October 30, 2019 - 2132 views
The National Trust is today reaching out to the local community to help them shape their vision for Parc Farm, Y Parc on the Great Orme.
The estate which came into the ownership of the trust back in 2015 has been the focus of much local interest with tenant Dan Jones managing farming since his appointment a number of years back.
To reflect the support of the local people and the many thousands of visitors who pass through the property each year, the National Trust has launched a special project website to highlight its on-going development and get a view of what people would like to see happen next.
Y Parc is owned and managed for public benefit, with a longer term goal for it to become a venue for community and educational activities. By achieving this, it could become a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the Country Park.
For thousands of years, shepherds tended flocks of hardy native sheep across the Great Orme. This age-old way of life, combined with the geology and extreme climate, created the wonderful wildlife that makes this place special.
But modern farming has resulted in the loss of two things on which the wildlife depended: the hardy sheep and the shepherd. As a result, coarse grass, thorny gorse and non-native plants threaten to upset the delicate balance of nature.
With 600,000 visitors a year and poor fences between the Orme and the town, bringing back a shepherd sheep flock isn’t going to be easy.
The National Trust project website reports on how Dan the tenant farmer and Ranger, Doug Don, are working with partners and the community to overcome these challenges.
If you’re a walker, visitor, National Trust supporter, councillor, teacher, community leader or just love the Great Orme, you are invited to help deliver their vision for Y Parc by going along to the second drop in today (30th October) between 11am and 4pm at the Great Orme Country Park Visitor Centre.
Alternatively you can get in touch with your thoughts about the project by clicking here.
