News Archive
Growing Sustainable Tourism Workshops 2010
02 September 2010
Snowdonia-Active are running a series of free workshops for the owners and managers of tourism businesses addressing different aspects of running a sustainable tourism business, learn how to cut your carbon emissions and save money!
Conservation Snowdonia Project 2010
25 August 2010
Volunteer activities for September include pond clearance, litter picking on snowdon, and recycling workshops
25 August 2010
The Snowdonia Society is hosting a lecture by local writer and reporter Huw Jenkins on Tuesday 7 September at 7.30 pm in the auditorium at Plas Tan y Bwlch. Huw will talk about the flora and fauna, rural crafts and traditions in this spectacular region
17 August 2010
The Snowdonia Walking Festival will take place from 13 to 17 October, with a range of walks all discovering the rugged beauty of this special corner of Wales and led by experienced mountain leaders.
13 August 2010
There is on 7 September, when Snowdonia Society volunteers will be taking the train up Snowdon for FREE then clearing litter and unwanted debris from the footpaths on the mountain. Why not join us?
11 August 2010
The Society's AGM will be held on Saturday 13 November at Theatr y Ddraig in Barmouth, with Sir Simon Jenkins as the speaker. Nominations to the Executive and resolutions must be sent in writing by 2 October.
05 August 2010
Much media attention has been given to the SNPA's use of tarmac to improve the Miners Track. Their aim was to improve accessibility and remedy previous maintenance problems on the track, but was tarmac the right solution?
Ugly House opens its doors to visitors
02 August 2010
The famous Ugly House cottage on the A5 between Capel Curig and Betws y Coed has opened its doors to the public until mid-September 2010.
01 August 2010
A guided walk on 21 August learning about feral goats in Eryri, a rockpool ramble and beach clean on 15 August, twilight in Cwm Idwal on 28 August or a lecture by Huw Jenkins on 7 September.
19 July 2010
Eryri has magnificent landscapes and spectacular views and these can be spoiled by overhead powerlines. The Snowdonia Society has worked together with Scottish Power to identify overhead power lines suitable for putting underground.
Manifesto for Welsh National Parks
14 July 2010
A Manifesto for Welsh National Parks has been presented to the political parties in an event at the National Assembly in Cardiff on July 6 2010.
Welsh National Park Societies Weekend
14 July 2010
Snowdonia Society members visited Pembrokeshire on June 11-13 to meet informally the Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park and enjoy walks and wildlife forays along the magnificent coast.
13 July 2010
An exhibition by three artists is being held at St Julitta's Church, Capel Curig, from 25 July to 5 September, and 11/12 and 18/19 September 2010. St Julitta's is a delightful small church looked after by the Friends of St Julitta's.
JOB OPPORTUNITY - Information Assistant
12 July 2010
The role of the Seasonal Information Assistant is to welcome the public visiting Tŷ Hyll, and to manage the visitor centre and sales area as well as to assist in the smooth running of the Society.
Conservation Snowdonia Project
10 July 2010
Volunteering opportunities Summer 2010. Please come along to offer your support for the exciting projects which will be offered over the coming months.
Tryfan still a mountain at 3,010 feet
26 June 2010
A team of three skilled amateur surveyors supported by the Snowdonia society scaled Tryfan with high-tech GPS equipment on Thursday 24th June and confirmed that it is well above the magic 3,000 foot threshold.
The Society's Vision for Eryri
25 June 2010
The Snowdonia Society would like to achieve a National Park in which the irreplaceable qualities are proudly protected by thriving and cohesive communities.
16 June 2010
Snowdonia Society members can now receive a discount with two outdoor activity providers in the National Park - Snowbikers at Bontddu and Peak Outdoor Training. Join now to get your discount!
16 June 2010
The spectacular landscape of North West Wales offers excellent potential for encouraging healthy lifestyles, securing local and sustainable employment and providing enjoyment and self-fulfilment for individuals.
15 June 2010
An evening mountain bike ride with Rob Collister, photography workshop with Steve Lewis and an evening navigation session with outdoor instructor Christian Lenehan on 15 July - all FREE to Society members!
