Bannau Brycheiniog National Park has announced that it will be named it’s Welsh name from now on, instead of Breacon Beacons.
The Welsh name dates back to the 16th century with poet John Leland. Although the name was officially established in 1957.
The name means Brychan’s Kingdom, which was the 5th or 6th century king from Ireland. Some may say that he was the father of Dwynwen the Welsh saint of love.
This year the park is celebrating it’s 66th birthday and they’ve shared their new plan to tackle main global issues. The main focus is on nature and climate change.
With the new management plan in place this sets the national park on a road to reduce carbon emissions and reach net zero by 2035.
Rural campaigners are worried about the sheep as they have introduced a plan to reduce grazing. The local farmers are being encouraged to farm and use their land in the most eco and climate friendly way.
Rachel Evans, a farmer and Director of Countryside Alliance Wales raised her concerns and noted “less sheep will result in more, unmanaged vegetation which could in turn mean more, dangerous, wildfires”.
Columnist Sean O’Grady wrote in The Independent that the new name is difficult to pronounce and that this does not benefit people outside of Wales. O’Grady compared Brychan to Boris Johnson.
Gwern Gwerfyl, CEO of YesCymru welcomed the decision and also said that the English Press “resort to relentless misinformation and often wilful ignorance”. He also mentioned that this is not a big change as the mountains has been named Y Bannau for centuries.
The CEO of YesCymru also added “My favourite aspect of this in Wales is how welcoming it is, how easily and happily it embraces anyone who wants to be a part of it”.
Rishi Sunak said that he does support the Welsh language but presumes that “most people” will use “Breacons Beacons”.
Pembrokshire National Park have announced that they will not be changing the park’s name and it will continue to use the English and Welsh name.