Discussion Wall
This is the place to discuss the proposal, ask questions, make comments, and generally tell us what you think.
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"I have worked on high ropes courses in he new forest and think they are a great tool to help people with pushing their boundries. I feel that the course will help to develop the park and get more people in to the outdoors and in to the area. I hope it goes ahead."
Posted by nic on 10 February 2010
"Other areas of the Clwydian Range offer peace & solitude to those seeking it. Moel Famau Country Park is always going to be the focus of day-trippers and as such needs much more investment to support the local businesses. Projects of this nature should be applauded.
My only reservation is that the main access road up from Tafarn-y-Gelyn needs some investment.
Can I also suggest (re-)opening a downhill mountain bike course within the Park/AONB.
Properly managed there is space for all. "
Posted by Hoppy on 09 February 2010
"Thanks for your interest and comments. We certainly look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the local economy and other businesses in the area. We are aware that traffic is a concern and it will be addressed in any planning application. "
Posted by Zip Wild on 11 February 2010
"Whoops! Wish I'd read a bit more.... found out it does say that people will be "shuttled" to the course from the car park? Bit concerned about that and the impact of a (probably) 4WD vehicle going into the forestry tracks on a regular basis."
Posted by Gerald on 09 February 2010
"We will be utilising existing forestry roads, and will work with the Forestry Commission to ensure that any potential impacts are addressed in any application."
Posted by Zip Wild on 11 February 2010
"I live locally in Mold. I am a part time outdoor instructor.
I have used the Go Ape facility in Delamere. It appears to have little impact on the immediate environment as the "infrastructure" is fairly unobtrusive. It will create some limited employment opportunities.
On the downside, the access road to Moel Famau is narrow and frequently congested at weekends. Additional traffic would be problematic. The same goes for the "bottom car park" that would be the access point for this facility. The only noise from the area is from the people using the facility - there are often "squeals" and "screams" from excited users. However, I don't think this will carry too far, certainly not to the main paths. However, the area is in the current "quiet zone" with minimal use. Those people who do use that area are usually after solitude.
There is no mention of how people would access the area from the car park, it is a noticeable distance and also up hill. Will customers be expected to walk, or will a vehicle be laid on? What would the impact of that be?
If this gets the go ahead I would like to see improvements to the access road, investment in environmental interpretation facilities and other services to enhance visitors experience of this AONB."
Posted by Gerald on 09 February 2010
"Many thanks for your comments. To clarify, we will be shuttling people from the cabin to the course in a vehicle. We will be utilising existing forestry roads, and are working with the Forestry Commission to ensure any impacts are minimised, and these will be addressed in any planning application.
I would say that it is unfair to say that the equivalent of 10 full time (worthwhile and well rewarded) jobs is limited. Although, it is of course a matter of semantics!
We are aware of peoples concerns about traffic, and we will address this in any application.
We sincerely believe that this proposal would be a great addition to the area, allowing people to experience the natural environment in a whole new way.
We will, of course, be providing revenue to the FC, which can be reinvested in the area. We would, if successful in an application, directly fund the improvement of the car park, over and above our extra needs."
Posted by Zip Wild on 11 February 2010
"I would welcome the development. Having seen similar projects both in the UK and France, they seem to encourage use of the countryside without having a major impact on the landscape. We should celebrate the fact that people choose to come to the area and projects like this should be applauded. The area could be a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts generally with the resultant benefit for the local economy but some residents would prefer to wave them on to Snowdonia. We should also remember that locals may enjoy the opportunity for some fun!"
Posted by terry on 09 February 2010
"Thanks for your comments Terry - we always strive to encourage others to live life adventurously. It also gives us a chance to educate our clients about the environment as they make their way round the course. We also look forward to the opportunity of working with other local businesses to benefit the local economy."
Posted by Zip Wild on 11 February 2010
"I'm rather dismayed to hear of the plans for this development at Moel Famau. Endless cliches about how beautiful and environmentally important the area is aren't needed, and will no doubt fall on deaf ears anyway, but one only has to make a trip to Moel Famau during a busy summer afternoon to know just how overstretched this area is anyway. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people frequent the hillside when the weather is good and the traffic, access and genera wear and tear of the natural landscale are already at breaking point. Attracting a brand new group of thrill-seekers who wouldn't otherwise give the area a single glance, can only stretch the area even further. I am fundamentally against this development and will put my all into preventing it. However, I will currently put my faith in the local councils who look after this AONB and SSSI, because developments within such areas are notoriously difficult to push through."
Posted by Brendan on 09 February 2010
"Thank you for your comments. We are very sorry you feel this way about the proposal. Our courses are specifically designed to compliment their surroundings, and we have a wealth of experience from operating in other forests throughout the country. We also believe in encouraging everybody to explore the countryside and this would offer existing users of the park with a unique way to experience the natural landscape. "
Posted by Zip Wild on 11 February 2010