13 June 2010
On Sunday 6 June Rob Collister led a group of Snowdonia Society members exploring Cwm Glas in a hunt for plants left behind after the ice age.
Annual Dry Stone Walling Competition
28 May 2010
The Snowdonia Society's annual Dry Stone Walling Competition took place on Sunday 13 June at Hafod y Llan farm in Nant Gwynant, as part of Open Farm Sunday. Once again the event was a great success!
11 May 2010
The Snowdonia Society is now offering a special membership rate for younger members - if you're under 25 you can join for just £12 a year (equivalent to only £1 a month!).
Public transport deals in Snowdonia
10 May 2010
Save the environment and parking fees by travelling by bus or train when you're out and about this summer with the Conwy Valley Day Ranger on the Conwy Valley train line and £1 fares on Sherpa buses.
05 May 2010
On 30 April the Assistant to the Director of the Snowdonia Society, Sarah Medcalf, completed the longest true rowing race in the world, the Celtic Challenge - rowing across the Irish Sea with a team of rowers from Clwb Rhwyfo Porthmadog.
Coffee Morning and Wildlife Garden open day
01 May 2010
Ty Hyll, its gardens and woodland will be open on Thursday 10 June to members & non-members of the Snowdonia Society for refreshments and to showcase the work of Society volunteers in managing our grounds for wildlife.
29 April 2010
The Snowdonia Society held its annual fund-raising plant sale on 15 & 16 May 2010. The focus was on plants that are beneficial to wildlife and the sale was a big success, raising money and awareness for the Snowdonia Society.
Growing Sustainable Tourism Workshops 2010
28 April 2010
Snowdonia Active are running six free sustainable tourism workshops for tourism businesses in Snowdonia addressing different aspects of running a sustainable business.
Could you be a member of the National Park Authority?
19 April 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government is seeking to make an appointment to the Snowdonia National Park Authority - closing date for applications 29 April 2010.
15 April 2010
The Society contributres to a number of wildlife gardening projects, including work in the garden and grounds of Ty Hyll. If you're a passionate gardener, why not enter the Wildlife Garden Award scheme for 2010?
Welsh National Park Societies Weekend
15 April 2010
The Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park are hosting the annual weekend of events this year. Members of the Snowdonia Society are invited to join us in Pembrokeshire from 11 - 13 June.
Mystic Megaliths and Manganese Mines
15 April 2010
On Sunday 9 May Max Grant will lead an easy-paced mountain walk for the Snowdonia Society along the northern Rhinogydd, taking us past manganese mines and megalithic monuments.
10 April 2010
On 24 April we're leading a guided walk to raise money for the Snowdonia Society and the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Get out into the woods this spring with a walk through the Gwydyr Forest and Cors Bogynydd Nature Reserve.
Conservation Snowdonia Project 2010
01 April 2010
Bags, bashing and Bala and birds! All part of May's volunteering activities. The next workday is a bird identification workshop with Geoff Gibbs from the British Trust for Ornithology on Mon 24th May.
Climate Change in Wales - a positive way forward
01 April 2010
What should we be doing in Wales to meet our climate change commitments both now and in the future? How can we transition to a low carbon future and what opportunities does that present us with?
26 March 2010
The Society and Plas Y Brenin have joined forces to offer discounted training on mountain leadership courses. You had better be quick - it's first come, first served...
26 March 2010
Ty Hyll shop and information centre will be open to visitors over the Easter holidays from Good Friday (2 April) to 18 April, every day from 10 am to 4 pm.
No place like home for Glaslyn ospreys
24 March 2010
The only known breeding pair of osprey in Wales has returned to their nest site near Porthmadog for the seventh consecutive year.
Snowdonia Society backs regeneration
10 March 2010
A public meeting in Harlech on April 23 will discuss how prosperity and jobs can best be brought to this part of the National Park.
