Paths will promote the Dyfi biosphere

The Dyfi Biosphere has the same status as Mount Olympus

A £250,000 project to improve trails and paths across the Dyfi Biosphere area aims to boost the local economy

The Explore Dyfi initiative will develop safe routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

It is also hoped the initiative will benefit the health of those who use the paths in the Dyfi valley.

Workshops are being held in four villages during February 2011 to help develop ideas on how to promote the biosphere's paths.

Improving and promoting paths and trails in the area, will hopefully encourage visitors to spend more time here Helen Howells

The work is part of the wider Communities and Nature Project (CAN), managed by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

Helen Howells of the CCW, said: "We are relying on local people to share information about access to the countryside in their area.

"They are the ones with the wealth of information about interesting paths, blocked bridleways, local legends and wildlife walks.

"We would like people to bring along any stories and photographs which will help form the basis for promoting these walks for visitors."

Mount Olympus

The initiative is one of many projects to promote a sustainable way of life in the Dyfi Biosphere - an area which covers the whole of the Dyfi valley, and is bounded by Aberystwyth, Llanbrynmair, Llanymawddwy, Corris Uchaf and Aberdyfi.

WORKSHOPS Corris Institute: 1730GMT to 2000GMT on 17 February Derwenlas Community Hall: 1730GMT to 2000GMT on 21 February Pennal Primary School: 1730GMT to 2000GMT on 23 February Talybont Hall: 1730GMT to 2000GMT on 28 February

The Dyfi Biosphere was designated in 2009 by UNESCO, giving it the same status as sites including Mount Olympus, Yellowstone National Park and the Galapagos Islands.

Ms Howells said: "Developing the paths will add to the existing tourism opportunities that are a major contributor to the Dyfi valley economy.

"Improving and promoting paths and trails in the area will hopefully encourage visitors to spend more time here."

Among the paths chosen for development are circular walks between Bontgoch and Talybont and Borth and Ynyslas.

Other walks included in the initiative are at Ceinws, Llanwrin, Derwenlas, Machynlleth, and Corris.