with local farmers and said parts of the area were still smouldering, with flames visible in places.

He paid tribute to farmers, contractors and emergency services who have worked to contain the fire and protect nearby communities.

Mr Evans said the damage raised wider questions about the management of hills and moorland, including the role of grazing in reducing the risk and severity of wildfires.

He said he would raise the issue when the Senedd returns from its summer recess in September.

“The sheer scale of the devastation caused by these wildfires on Llangynidr Mountain is terrifying,” said Mr Evans, who represents Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

“Even now, parts of the mountain are still smouldering.

“I want to pay a huge tribute to our local farmers, local contractors and emergency services who have worked incredibly hard in extremely difficult conditions to get these fires under control.

“But we also need to ask serious questions about how we prevent this happening again.

“That means looking properly at how our hills are managed, making sure they are appropriately grazed and ensuring those who know and manage the land are listened to.”

Mr Evans said action was needed to prevent similar fires happening again.

“We simply cannot find ourselves back in exactly the same position next summer, and beyond,” he said.