Brecon Beacons National Park Outdoor Charter Many years ago I was developing a commercial but ethical group of adventure activity suppliers, collectively known as the Beacons Outdoors Instructors Association. This was a small group of providers but was open to all commercial operators providing that the prospective members were keen to work to the environmental, customer care and staffing guidelines that were peer developed. Part of the work undertaken was a survey of community and environmental groups within the Brecon Beacons National Park (BBNP) and development of a code of practice built around sustainability objectives. This work led the BBNP to move to promote a National Park wide environmental charter, open to all. This charter was a success but the charter group had no teeth to police the members and conflicting personalities led to the eventual demise of the group. After two years of asking, the BBNP are about to post the original charter groups aims and objectives, a kind of best practice statement for those working in the natural environment. I am very pleased to once again be involved in the promotion of sustainability and care for the environment and to have been persistent in requesting that the original document will once again be available on a public website. It is now the responsibility for those who wish to work to a professional standard regarding environmental care to link to this page on the BBNP website stating that they are working to the principles as detailed. There can be no policing of such an informal arrangement and perhaps policing is not ever possible. However, all providers can be vigilant and can confront those who are working outside of the charter. The National Park Authority is now undertaking a review of this sustainability policy and Wales Outdoors has played a key role through our peer group membership in reviving this worthwhile park/provider partnership. Original Charter Group Policy Statement Brecon Beacons National Park Environmental Charter A commitment from activity and education centres to the sustainable use of the National Park. What is the Environmental Charter? The charter is a commitment from activity and education centres for the sustainable use of the National Park. Centres making and observing this commitment become Charter Group members and work with the Park Authority to keep the charter relevant and effective in conserving the National Park. Charter Group members: • Recognise that their use of the National Park carries with it a responsibility to encourage those in their care to learn something of the Park’s special qualities and the ways in which it can be looked after. • Make a commitment to good practice for the sustainable use of the National Park. • Always carry out activities in a manner which maintains good relationships. As a member of the Charter Group the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority: • Recognises that support, care and enthusiasm for the National Park can be generated by outdoor activities, undertaken within the terms of this Charter. • Will consent with members of the Charter Group over the management and policy development on all issues, within the framework of this Charter. The Charter Conservation • We recognise the great potential to foster a commitment to conservation in our clients. The intense and memorable nature of the outdoors experience makes it a powerful tool for the appreciation of the Parks special qualities. • We will encourage our colleagues, clients and students to enjoy and respect the wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage of the Park. • We know that many sites, plants and animals are protected by law and are fragile or vulnerable to disturbance. We will manage our groups to avoid disturbance. • We will not leave any permanent features in the countryside, for example belay stakes or Cairns. If anything like this is essential, we will first discuss it with the Charter Group, National Park Authority or landholder as appropriate. • We will place any temporary marks or fixings so as to avoid damage or interference with others. • We will observe accepted good practice for the collection of geological and biological specimens. Access • We understand that all land is owned by someone and if using a site we will follow existing access arrangements, local agreements or byelaws. • We will secure the agreement of landholders and consult the National Park Authority whenever we wish to extend activities into new sites or areas where existing permissions do not exist. • We will respect the guidance of the Charter Group for vulnerable or sensitive sites where there are specific issues or problems. Consideration for others • We will show consideration to landowners, residents and others when driving, parking and setting up equipment, for example keeping lanes, paths and gateways clear. • We will ensure that our activities do not spoil other people’s enjoyment, in particular avoiding unreasonable noise and overcrowding. • We will encourage our colleagues, students and clients to understand and respect the needs of the resident community. In particular peoples’ safety, property, work and livelihoods. Safety issues are outside the scope of the Environmental Charter. Participants are advised to satisfy themselves that their activity provider is trained and qualified to appropriate standards. Development • We are committed to this Charter and will actively encourage our colleagues and other groups to follow these standards. • We will review and renew our commitment to this Charter every year. • We will participate in the Charter Group to keep it relevant, effective and active in promoting the conservation of the National Parks.