FRIENDS OF MOEL FAMAU
The web pages of “Save Moel Famau”
Moel Famau is the “jewel in the crown” of the Clwydian mountain range, and the highest at 1800 feet. It lies on the famous Offa’s Dyke path, and is a visible landmark for miles around.
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at present protected through legislation from inappropriate and intrusive development, Moel Famau attracts many visitors annually; many who return time and time again to enjoy the many paths in the area, the outstanding views, the wildlife and the peaceful ambience. Sensitive management of the area has resulted in significant recovery of the Black Grouse population and also provides breeding sites for the protected Nightjar.
“Save Moel Famau” is an organisation that has been set up by local people and regular visitors to Moel Famau who wish to preserve the Country Park as the well-loved haven of peace and beauty that it has always been.
This is currently being challenged by proposals from the “Go-Ape” organisation to set up “Zip Wild”, five high-level zip wires in the Cwm Bach (“Little Valley”) on the eastern flanks of the mountain.
According to ‘Go Ape’, they aim to attract more than 30,000 visitors a year – up to 60 people an hour – over an eight month season, anticipating the facility being open seven days a week from 9am till dusk. This could mean an additional 40 car journeys an hour along the narrow country lane which accesses the two car parks for those visiting the Country Park.
The proposal includes extending the lower Forestry Car Park, with the addition of a building, from where participants will be inducted and then transported by bus along existing footpaths and bridleways to the Zip Wire site in Cwm Bach. The bus would carry up to 20 people and run every 20 minutes.
The Zip Wires will traverse the valley which is popular with walkers, cyclists and riders who, although not officially prohibited from using the area, will no longer be able to enjoy their peaceful activity due to the inevitable noise from both the Zip Wires themselves and the noise from the ‘thrilled’ participants – all of which will be heard resonating around the valley and beyond.
We believe that there could be considerable health and safety issues and disruption for walkers, cyclists and horse riders from both the increased volume of traffic and also along the forest paths and tracks.
We also believe this development would change the character of the area for ever, permanently distorting the visual impact of a particularly beautiful and secluded valley.
We appreciate that the exciting activities offered by companies such as “Go Ape” are appealing to many, and they have their place. However, we strongly believe that they should not be sited to the detriment of such a sensitive area as Moel Famau and to the detriment of the many thousands of people who love and enjoy the area as it is.
It is important for those who wish to protect this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we make our voices heard and object to this proposal for the sake of ourselves and people to come.
We are open to ideas from anyone who has an interest in protecting this place for future generations.
If you would like to be kept up-to-date with any new developments regarding the Go Ape application, please complete our CONTACT form.