Drive to boost mountains' appeal

The Cambrian Mountains span three counties

A drive has been launched to recognise the Cambrian Mountains as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Spanning the three counties of Powys, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire, the mountains are known as the backbone of Wales.

The range narrowly missed out on gaining National Park status in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Cambrian Mountains Society is to press the Countryside Council for Wales in its bid to secure AONB recognition.

According to the National Association of AONBs, there are 41 sites in the UK and five in Wales.

We think the Cambrian Mountains deserve more recognition Richard Wilson, Cambrian Mountains Society

The association's definition of an AONB is a precious landscape, with distinctive character and natural beauty and so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard it.

In Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is responsible for designating AONBs.

Areas are recognised for their flora, fauna, historical, and cultural associations - as well as spectacular views.

The Cambrian Mountains Society treasurer Richard Wilson said: "We'd like to secure greater recognition for the landscape, heritage and environment of the mountains.

FACTS ABOUT THE CAMBRIANS They are the source of the River Severn and Wye The highest point is Plynlimon at 2,467 ft The mountains have been proposed as a national park The Cambrians extend from the Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia

"We think the Cambrian Mountains deserve more recognition. It's clear it's an area of great beauty."

The mountains had previously missed out on national park status due to a lack of support, said Mr Wilson.

A CCW spokeswoman said it would be up to the Welsh assembly to make a decision about AONBs.

"We would receive a proposal and then we'd go into a consultation period in joint partnership with the local authority," she said.

"A designation order would then be submitted to the Welsh assembly and it would make the decision whether or not to make an area an AONB."

A free exhibition starts at the Elan Valley visitor centre, near Rhayader, on Saturday featuring photographs, stories and facts about the mountains.