More@Snowdonia

27 July 2010

As part of its mission and its second statutory purpose, earlier this year, the National Park Authority began strategic improvements to develop its electronic communications.

The work of revamping the Authority’s website began in February and by now, several additions can be seen on www.eryri-npa.gov.uk and www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk. They include

• ‘A Sense of Place’ illustrating cultural heritage and history, and how they have helped make Snowdonia so special
• Rhiwaedog farmhouse restoration – a grade 2 listed farmhouse in the Bala area which is being restored. The restoration work is recorded and will provide in depth information on listed buildings and planning.
• Castles of Snowdonia – for the first time, Google maps are used to navigate to more detailed information on individual castles and will include ‘Terrain’ data and aerial photography.
• Snowdonia from the Air – the book, first published in 1997, is out of print. Now, it has been recreated on the website with an interactive map. The original publication can also be viewed as an e-book.

Amongst other sections of the website which have been revamped or created are a renewed mountain walks section which includes interactive maps and gradient graphs, a section on the narrow gauge railways of Snowdonia, the history of Plas Tan Y Bwlch, an updated and re-developed CAE section and a section on climate change. Over the next few months, the intention is to concentrate on the following:

• Include Google interactive maps which will include navigational layers and links etc.
• A ‘Wildlife in Snowdonia’ section which will include maps and images
• Develop the Wardens section to include area information and aspects of their work etc.
• An Education section which will be more interactive and attractive to young people.
• Add case studies to the Planning Section help illustrate planning constraints and issues as well as examples of good practice.
• Develop a ‘Visit Snowdonia’ App for smart phone users to download and use.

Awel Jones, SNPA Website Editor said,

“In modifying and developing our website, the intention is to create fresh and lively content which will appeal to a broader audience using new media and the latest technology. However, it’s not only the website that we’re developing. As more and more people use social networking sites and to contribute to these new and exciting methods of communicating, the Authority also has profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. We welcome any comments on how we can improve or update our website and people are welcome to contact me at the National Park Office to discuss this further.”

End

Notes to Editors:

To arrange an interview, contact Awel Jones, Website Editor, on 01766 772239.