Sections 62 and 85 Seminar Snowdonia
Background
At the National Park Officers Group meeting on 16 October 2007 it was decided that each of the Welsh National Parks would hold a local follow up seminar following the National seminar in Cardiff in 2007.
It was proposed that each of the Parks would concentrate on one partnership sector. In the case of Snowdonia this was identified as the Utilities.
Consequently, a seminar was organised to take place on the 24 June 2008. as the organisation proceeded, however, it did not prove possible to limit the audience to the Utilities as the key element in achieving Section 62 is partnership. The work of the Utilities overlapped so much with other bodies, particularly local authorities (for example, in taking advantage of road schemes to underground overhead lines), that it was decided that the Seminar would be a more general event involving the most obvious potential partners while not losing focus by involving all the relevant bodies identified in the guidance.
A considerable amount of good will from all concerned was experienced during the organisation of the Seminar. This was manifested in a genuine interest in the topic and a willingness to attend and contribute.
The Seminar also widened its scope by addressing Section 85 of the Crow Act and by involving the AONB’s in North Wales. Unfortunately, no good practice examples could be identified from the AONB’s which were not covered by other contributors but their involvement was an important step towards a greater inclusiveness.
The Seminar was a success. We chose a facilitator to lead the event and to manage any discussions and this worked well. The programme for the day and the delegate list are attached.