09 March 2010
Ever since detailed maps of Snowdonia have been produced, the 3,002-foot Tryfan has been a member of the 14 peaks, the list of 3,000-foot Welsh mountains. But recently some experts have asked, “Does Tryfan really measure up?”
08 March 2010
The Snowdonia Society has recently appointed Gareth Clubb as Director. Gareth is due to take up his post in mid-April.
07 March 2010
Lights out in Snowdonia at 8.30pm on Saturday 27th March 2010! Be part of an inspiring global initiative to combat climate change and excessive consumption.
Conservation Snowdonia Project
01 March 2010
New volunteer workdays for March / April 2010 - **CANCELLED**2 April. No first Tuesday workday on 6 April
01 March 2010
A new opportunity has arisen to work on the Snowdonia Society’s successful Conservation Volunteering project. The Project Assistant will be assisting the Project Officer in leading volunteer activities.
24 February 2010
The Society's summer events programme has now been published. Members are now able to book places on a range of walks, talks and trips.
20 February 2010
We hosted a screening of the acclaimed climate-change blockbuster at the Galeri in Caernarfon on 31st March - a film everyone should see!
19 February 2010
A public meeting in Llanbedr to discuss the future of the former military base drew a huge crowd on Feb 18. The Society wants to see jobs created on the former military site for local people.
Easter holiday and May Plant sale – Volunteer help needed!
12 February 2010
The Snowdonia Society needs volunteer help over Easter to man the visitor centre at The Ugly House. We also have the Annual Plant Sale running over two days this year and will also hold a book sale.
11 February 2010
Members shopping at the two Cotswold stores in Betws Y Coed will get a whopping 25% discount during March on production of their membership card.
Volunteer opportunities in Snowdonia
04 February 2010
Find out about volunteering for the Society, and long-term opportunities with the National Trust in Snowdonia
02 February 2010
Our new style website is one year old. 76 members have joined on-line since the new system went live a year ago in late January 2009. We have just started a Twitter feed and we will shortly be adding video.
02 February 2010
Signs certainly have their uses - but the mountains of Wales are no place for urban features.
01 February 2010
Renowned author and historian Frances Lynch will speak on pre-history in the National Park at the Canolfan Cefnfaes in Bethesda at 7 pm on Thursday, 11th February 2010.
01 February 2010
We are putting final touches to our summer programme. We can't promise the Sun will always shine but we do promise an interestiing mix of guided walks, a film, an underground trip and cycling. You might even get to see dolphins.
25 January 2010
The Society is seeking a new director to take forward the Charity's important work in the Snowdonia National Park. Applications close at noon on February 5.
25 January 2010
Society members enjoy a 10% discount at Joe Brown's climbing shop on clothing, equipment and footwear and 10% off standby accomodation at Plas Y Brenin.
25 January 2010
A winter day in the snow high on the Glyderau? Or a guided geological tour around the splendours of Cwm Idwal? The Society organises walks to suit all tastes.
Volunteer work day at Plas Tan y Bwlch
24 January 2010
The Snowdonia Society is joining a volunteer work day at Plas Tan y Bwlch on 30 January, helping out with grounds maintenance.
20 January 2010
Our next walks will take place on Jan 30 and Feb 6. A family walk or a real taste of winter on the summits? - it's your choice!
Full House for Buildings lecture
19 January 2010
The Society's public lecture on the Buildings of Gwynedd attracted a full house in Caernarfon on Jan 18, with over sixty members of the public turning up.
Save Money - and the Environment!
17 January 2010
The Gwynedd Environmental Partnership are holding a conference in Porthmadog on January 26.
16 January 2010
Sarah Medcalf has joined the staff of the Society. As Assistant to the Director, she is our only full time employee.
15 January 2010
It was 7C at Pen Y Pass at noon on Friday 15 Jan. A full scale thaw is in progress, with snow and ice melting at rapidly.
Rags2Riches initiative at Green Week
15 January 2010
Saturday 6th February 2010 - 10am to 4pm We are helping to open Bangor University 'Green Week' with a Fabric Bag Making Workshop.
