Protesters in Wales are rallying to save a cherished facility within one of the region’s most treasured landscapes. The Ynyslas Visitor Centre in Ceredigion has been at the heart of a controversy as Natural Resources Wales (NRW) decided to close down its visitor centre, leading to an outcry from the local community. The protest, attended by around 100 individuals, took place at the Ynyslas Nature Reserve in Borth, near Aberystwyth, where the visitor centre stands on the edge of the Ynyslas dunes, the largest sand dunes in Ceredigion.
Campaigners have been passionately opposing the closure of the Ynyslas Visitor Centre since NRW announced their plans in 2023 to shut down the retail and catering operations at the site, along with similar plans for their other facilities in Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin. The recent closure of the retail and catering services on March 31st marked a significant turning point, while the organization aims to save £12m through these measures, assuring the public that wildlife conservation efforts will remain a priority under their land management staff.
The Ynyslas Visitor Centre has been an educational hub and a crucial point of access for visitors to explore the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, renowned for its red-list species and rare orchids. The site, designated as a red-flag beach due to its hazardous estuary and strong tidal currents, also has a historical significance dating back to World War 2 when it was used for rocket testing. Despite the closures, NRW has stated that essential amenities like walking paths, mountain biking trails, and other facilities will continue to operate for public use.
Local residents and campaigners have voiced their concerns over the impact of the visitor centre’s closure on the community. Polly Ernest from the Save our Centre – Ynyslas group expressed disappointment in the lack of response from authorities and emphasized the center’s importance in preserving local heritage. Helen Heron, a seasonal warden at the site, lamented the closure as a direct assault on the community’s shared history and accessibility to natural spaces.
NRW’s response to the public outcry has been to emphasize their plans to seek partners to manage the visitor centres at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin. Elsie Grace, NRW’s head of sustainable commercial development, has assured the continuity of existing facilities while acknowledging the public’s interest in the future of these sites. Despite the closure of the retail and catering services, NRW aims to maintain the integrity of the sites under their land management staff, ensuring that access and management remain intact.
The ongoing battle to save the Ynyslas Visitor Centre reflects a larger struggle between conservation efforts and community engagement. As discussions continue on the fate of the visitor centre and its facilities, the residents of Borth and supporters of the campaign remain vigilant in their efforts to preserve this vital community asset. The solidarity shown at the recent protest underscores the deep-rooted connection between local communities and the natural landscapes they strive to protect.