Editor

Following the slight reduction in lockdown I was delighted to be able to walk in my local hills again. I chose to visit Pistyll y Llyn at the head of Cwm Rhaiadr, a beautiful valley that has been sympathetically farmed for years with a wide variety of wildlife. Part of the area is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

I was shocked to see that a large track had been bulldozed up the valley and that a pheasant shoot was being established in this remote site which is home to many rare species.

The release at this site may have a deleterious impact on the features of the SSSI. The impacts of releases of game birds on protected sites is currently the subject of a legal challenge in England.

I know many local walkers value the footpath through this site. The previous path has been partly obliterated by the new track. I would ask all who value this and other such sites to raise their concerns with Powys County Council and Natural Resources Wales who are there to protect our countryside.

Mick Green

Talybont