Achieving Europarc Status
January 01, 2010
The Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has achieved European recognition for its promotion of sustainable tourism.
The Clwydian Range which covers 160 sq km (61 sq m) and rises to 554m (1817 ft) at Moel Famau, is only the second place in Wales, after the Brecon Beacons National Park, to gain the coveted award, and one of 10 in the UK.
Denbighshire Countryside Services, based at Loggerheads Country Park, made the application for sustainable status with the help of Cadwyn Clwyd’s Sustainable Tourism Officer Carina Edwards.
“The accreditation is all about promoting regional distinctiveness and in our application we concentrated on the fact that we have a fantastic landscape here,” said Denbighshire Countryside officer Vanessa Warrington.
“We went into consultation with local businesses and had a great response from them.”
Denbighshire Countryside Services worked with the Clwydian Country Business Group, which has been set up in the aftermath of the foot and mouth crisis of 2002.
“We drew up a strategy and an action plan which has now been approved and we will be implementing that,” said Vanessa.
“ We’re planning to install a ramp in a steep section at loggerheads Park to allow a circular walk and we’re hoping the old corn mill there can be restored to provide electricity.”
Carina Edwards, Cadwyn Clwyd’s Project officer for the Clwydian Range area of outstanding natural beauty, said the area is now ranked alongside some of the most scenic area of Europe for sustainable tourism.
“It shows what a wonderful amenity we have here in rural Denbighshire and Flintshire and how important the work being done to preserve it and enjoy it responsibly is.”
