The John Muir Trust, which owns and manages a number of mountain landscapes in Scotland, including Ben Nevis, has launched a £500,000 appeal to buy an important ecological site in the Snowdonia National Park.
The purchase of Carreg y Saeth Isaf, Lower Rock of the Arrow, would be the first property outside Scotland acquired by the Pitlochry-based wild land charity. It is within a Special Site of Scientific Interest and is part of a wider Special Area of Conservation and Biogenetic Reserve.
Stuart Brooks chief executive of the John Muir Trust said: “Carreg y Saeth Isaf would be our first land purchase outside Scotland. It’s a beautiful wild gem in the Rhinogydd mountains in Snowdonia the rugged heart of Wales, and is just the sort of wild place that the John Muir Trust exists to care for. The current owner is keen that we buy this land and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to continue managing it for the benefit of people and wildlife.”
“The current owner approached the Trust because he wants to continue his light-touch management approach which encourages natural processes to take their course. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to continue managing it for the benefit of people and wildlife.”
The Trust has forged a close connection to Wales over the past decade, working with over 100 partners to deliver the John Muir Award to 33,000 people. It has also supported efforts to stop industrialisation of the Cambrian mountains.
The move has the backing of Welsh wildlife TV presenter and nature campaigner, Iolo Williams who said: “It’s a delight to know that this part of wild Wales will continue to be cared for with nature in mind. I urge everyone who loves our wild places to contribute to the fundraising appeal.”
The Trust hopes to work with others in the area including the Snowdonia National Park, Natural Resources Wales, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, the Snowdonia Society, the Woodland Trust, National Trust Wales and the North Wales Wildlife Trust, as well as local communities and private landowners.