£250,000 needed to repair Snowdonia footpaths

Credit: PA Images

Snowdonia is a vast piece of Welsh countryside, visited by thousands of people every year.

But getting closer to nature there is coming at a cost, particularly when it comes to looking after footpaths and protecting wildlife.

The National Trust takes care of Snowdonia, all 58,000 acres of mountain and farmland.

But, they say, Snowdonia isn't as tough as it seems.

The Trust are hoping the public can help with the conservation of Snowdonia, with the launch of an 'urgent nationwide appeal' to raise thousands of pounds to repair and protect the area.

It's hoped a quarter of a million can be raised from the campaign, which has celebrity backing.

The appeal is supported by Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys, National Trust Wales's Snowdonia Ambassador. Credit: PA Images

Hundreds of thousands of pounds are spent every year to keep landscapes like Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons accessible to the public.

But the Trust say the number of visitors and scale of footpath damage mean extra support is needed to ensure the work is done in good time.

Visitors to Snowdonia are causing footpaths to erode Credit: PA Images

More than four million people visit Snowdonia every year, with almost a quarter of a million walking up Snowdon alone.

The area is also home to rare plants and wildlife, which are only found in the Snowdonia National Park.

The appeal, which runs to the end of the year, will allow the National Trust rangers and volunteers to:

  • · Repair and upgrade two and a half miles of paths in Snowdonia. On average it costs £180 to build just one metre of footpath.

  • · Protect delicate Snowdonia's wildlife, such as the endangered Snowdon beetle, which thrives in upland heath.