Actions you can take
Action – write to the new Ministers of Welsh Government
As the new ministers settle into their roles, we need to make our voices heard regarding our concerns about the development of industrial wind farms, on our doorsteps, and Wales wide, also our concerns about the policies that are driving these decisions. Even writing one email, to an appropriate Minister, will help to keep the pressure on.
Action – write to the press
Advice given for letters to the press is:-
Some campaigners have had success with getting their views published. We need to keep the pressure on by highlighting our issues when ever opportunities arise.
Focus on matters of national Welsh interest, responses to previously published articles or items in the news that can be related to our local concerns.
Keep it concise. Focus on one or two things.
A letter to the editor should be around 200 words. Articles can be bigger, but not more than an average A4 page
Address your submission to a named editor when possible.
Include your full name, address, and contact details. (These will not be published in full).
Western Mail, South Wales Echo and Wales Online readers@walesonline.co.uk
Cambrian News letters@cambrian-news.co.uk
Tivyside Advertiser tivyside@tivysideadvertiser.co.uk
Western Telegraph wtletters@westerntelegraph.co.uk
Brecon and Radnor Express luke.williams@brecon-radnor.co.uk
Wales Evening Post postnews@trinitymirror.com
Powys Country Times news@countytimes.co.uk
Glamorgan Gazette glamorgan.gazette@mediawales.co.uk
Action – Appeal for list of community groups
Do you belong to a group that meets in or near Brechfa Forest?
We are compiling a database of groups. There are a couple of reasons for this.
- To determine how many user groups exist (important for the campaign)
- To have better connections in order to share information, updates and events
If you run or belong to any group eg community, volunteers, hobby, interest or sport, please send the name of your group, a description and a contact email address to info@dimtyrbinau.cymru
Action – Help build a record of local businesses
Register local businesses with the community run Visit Brechfa Forest Website
The formal definition of tourism activities is anything that someone does for recreation. So even local residents who go for a walk or ride in the forest count as tourists.
The local tourism cluster group is developing a new website with information for anyone who uses the forest for recreation. They plan to add a map to the visitbrechfaforest.com website showing the location of any business that someone may want to call on while walking or riding in the forest. Everything from the honesty stall at the end of a drive selling eggs or veg, to pubs, shops, cafes, craft workshops, local mechanics who will come to a visitors vehicle which will not start in a car park, cobblers who will repair walking boots, bike mechanics for a visiting mountain biker or a farrier or vet who will come out to a visiting equestrian as well as accommodation providers.
Entry onto the map is free, and will include links to a businesses webpage or facebook page, so should help with marketing as well as being a useful start point for gathering evidence on the value of our forest to the local economy.
There are two other categories of businesses which count in the formulas for the value of Brechfa Forest and its cultural heritage to the local economy. –
- People who run a business and chose this area to live in because of their hobby. For example a builder or IT consultant who is a keen mountain biker, or horse rider all count when assessing the value of the forest to our local economy.
- Businesses that have been in the area for multiple generations.
We would be grateful if you could complete the form for your own business, or share it with local contacts in any of the villages or settlements in walking or riding distance from Brechfa Forest and Llanllwni Mountain. Membership Form – Business – Visit Brechfa Forest
Action – Write to your own Community Councillors now
Ask for your issues to be discussed in their next meeting. They are being engaged in the early stages, and at various points, of the planning application process. It is essential that they understand the issues and the strength of feeling of residents. Either, from those that will be directly affected or, from those that believe there are better ways to progress the move to green energy, at a slower pace and without destroying large parts of rural Wales
Contact for each area –
LARYC info@llanfihangelrhosycorn.co.uk Clerk Pam Davies
Llanybydder CC mybeynon@hotmail.co.uk Clerk Mavis Beynon
Llansawel CC llansawelccclerk@gmail.com Clerk Charlene Jones
LLanfynydd CC clercllanfynydd@btinternet.com Clerk Gaynor Davies
Llanegwad CC clercllanegwad@btinternet.com Clerk Gaynor Davies
Talley CC talleyccclerk@gmail.com Clerk Gethin Williams
LLanllwni CC eirlyscwmderi@btinternet.com Clerk Eirlys Owen
To find your ward click on this link, choose the option Town and Community Councils and enter your postcode https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/council-services/in-my-area
.Action – Lobby political contacts.
Feel like picking up a pen to let politicians know how you feel about how our community is being treated? Click here to find a list of suggestions of contacts, their emails and some suggestions on the contents. HOWEVER please remember unless you copy PEDW in to the email it will not be considered as part of the planning application.
Do you enjoy walks in the local area? Can you help with flora and fauna data collection?
There is evidence needed on what flora and fauna can be found in and around Glyn Cothi and Mynydd Pencarreg. We have around a year to gather this, so no rush. If you are interested please view the details here.
There is a local walking group that meets regularly at different locations to enjoy nature, consider what we have that needs protecting, and share ideas. If you want to know more, drop them an email focusonfandf@gmail.com.