Editor

Across Mid Wales, established patterns of agriculture, farming, tourism and recreation are endangered, albeit hopefully temporarily.

The landscape and its rich biodiversity may be a collateral beneficiary of our current predicament. The hills and mountains are empty, footpaths are closed, roads are quiet, and fishing has ceased in our streams, lakes and rivers. The associated silence is benefiting wildlife and the flora of the region grows undisturbed and is proliferating under clear, unpolluted skies.

Many popular areas will regenerate from reduced footfall. The landscape may be secure and ecosystems restored and reestablished.

Residents may have the opportunity to capitalise on the commendable community unity arising from this terrible pandemic and to tackle the problems which post pandemic action and Brexit could pose to an area in which 85 per cent of land use is agriculturally based.

Farming communities will need to readjust to the demise of the Common Agricultural Policy and possibly move to different ways of working.

There is an opportunity to work towards the restoration and preservation of natural processes and the sustainable management of natural resources whilst also ensuring opportunities for access to the outdoors for responsible recreation in the new normal.

Brian Davies, Trustee, Cambrian Mountains Society

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