08 January 2010
Author Adam Voelker will give a lecture for the Society on the Buildings of Gwynedd at the Galeri arts centre in Caernarfon on this coming Monday, January 18th. This event is open to all.
Ice axe, crampons...and sunglasses
05 January 2010
It's more like the Alps than North Wales on the hills at the moment. Superb winter conditions over the new year weekend look set to continue for a few more days.
04 January 2010
As a result of ill health, the Society is urgently seeking a new Treasurer to replace Pat Clayton.
03 January 2010
The switchover from standing orders to direct debits for members' subscriptions is going well. The trustees wish to thank members for their support in this process.
01 January 2010
We welcome Conwy Outdoor as our latest discount partner. Members receive the discount on non sale items including Rohan gear.
22 December 2009
The Society's first walk of the new decade with Netti Collister on January 6th has been cancelled due to adverse weather......
20 December 2009
Icy roads and a poor weather forecast put paid to the Society's planned climb of Cader Idris on December 20. Walk leader Alun Pugh went anyway..
19 December 2009
But you will certainly get a warm welcome if you volunteer to join one of the January workdays on our conservation project
17 December 2009
The firm behind plans to buy the decommissioned former military site at Llanbedr have been revealed as the home of the "world's biggest aircraft scrappers". Is this why they have been so coy about their Llanbedr plans?
16 December 2009
Society Director Alun Pugh will be leaving his post in the Spring. He has been selected to contest the Arfon seat in the forthcoming general election. A member since 1992, his voluntary work for the Society will continue.
09 December 2009
On Tuesday 15th December we will be at St Julitta's church. It's our annual clean up of the site in preparation for the Christmas candle-lit carol service
01 December 2009
Mountaineering legend Sir Chris Bonington and writer/adventurer Ben Fogle will share a personal insight into their favourite adventure on March 31st to support the Campaign for National Parks.
26 November 2009
A wild winter walk on Cader Idris (20th) and our Christmas Social & lunch (5th) in Blaenau Ffestiniog are on the December menu.
Llanbedr: 'Fresh Thinking' required
25 November 2009
Following the decision of the SNPA to refuse certificates of lawful use at the former military site, the Society has written to the Welsh Government asking for "fresh thinking" on the site's future.
Buying Charity Christmas cards?
20 November 2009
We are selling our remaing stock of Christmas cards at a reduced price. Two designs are available and all profits go to our charitable funds.
If you go down to the beach today….
13 November 2009
this is not the sight which will greet your eyes. Thanks to the hard work of Conservation Snowdonia volunteers for their work in October. Come to our volunteer social on Nov 30 and get involved!
12 November 2009
The Snowdonia National Park Authority has refused applications for lawful use certificates at the disused military site at Llanbedr. The prospect of Britain's newest airport being opened in Snowdonia is more distant.
11 November 2009
and if there is an outdoor person in your life you may wish to take advantage of a 25% members' discount at Cotswold in November.
03 November 2009
The Society is currently recruiting for the post of Assistant to the Director. It's an interesting and responsible position in our small team of paid staff.
02 November 2009
The North Wales Wildlife Gardening Project would like your People's Millions vote to secure a project in North Wales.
Want to live in the 19th Century?
26 October 2009
The Search is on for two modern-day families willing to be transported back to 1890 for a new BBC Wales "reality show" Snowdonia Farmhouse.
350 Group links arms on Snowdon
25 October 2009
A big group, including members of Cymdeithas Eryri, braved gales on the roof of Wales to draw attention to climate change on October 24.
18 October 2009
Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson AM was the guest speaker at our 2009 AGM. She confirmed that there was no prospect of major wind farms being allowed in Welsh National Parks.
17 October 2009
and want to write about it? Natur Cymru are running a competition with a top prize of £500.
10 October 2009
An additional bus service to Snowdon is welcome, but better still would be a complete rethink on how each year half a million walkers access the highest point in the UK south of the Scottish Highlands.
09 October 2009
Ever wondered how search dogs are trained and operate on the hill? Join us on November 1st to find out.
