LLECHI CYMRU - WALES SLATE - Safle Treftadaeth y Byd
World Heritage Site

Resources

admin — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:16 +0000

Resources admin Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:00

Dyffryn Nantlle’s newest Mural conveys the history of Yr Orsaf building from 1852 onwards

The World Heritage Site status is being used to regenerate and empower Gwynedd's slate communities; we are confident that it will act as a catalyst for employment, skills, better destinations and community action.

The Nomination

Management Plan

Nomination Document

Marketing and Promotion

Interpretation Strategy - Comprehensive strategy looking at topics and themes that can be used, including key messages and stories.

Marketing Toolkit - A simple toolkit that provides advice and resources for local partners and businesses to use.

YouTube Channel – A selection of videos for your use can be found here

Brand Guidelines - Our brand colours, font, and information on who can use the logo and name

Window stickers - Businesses can show their support for the World Heritage Site by placing 'Proud to support the World Heritage Site' stickers in the window of their business. If you wish to receive some stickers, please get in touch with the team on llechi@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Post card - you can reveive a supply of post cards with details of the World Heritage Site on them to share at events, attractions, businesses or organisaitons. If you would like to receive a supply of post cards contact the Team on llechi@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Slate Communities of Gwynedd: Care and Conservation

Conservation

Abergynolwyn Character Study
Bethesda Character Study
Deiniolen Character Study
Nantlle Character Study
Blaenau Ffestiniog Character Study
Bryn Eglwys Conservation Area Appraisal
Llandygai Conservation Area Appraisal
Tanysgafell Conservation Area Appraisal
Bethesda Conservation Area Appraisal
Llanllechid Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plan
Maentwrog Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
Nant Peris Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
Mynydd Llandygai Conservation Area Review

Communities and Community Destination Plans

Bethesda Community Destination Plan

Deiniolen Community Destination Plan

Llanberis Community Destination Plan

Dyffryn Nantlle Community Destination Plan

Blaenau Ffestiniog Community Destination Plan

Tywyn Community Destination Plan

Exploring the Area

Snowdonia Slate Trail: This 83 mile walk takes you back to a time when Snowdonia was the centre of the slate industry www.snowdoniaslatetrail.org

Three Day Itinerary For The Slate Landscape Of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site: an opportunity to discover more about our slate landscape and the surrounding area (pdf)

Dyffryn Peris / Dyffryn Ogwen Itinerary: Day one - an opportunity to discover the Dyffryn Peris and Dyffryn Ogwen areas (pdf)

Dyffryn Nantlle Itinerary: Day two - an opportunity to discover the Dyffryn Nantlle area (pdf)

Porthmadog - Ffestiniog Itinerary: Day three - an opportunity to discover the Porthmadog and Ffestiniog areas (pdf)

Reports

An assessment of the current and potential economic impact of heritage

Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2023-24

Planning

The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales WHS - Supplementary Planning Guidance

WHS Informal Feedback Process on Potential Developments

Opportunities

None at present.

Partnership Board Minutes

Board Minutes October 2022

Board Minutes February 2023

Board Minutes April 2023

Board Minutes June 2023

Board Minutes September 2023

Board Minutes November 2023

Board Minutes February 2024

Llewyrch o’r Llechi

Updates December 2023

A487 Llechwedd to Blaenau Active Travel Route

August 2024: Artists appointed for public art commissions

Visit

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 13:31:44 +0000

Visit admin Thu, 07/15/2021 - 16:31

www.visitsnowdonia.info

Visit the official Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website.

Cadw

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:57:16 +0000

Cadw admin Wed, 07/07/2021 - 16:57

Image

Ameuddfa cymru

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:56:36 +0000

Ameuddfa cymru admin Wed, 07/07/2021 - 16:56

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Cyngor Gwynedd

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:54:55 +0000

Cyngor Gwynedd admin Wed, 07/07/2021 - 16:54

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Slideshow Llechi 1

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:26:41 +0000

Slideshow Llechi 1

admin Mon, 06/14/2021 - 17:26

Elen Roberts

admin — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:00:17 +0000

Elen Roberts

The work undertaken by the LleCHI Project has been integral in raising awareness of how wonderful our slate communities are. There is a new energy and excitement in how we share our stories, with some adults and children learning new things about their heritage, and others contributing their ideas to community regeneration.

admin Tue, 05/25/2021 - 12:00

National Slate Museum

Cynllun Rheoli

admin — Tue, 04 May 2021 08:02:37 +0000

Cynllun Rheoli

Mae Cyngor Gwynedd a’i bartneriaid wedi datblygu Cynllun Rheoli ar gyfer Safle Treftadaeth Byd Tirwedd Llechi Gogledd Orllewin Cymru. Mae’r Cynllun Rheoli yn egluro sut fydd y Cyngor a’i bartneriaid yn rheoli, gwarchod a datblygu’r Safle Treftadaeth Byd yn y dyfodol.

