Snowdonia is a precious place.
It is unique, with its miles of ancient hedgerows and dry stone walls, traditional stone cottages and vernacular buildings, and diverse wildlife living in its 55,000 acres.
The Snowdonia Appeal raises funds to support vital conservation projects throughout our properties in Snowdonia. Snowdonia is under threat - partly because it's a victim of its own popularity. Over 400,000 visitors come each year to Cwm Idwal alone.
We strive to maintain the delicate balance between the continued need to preserve the natural beauty of Snowdonia and protect its wildlife habitats, while promoting and enhancing public access. We work hard to repair and restore footpaths, gates and stiles.
We also recognise that the countryside is a dynamic environment and that the well-being of the people and communities who live and work on our land must be protected.
Keeping people on the land helps the survival of small rural communities which are the backbone of Welsh culture and language. A donation to the appeal could help us care for the countryside and provide training and new skills for local people working in a living landscape.
To give you some idea of the costs involved:
- One metre of hedgerow costs £30 to plant
- One metre of pathway costs £50 to repair
- £80,000 per annum is needed to part fund the Upland Footpath Partnership Team, a joint project between the National Trust, Snowdonia National Park and Countryside Council for Wales. It employs 16 people to repair footpaths on Carneddau, Glyderau and Cadair Idris.
Support is vital as teams battle against extreme weather and high altitudes to keep the footpaths open. As 5,000ha of the area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the teams are unable to use the stones which lie on the mountains. Stones have to be purchased, transported, washed, bagged and flown by helicopter to the work-site.
To enable us to continue with this work we need your help. Please give what you can today.
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