08 October 2009
Controversial plans for a new toilet block in Betws Y Coed have been kicked into touch by the SNPA. The Society thinks they were right to do so.
Hafod Eryri: What's your verdict?
29 September 2009
The Society would like to hear your views on the experience at the highest point of our nation.
28 September 2009
The community action group Ecobro is holding a day of action on Snowdon on October 24. It will draw futher attention to the issue of global warming.
Conservation Snowdonia Project
21 September 2009
October 2009 volunteer workdays - You are very welcome to come along and get involved.
20 September 2009
If you want to get up Snowdon using a bus from Betws Y Coed this Autumn. Cuts to bus timetables are causing all sorts of problems.
15 September 2009
GPS technology is a boon - in the right hands. Take a 40 ton truck, an inexperienced driver and a GPS and the results can be less than impressive on the roads of Snowdonia.
Minister will address Society AGM
12 September 2009
Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson AM will be speaking at our AGM in Bala on October 17.
10 September 2009
The Snowdonia National Park Authority are seeking new members.
Airport Developers criticise the Society
02 September 2009
The company seeking to create Britain's newest airport at Llanbedr have criticised Cymdeithas Eryri.
01 September 2009
We are grateful to Steve Lewis for running a Summer photography masterclass for our members.
01 September 2009
Members and non members are welcome to bring a mountain bike for a 4 hour ride on the Carneddau on October 3.
The best walk in Southern Snowdonia?
21 August 2009
The Society’s walking programme includes a visit to Cwm Cywarch and an ascent of Aran Fawddwy on Saturday 19th September.
17 August 2009
You are very welcome to join our September volunteering programme and discover what mammal left it behind!
15 August 2009
Professionals and amateurs alike put their traditional rural skills on display at the Society's Annual Dry Stone Wall Competition on July 18.
03 August 2009
The 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held in the Snowdonia community of Bala on October 17.
02 August 2009
Renowned landscape photographer Steve Lewis will be running an outdoor workshop in Snowdonia for members on August 9th.
Volunteer opportunities for the summer months
30 July 2009
Conservation Snowdonia Project - August 2009 workdays
'Smart' businesses cut carbon and bills!
13 July 2009
Local businesses are set to slash their electricity bills as they got ‘smart’ last week and are utilising the latest technology to monitor their electricity consumption.
26 June 2009
The Society welcomes the launch of a new summer bus service serving Snowdon and the Ogwen Valley. The new service will run until September 5.
22 June 2009
The Society's overnight Solstice Walk over the Carneddau didn't get good weather, but it was certainly an enjoyable experience.
Conservation Snowdonia Project - July workdays
13 June 2009
July 2009 is shaping up to be a busy month for us so please come along and help
12 June 2009
Our Annual Dry Stone Wall competition takes place on July 18th at the Capel Curig Carnival. A new trophy will be awarded to a young person to commemorate Mike Cousins.
12 June 2009
Members of the Society can take advantage of many discounts on goods and services. This month we take a look at offers in the community of Betws Y Coed.
'Highest slum in Wales' replaced
11 June 2009
The Society has issued a statement to mark the opening of Hafod Eryri at the summit of Snowdon.
10 June 2009
The Ty Hyll grounds have some new residents, thanks to great work by one of our our star volunteers Barrie Fox.
06 June 2009
On the weekend of July 11/12 we are running a special series of events to mark the completion of Hafod Eryri.
04 June 2009
The bulldozers have moved in to create a car park in a "shameful" act of vandalism on an iconic Snowdonia location. The right answer to visitor pressures is not to build more car parks in open country.
03 June 2009
Many local young people and youth groups are missing out on fun and valuable experiences in The Snowdonia National Park.
23 May 2009
Our annual Plant Sale over the Whitsun weekend was a great success - but we still have a few plants for sale for callers to Ty Hyll.
Conservation Snowdonia Project news roundup and June 2009 volunteer workdays
21 May 2009
Conservation projects for everyone
20 May 2009
A Betws Y Coed business is the overall winner in this year's Green Snowdonia Tourism Awards. The winner was announced in a presentation ceremony held on May 20.
