Mid Wales Housing Association, based in Newtown, and RSPB Cymru have joined forces in a bid to purchase the Lake Vyrnwy Estate.
If successful, the partnership will ensure the local community of Llanwddyn and nearby villages truly benefit from the sale of the estate by owners Severn Trent Water.
Shane Perkins, Chief Executive of Mid Wales Housing Association explained: “For its part, RSPB Cymru has the skills needed to manage the estate’s varied habitats and in-hand farm, Tŷ Llwyd. Mid-Wales Housing Association has similar strengths in the forms of property management and commitment to affordable housing. We are therefore convinced that the partnership is a natural fit and offers the best possible outcome for the local community. Not only will current residents be assured that their local environment will be looked after and their standard of living maintained, but also more affordable houses will be available for those wanting to stay in the area who are struggling to get on the property ladder.”
Laurence Rose, RSPB Cymru’s Acting Director said: “When the Liverpool Corporation began the construction of the Lake Vyrnwy Dam in the 19th century they promised to ensure the local community benefited from the development. More than a century on, Severn Trent Water now have the opportunity to keep that promise by ensuring the Estate is sold to organisations whose main drivers are the interests of the public and the local community.”
Earlier this month RSPB Cymru, on behalf of a number of public interest partners, placed an offer to Severn Trent Water to purchase the whole estate, while Mid Wales Housing Association placed an offer for Lot 4
Laurence Rose added: “We stand by our belief that the main purpose of the Vyrnwy Estate is to provide public benefits, including clean drinking water, a high quality wildlife experience, a beautiful landscape in which to live, work and enjoy, and even reducing the amount of carbon lost to the atmosphere, helping in the fight against climate change. It is therefore essential the land remains under the management of organisations whose main purposes are to provide these benefits to the public and in particular ensure the best possible outcome for the local community.”
The RSPB reserve at Lake Vyrnwy is looking at its spectacular best at present, with fantastic autumn colours tinting the woodlands in various shades of gold through to different shades of green. It is really worth a visit to this wonderful part of Wales to enjoy the scenery and have a relaxing walk.
Why not plan your visit over the weekend of Saturday October 30th and Sunday 31st?
On Saturday 30th, at 1.00 pm, the staff at the reserve are taking part in nationwide events to celebrate RSPB’s national “Feed the Birds” day and will be helping young people to make feeders and learn about keeping our “feathered friends” well fed this winter. There will also be a scavenger hunt around the reserve helping learn about wildlife; with prizes at the end!
While the family and young people are occupied, there will be an opportunity to view and try all the latest models in our Optics range at an Optics Day demonstration. This will be open from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm and affords an opportunity to see our brand new HD compact binoculars, available in 8x25 and 10x25. These are very well priced and compare favourable with well-known makes such as Swaroviski or Nikon.
Watch out on Sunday 31st, at around 3.30.pm, we believe “Witches on Broomsticks” will be about the reserve! Come and join in our Halloween celebrations – Fancy dress essential!