Forestry Commission Wales has appointed a new member of staff to drive forward the improvements scheduled for the Source of the Severn footpath project on the Severn Way walking trail in the Hafren forest, in a bid to boost the Mid Wales tourist industry.
The new Upland Footpath Works Manager, Adrian Davies, will oversee the completion of this £200,000 major partnership project to extend the current spectacular walking route along the 210 mile Severn Way, Britain’s longest riverside walk, to the source of Wales’s longest river, the Severn, by one kilometre and improve access.
The project’s remit is to construct a walkway from the upper edge of Hafren Forest to the Source of the Severn across a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated due to the rare species of vegetation that grow wild there. The path will be 1185m long, rising to 550m above sea level at the forest edge.

New drainage and reconstruction of weak areas of the existing pathway will also be implemented and a durable low maintenance surface provided. An additional, all ability car park, picnic site and refurbished toilet facilities for visitors accessing the Severn Way walk and the Wye Valley walk at Rhyd y Benwch, Hafren Forest will also be built.

As the recently appointed manager of this project, Adrian Davies said, “I am delighted to be taking up this exciting post, and aim to maximise the benefits to visitors and countryside alike with improvements to the Severn river trail, with the new project helping to generate income for the local economy.

“Controlling erosion in the SSSI and providing a more stable path for walkers are of paramount importance. Three shelters will also be built along the Severn walk in Hafren Forest to improve the experience for all visitors and to cater for educational groups. Improved signage, interpretation boards and wooden sculptures will facilitate the car park location as the start of the walk and provide a link to Llanidloes town.”

The project, backed by community regeneration group Llanidloes Ltd and partners, will provide significant additional facilities to support local tourism and diversification opportunities for the local agricultural industry. The partners include the Welsh Development Agency, Welsh Assembly Government, Powys County Council, Environment Agency, Wales Tourist Board and Llanidloes Town Council amongst others.

Adrian said, “This project aims to improve the attraction of Powys as a tourist destination in order to generate economic, and tourist benefits. These improvements will generate a sense of welcome to rural areas and attractions, and encourage visitor relaxation, enjoyment and purchasing of local products, goods and services.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Forestry Commission Wales is the government department responsible for forestry policy and looks after the 320,000 acres (130,000 ha) of public forests owned by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Media enquiries to Forestry Commission Wales Information Officer, Clive Davies, on 01970 625866, mobile 07788 190922, or Assistant Information Officer, Marian Gray, on 01970 625866, mobile 07787 757982.

More information on the woodlands of Wales can also be found on the Forestry Commission’s website – www.forestry.gov.uk/wales

This project has been facilitated by a grant from the European Union.

The route for the new trail starts at the Hafren Forest Car Park and picnic area, near Llanidloes at the source of the Severn river and forms a circular route through the forest. The return leg along the river Hore forms the beginning of the extended 136 mile Wye Valley Walk and links up with the 210 mile Severn Way, Britain’s longest riverside walk.

The Wye Valley Walk is 136 miles long, and follows the river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to the slopes of Plynlimon in Powys, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales. The walk is suitable for any reasonably fit walker who wishes to enjoy the varied landscapes and natural history of this delightful area, passing through the market towns of Builth Wells and Rhayader. Llanidloes town is a close stopping off point for the Wye Valley Walk.

e-mail: clive.davies@forestry.gsi.gov.uk