Celebrating 90 years of mountain walking
15 May 2009
To mark 90 years of recreational walking across the 3,000 feet mountains of Wales the Society has launched a new website 14peaks,com
13 May 2009
Plans to create an overspill car park in open country at Pen Y Gwryd represent a failure of leadership in sustainable transport policy. The historic site will be urbanised when Gwynedd Council send in the earthmovers.
12 May 2009
The Snowdonia Marathon is not only a great event. It is also benefiting many local groups and charities including the Snowdonia Society.
01 May 2009
Snowdonia’s leading tourism businesses will be walking the red carpet on May 20 at the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Environmental Studies Centre,
10 April 2009
Volunteer Workdays this month include woodland work and rhododendron clearance with lots of visiting groups.
Tourism gets SMART about the environment
10 April 2009
The Society and the Energy Saving Trust have joined forces to loan Smart meters to tourism businesses, enabling them to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint.
09 April 2009
The Society's team in the Harlech Triathlon have added their voices to the campaign to save Harlech pool from closure by Gwynedd County Council.
31 March 2009
The Society is carefully examining plans to build a car park in open country at the historic and iconic location of Pen Y Gwryd.
26 March 2009
Green tourism businesses could collect £500 for half an hour's work by entering the Society's 2009 Green Snowdonia Tourism Awards. The closing date for applications is April 20.
26 March 2009
Our April walks offer a gentle start to Spring. On 25 April Falcon Hildred leads on Blaenau Ffestiniog's history while SNPA warden Brian Jones starts our April programme on the 2nd.
23 March 2009
Services on the Snowdon Sherpa routes are under threat following the decision of the Welsh Government to pull the plug on funding.
23 March 2009
Take two young lads and a borrowed car. Ty Hyll bridge has seen three crashes in three weeks.
What future for the Uplands now?
20 March 2009
Registrations for the Society's 2009 conference (March 28) close on Monday 23rd. You will have to move quickly to secure a last-minute place.
20 March 2009
Conservation Snowdonia Workdays this month include woodland work, rhododendron clearance and bird identification – We always need more help!
Snowdonia's future under discussion
11 March 2009
The Snowdonia National Park Authority are currently engaged in a major public consultation on the future of the National Park. It's your chance to have your say.
06 March 2009
Come and help to ensure the survival of Snowdonia in these changing times by volunteering to join our Conservation Snowdonia Project
22 February 2009
Snowdonia National Park wardens will be leading Cymdeithas Eryri guided walks on Feb 28th and March 14th. We are grateful to SNPA wardens Alan Pritchard and Islwyn Pritchard-Jones for leading them.
Fabric Bag Making Workshop in Dolwyddelan
19 February 2009
Come along to this FREE workshop and learn how to make old fabrics into funky reusable shopping bags. Snowdonia Society's Conservation Volunteers are continuing their 'Old Rags to a Richer World' initiative.
16 February 2009
Snowdonia's mountains are looking great at the moment, but a winter ascent to the roof of Wales requires an ice axe and crampons - and the ability to use them.
Fancy getting your hands dirty?
16 February 2009
Bea Kelsall our volunteer co-ordinator is running a number of volunteer workdays and activities over the next few months. Come along and make a real contribution
Britain's newest commercial airport: Snowdonia
09 February 2009
The Society is pressing for a full and public debate on the Welsh Government's plans to create a civilian airfield on a disused and decommissioned miltary facility near Harlech.
Climate Change "no laughing matter"
28 January 2009
The Welsh Government are using a comedian to speak on their climate change policies. We say they need no professional help.
26 January 2009
A senior ecologist from the Snowdonia National Park Authority will be talking about invasive species and the problems they cause on January 28.
23 January 2009
Today, the Snowdonia Society launches our new website. It will bring news about Wales' biggest National Park and the work of Cymdeithas Eryri to your mailbox every 30 days.
13 January 2009
A Boxing Day walk to the highest peak in Wales is one way of burning the spare calories from the Xmas pud