Snowdonia National Park – Health & Safety Responsibilities
Activity 1
Working with a colleague, suggest what you think are the responsibilities of the National Park Authority towards visitors to Snowdonia.
Activity 2
In the panel below is an example of writing which is difficult to understand and could be simplified.
Develop a form or words which would be clearer and easier to understand. When you have completed your version, click on the bottom panel to reveal the version which was actually used.
‘Despite the challenging weather conditions, my first ascent to the summit of Snowdon was most exhilirating. My companion, David, had recently purchased a new pair of walking boots from a reputable retailer and he stated that they offered wonderful cushioning compared to his previous pair.’
Your version:
‘Despite the poor weather, my first walk to the top of Snowdon was very exciting. My friend, David, had recently bought a new pair of walking boots from a good shop and he said that they were much more comfortable than his last pair.’
Providing clear and accurate information for visitors is not always as easy as it first appears. The information needs to be clear but not too wordy.
Activity 3a
Study the information in the images which show information taken from interpretive panels for the Miners Track and Pyg Track which both start from the Pen-y-Pass car park.
Compare and evaluate the information provided on the two panels.
You may wish to visit the website for further information:
www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/snowdon
Activity 3b
The National Park Authority gives advice about safety in mountain areas in a number of ways.
One of these is a series of simple pieces of advice found on the interpretation panels at the start of each footpath to Snowdon.
Information is provided under the following headings: Plan, Check, Wear and Carry. The information is provided in less than 70 words!
Write your own version of the information you think would be provided under each of these headings, keeping to the same limit with regard to the number of words.
Plan your route beforehand - remember that coming down the mountain can be more difficult than going up.
Check the weather forecast - turn back in good time if the weather worsens.
Wear strong boots with a good tread and ankle support. Clothing should be waterproof, windproof and warm.
Carry an extra layer of clothing, food and drink and a torch. Take a map and compass with you and know how to use them.
Click the button above to reveal the precise wording on the interpretative boards.
Activity 3c
Design a poster warning walkers of the dangers of walking on the mountains in winter conditions.
Click the button below to compare your poster with the one Snowdonia National Park Authority has designed. Evaluate the two posters.
The Snowdonia National Park Authority employs a number of wardens to manage visitors at car parks, on footpaths and to offer advice. Alun Gruffydd explains the key role of the wardens at the car parks.
Activity 4
Using the link below, identify ways in which the work of the mountain warden is related to the safety of visitors to Snowdonia.
www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/education/introduction/looking-after-snowdonia/a-mountain-warden
The Authority has also produced a video which informs visitors of preparing properly for walking in Snowdonia during the winter months.
www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/authority-videos
Activity 5
Evaluate the effectiveness of the information presented in the video.
The National Park Authority also organises a range of walks and other activities through its study centre at Plas Tan y Bwlch. If the National Park Authority provides an activity for the public, its level of responsibility rises dramatically.
Alun Gruffydd explains the situation.
In the sequence below, Alun summaries the legal relationship between the National Park Authority and the visitors who choose to walk in the Snowdon area.
Activity 6
Alun refers to the need to ‘balance risk with access’. Explain this statement.