Climate campaigners have established a camp at the site of a multi-million-pound gondola and zipline attraction in Swansea. The protestors claim the development is facing significant opposition from the community. The land at Kilvey Hill in Swansea is set to be used for the Skyline Enterprise development, a project estimated to cost multi-millions. The decision for the development was unilaterally approved by senior councillors at Swansea council. Prior to the approval, the council had conducted consultations and advertised its intention to dispose of open space land, resulting in 265 objections and two expressions of support.
The Skyline Enterprise development is expected to feature a variety of attractions, including a gondola ride, downhill karting, a zipline, a hilltop restaurant and bar, picnic areas, as well as upgraded mountain biking and walking trails. Skyline Enterprises, based in New Zealand, has an active planning application with the council for the approximately £40 million project.
Over the weekend, members of Climate Camp Cymru set up camp at Kilvey Hill in protest against the development and its potential impact on the local environment. They highlighted Kilvey woods as a crucial ecological area for Swansea, termed as “the green lung of Swansea” and designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The protestors expressed concerns about the noise and light pollution that the attraction could generate, potentially causing harm to bird and other wildlife habitats, as well as altering the landscape.
A representative from the Save Kilvey Hill campaign articulated concerns about the changes the development would bring to the area, criticising plans for buildings, cable cars, steel pylons, and restaurants. The group accused Swansea council of going back on its commitments to climate change and biodiversity by endorsing a project that could impact an area of woodland equivalent to 11 football fields.
The protestors participated in a “peaceful demonstration” for Palestinian solidarity on the council green, urging the council to safeguard the local environment and the well-being of the community. The ongoing debate between environmental preservation and economic development continues to be a major point of contention in Swansea’s landscape.