SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK

Sustainable Development Economy - Environment - Community Tourism must not destroy what it values

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Tourism is worth £130m to the economy of the Park It needs careful management The National Park Authority has a duty to foster the local economy and communities.

Communities need strong economy Environment is an economic asset Local people and businesses can work with the Park Authority to protect the environment SUSTAINABILITY CYCLE

The National Park has a Sustainable Tourism Strategy It has been awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas VISITOR MANAGEMENT

Education, Information & Interpretation Site management & wardening National Park Management Plan

Watersports versus Wildlife Llangors Lake: A Case Study

Llangors Lake

Llangors: history and ecology Crannog – palace on the lake. Built 9 th century. Glacial lake. 150 hectares. Largest natural lake in south Wales. ‘ ‘Eco-mecca’? Wide biodiversity. Important wetland habitat and many species of flowering plant life, micro- organisms, invertebrates, fish and over 160 species of bird.

Llangors: recreation Usage: 3 Caravan Parks, Pub, Shop, Restaurant, Boat Hire, Fishing, Bird Watching, Sailing, Outdoor Activity Centre, Waterskiing & common land for recreation.

Llangors: conflicts 1) Power boats. Noise and boat wakes disturbs bird and plant life. Decline in breeding success of Great Crested Grebe Deterrent effect on visiting wildfowl A 1961 study also suggested that propeller blades were destroying various underwater plant species e.g. water millfoil, which in turn supported all higher forms of life on the lake.

Llangors: conflicts 2) Powerboats: disruption to other users e.g. sailing boats, fishermen, walkers.disruption to other users e.g. sailing boats, fishermen, walkers. potential damage to Crannog: deteriorating archaeology.potential damage to Crannog: deteriorating archaeology.

Llangors: conflicts 3) Powerboats/ waterskiing etc: discharge of fuel and other forms of pollution into the lake.discharge of fuel and other forms of pollution into the lake.

Llangors: conflicts 4)Sailing/ non-powered water sports: potential disruption to wildlife and conflict over space with other lake users.potential disruption to wildlife and conflict over space with other lake users.

Llangors: conflicts 5) Fishing: may have contributed to pollution and depletion of fish stocks (perch, roach, eels etc – coarse fishery)may have contributed to pollution and depletion of fish stocks (perch, roach, eels etc – coarse fishery)

Llangors: conflicts 6) Visitors using common next to lake: possible disturbance of feeding wildfowl and potential damage to nest sites. Litter. Pollution and increase in traffic.possible disturbance of feeding wildfowl and potential damage to nest sites. Litter. Pollution and increase in traffic.

Llangors: conflicts 7) Other problems: ‘enrichment’ caused by fertilisers, promotes algae and kills other forms of plant life.‘enrichment’ caused by fertilisers, promotes algae and kills other forms of plant life. Sheep/cattle grazing on banks of lake can impact on wildlife.Sheep/cattle grazing on banks of lake can impact on wildlife.

Voluntary Arrangements Introduced in Restrictions set up for certain craft in certain areas. Reed beds and the Crannog have permanent restrictions in place.

Voluntary Arrangements Restrictions on when water skiing can take place. No more than 10 water-skiers at any one time. Power boats must be towing a water- skier

These arrangements have prevented the decline of the biodiversity of Llangors lake, especially nesting birds. Tufted duckGreat crested Grebe