[Mewnosod llun o glawr y ddogfen reoli efo linc i gynwys y Ddogfen Reoli]

Mae cynlluniau rheoli lleol yn cael eu datblygu hefyd ar gyfer pob elfen o’r dynodiad Treftadaeth Byd.

Ymgynghori

Roedd ymgynghoriad efo nifer fawr o fusnesau, mudiadau, cynghorau, cymunedau ac unigolion wrth ddatblygu’r Cynllun Rheoli yn 2019. Mae’r canlyniadau yma:

[Mewnosod linc canlyniadau llawn - http://www.llechi.cymru/SiteElements/Dogfennau/Adroddiad-Ymgynghoriad-Llechi-Cymru.pdf ]

Dyma grynodeb:

admin Tue, 05/04/2021 - 11:02

Crynodeb o’r Cynllun Rheoli

Mae’r Cynllun Rheoli yn:

Cyflwyno’r Cynllun Rheoli.

Cyflwyno’r Dirwedd Ddiwylliannol a’r elfennau sydd wedi eu dewis ar gyfer y dynodiad. Mae’n bwysig fod y rhain o “Werth Eithriadol Fyd-eang”. Dyna’r prawf oedd rhaid bod yn siŵr ohono, bob tro.

Egluro ein gweledigaeth sef “Amddiffyn, cadw, gwella a chyfleu Gwerth Rhyngwladol Eithriadol arfaethedig Tirwedd Llechi Gogledd Orllewin Cymru er mwyn atgyfnerthu hynodrwydd diwylliannol a chryfhau’r iaith Gymraeg, a dod yn ysgog pwysig i adfywio economaidd a chynhwysiad cymdeithasol”.

Egluro sut y byddwn yn trefnu a rheoli’r Safle Treftadaeth Byd.

Egluro sut rydym yn bwriadu gofalu am y chwe ardal, a’r elfennau unigol. Mae polisïau cenedlaethol CADW yn bwysig, a pholisïau a threfniadau Adrannau Cynllunio Gwynedd a Pharc Cenedlaethol Eryri.

Esbonio fod cynaliadwyedd yn eithriadol bwysig i fywydau pawb ohonom. Nid creu amgueddfa o’r dirwedd ydi pwrpas sefydlu Safle Treftadaeth Byd. Rydym am weld y dirwedd yn parhau’n fyw, a sicrhau bod cymunedau’n parhau’n fywiog.

Egluro sut y byddwn yn helpu’r bobl sy’n byw yma, a’r rhai sy’n ymweld, i fwynhau, profi a deall pwysigrwydd ein Safle

Helpu pawb i ddysgu am y Safle. Mae hynny’n golygu rhannu, ac addysgu – mae cymaint i’w ddeall, ei werthfawrogi, a’i fwynhau gennym

Designation

admin — Tue, 04 May 2021 07:30:06 +0000

Designation admin Tue, 05/04/2021 - 10:30

Wales was the world’s first industrial nation, and industrial heritage is an important part of Welsh history. The slate industry is iconic to north Wales. It played a vitally important role in forming our social and economic landscape. Its product is one of the most important single source building resources. It was exported to all continents. Welsh slate roofed the industrial Revolution.

More than slate was exported; Slate quarries in Gwynedd exported workers, their skills, their knowledge, and their technology. Narrow gauge railways were an integral part of the industry and both their design and their success was replicated worldwide. Our quarrymen in Gwynedd were also ready to innovate, by learning about techniques from other areas and nations.

Designation Vision

Protect, conserve, enhance and communicate the important qualities of the area in order to reinforce cultural distinctiveness and strengthen the Welsh language, and become an important driver for economic regeneration and social inclusion.

The Aims of the Designation

A thriving regional economy
Vibrant and living communities proud of their community and heritage
High quality, skilled employment
Higher value tourism sector, all year round
Continuation of the slate industry
A sustainable and living landscape
Celebrate the role of our slate heritage in the world
Protect and enhance physical heritage

These explain why it was decided to nominate The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales as a World Heritage Site. The nomination process was long and complex, but all involved have enjoyed working together.

Testimonials

In presenting the Nomination in 2020 the Right Honourable Helen Whately, Former Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism said:

“The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales is ... deserving of this high accolade for its contribution to the exceptional collection of sites that form the UK’s globally important industrial heritage”

The Right Honourable Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales explained:

“This cultural landscape nomination represents one of the most ancient and fundamental human economic activities – extracting and working stone”

The chair of the Partnership Steering Group, the Right Honourable the Lord Wigley of Caernarfon added:

“These are excellent examples of industrial-era communities but they also have their unique Welsh character”

Timeline of the Designation

2009 - Presentation of the Wales Slate application to the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) at Westminster.

