Upland Arboretum Feasibility Study
Client
Upland Arboretum
Purpose
Catalys conducted a report for Upland Arboretum to establish the feasibility of cross-sector working to develop forestry, farming, tourism and community resilience in the Hafod region.
We consulted with regional groups and local communities to understand and establish priorities for land use around the Hafod Arch.
The work was guided with the help of Ceredigion Council, Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University (IBERS), Coed Cymru, Tir Coed, Cambrian Mountains Initiative and Pentir Pumlumon. Over the course of the project, the team have also consulted and gained input from key stakeholders including such as Natural Resources Wales, Hafod Trust, NFU Cymru and Coed Lleol.
Valuable insight and views were also given by farmers, residents and community members at a workshop held in January.
Outcome
The group found that amongst the community, there was a desire to create a shared vision for Hafod and its surrounding areas through cooperation with different sectors, agencies and local groups.
It was also found that there was a desire for more consultation with local farmers and landowners.
Discussions with local communities and residents have shown that there is an appetite for a suitable resilience plan that can attract new ideas and new interest in the area.
The opportunities and challenges moving forward are clear, but with the release of land assets and expansion of funds, the study can be used to narrow the options and work in more detail for if moved to Phase 2.