The Eryri National Park Authority has announced the appointment of Gwynedd Watkin, Senior County Executive Officer for the Farmers’ Union of Wales, as the new Chair of Fforwm Eryri. Alongside him, Rory Francis, Director of the Snowdonia Society, will take on the role of Vice Chair. Together, they will lead in partnership with different sectors across Eryri to protect and enhance the National Park for future generations.
Fforwm Eryri brings together a range of organisations representing essential sectors such as agriculture, conservation, tourism, and leisure within Eryri National Park. Established as a collaborative forum, it provides a platform for coordinating the strategic objectives outlined in the Eryri National Park Partnership Plan, Cynllun Eryri.
Fforwm Eryri meets quarterly, working on joint projects, discussing progress on Cynllun Eryri, and providing updates from various partners. It aims to develop a prosperous, resilient, and culturally vibrant Eryri while contributing to the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Gwynedd Watkin, Senior County Executive Officer for Farmers Union of Wales said:
“It is an honour for me to chair Fforwm Eryri. I have been a member of the Forum for years and feel that it is vitally important to ensure that the voice of farmers within the National Park is heard, so that everyone understands the contribution of the agricultural industry to Eryri. Working in partnership is essential to secure a prosperous future for the area and to ensure that the Eryri Plan works for everyone.”
Rory Francis, Director of the Snowdonia Society said:
“Eryri is a place that is very close to my heart but it faces many challenges, from unsustainable tourism to the climate and nature crisis. And the only way to meet these challenges is for everyone to work in partnership. The whole aim of Fforwm Eryri is to bring organisations and people together to do this. This is why it’s so important.”
Together, both bring extensive expertise and dedication to their roles. Their leadership will be influential in driving forward the forum’s mission of safeguarding Eryri’s natural beauty, heritage, and well-being. The National Park Authority looks forward to supporting this new chapter for Fforwm Eryri under their guidance as we review Cynllun Eryri in 2025.