6 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Brecon Beacons Mountain Rescue Team clear waterfall rubbish
A mountain rescue team in Mid Wales paused a training exercise to deal with a popular beauty spot being used as a 'dumping ground'.
Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team shared it was 'heartbreaking' to see the Waterfall Country area in the Brecon Beacons had been littered with plastic bottled, crisp packets, disposable barbecues and broken glass.
The team were training on Sunday, July 19, but ended up pausing the exercise as the volunteers gathered up as much rubbish as they could, saying that it had been 'strewn across the landscape'.
A spokesperson for Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team said: 'On Sunday, during a team training exercise in Waterfall Country, we were forced to down tools – but not for a rescue.
"Instead, we came across plastic bottles, crisp packets, disposable BBQs, and even broken glass strewn across the landscape.
"In one of Wales' most beautiful areas, it was heartbreaking to see nature treated as a dumping ground.
'Training was paused as our volunteers gathered as much rubbish as they could safely carry out.'
The team put out a plea for people to follow the 'Leave No Trace' principle, a guideline for visiting the outdoors to minimise impact and respect for natural areas.
The team added: 'Please if you're heading outdoors, follow the simple Leave No Trace principle: whatever you bring with you, take it home. It's that simple.
"These wild places aren't bins. Litter not only spoils the landscape, it's dangerous for wildlife, livestock, and other visitors.
'Our volunteers give their time to help people in need. Picking up after others shouldn't be part of the job but sadly, it's becoming more common.'
While drawing attention to one issue, Central Beacons Mountain Rescue also highlighted their ongoing campaign to raise £9,000 to replace defibrillators in the area that are nearing the end of their operational use.
Mountain Rescue's statement added: 'While we're working to protect the hills, we're also trying to protect lives. Our defibrillators – vital pieces of life-saving equipment – need replacing, at a cost of £9,000.
"If you can support our Heartbeat Appeal, your donation could help save someone's life in the mountains. Thank you for standing with us.'