2009 – UK government places the application on the tentative list of possible sites.

2012 – The tentative list is presented to UNESCO.

2010 to 2015 - All Partners work together to develop the technical evaluation of the site.

2015 – Presentation of the technical evaluation to DCMS for consideration by a panel of experts.

2018 – DCMS announce that this application will be the next to be presented to UNESCO

2019 – Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet approve the final version of the Nomination; this is also approved by DCMS.

January 2020 – Presentation of the final version of the Nomination to UNESCO.

September 2020 – In depth site visit by an UNESCO assessor.

July 2021 – Announcement that the designation was successful.

FAQ

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:04:05 +0000

FAQ

What is a World Heritage Site

A World Heritage Site is an area or location that has been selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is an area with special significance in terms of its culture, history, science, or other factors. It is legally protected by international agreements.

Examples include the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids, Jodrell Bank, Stonehenge, the Great Wall of China and a number of other sites around the world.

In the UK there are 33 World Heritage Sites. World Heritage UK is an organisation set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion for the UK’s World Heritage Sites, and the Tentative List Sites progressing towards WHS status. For more information, visit the World Heritage UK web site: World Heritage UK

Who is UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization)?

UNESCO is an agency within the United Nations responsible for promoting peace, social justice, human rights and international security. It does this by getting countries across the world to cooperate on educational, science and cultural programmes.

More information about the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site and other World Heritage Sites can be found on UNESCO's website.

Are there other World Heritage Sites in Wales?

Yes, this is proof of the historic importance of Wales. More information can be found on these links:

The Castles of Edward 1st are an example of confident military colonial architecture. One of them, Caernarfon Castle is located immediately next to the Slate Quay from where thousands of tonnes of slate were exported around the world. It became a World Heritage Site in 1986
The Blaenavon Steelworks site near Abergavenny was listed in 2000 because of its huge contribution to the Industrial Revolution.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Wrexham was designed by Thomas Telford. After it was completed in 1805, it was the highest aqueduct for canal boats in the world. It became a World Heritage Site in 2009.

Who led the application?

Gwynedd Council led the application in partnership with Cadw, Welsh Government, Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Bangor University, the National Trust and the National Slate Museum.

The partners formed a Steering Group and two sub-groups. One sub-group is responsible for planning, conservation, and management, and the other is responsible for economic development. Experts in heritage, conservation, engagement, and public relations are working on specific tasks. The project leading up to the designation has been managed by a small team from Gwynedd Council's Economic Development Department, Cadw and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.

Who funded the application?

The development of the application was a strategic priority set by Gwynedd Council, who has been responsible for leading on the application. All the partners in the initiative have contributed financially or through practical means, and funding has been received by Gwynedd Council through schemes such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Snowdonia Partnership Fund, Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig and the European Union. The Wales Slate Partnership, a group representing the public, private and voluntary sectors within the industry, has provided significant specialist support and some financial support.

Why is our slate landscape important to the World?

It is an outstanding example of a cultural landscape formed by centuries of quarrying, working and transporting slate to global markets. This is our Statement of Outstanding International Value. The slate landscape displays all relevant elements of the industry in visible, readable and accessible forms:

Excavation – quarries and caverns
Processing – slate mills, open fronted splitting areas (gwaliau), workshops
Transportation – railways, ports, tramways
Dwellings – communities and grand houses of owners, places of worship, libraries and hospitals
End use – roofing, gravestones, pillars for fencing, carved and decorative slates
The transition from an agricultural to an industrial society
Reinforcing minority culture by international industrialisation
The world's largest exporter during the mid-19th Century
Transferring technology, expertise, and people worldwide

What is the vision of the nomination?

What are the objectives of the nomination?

A thriving regional economy
Vibrant and living communities proud of their community and heritage
High quality, skilled employment
Higher value tourism sector, all year round
Continuation of the slate industry
A sustainable and living landscape
Celebrate the role of our slate heritage in the world
Protect and enhance physical heritage

What was the timeline of the Nomination?

2009 - Presentation of the Wales Slate application to the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) at Westminster.

2009 – UK government places the application on the tentative list of possible sites.

2012 – The tentative list is presented to UNESCO.

2010 to 2015 - All Partners work together to develop the technical evaluation of the site.

2015 – Presentation of the technical evaluation to DCMS for consideration by a panel of experts.

2018 – DCMS announce that this application will be the next to be presented to UNESCO

2019 – Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet approve the final version of the Nomination; this is also approved by DCMS.

January 2020 – Presentation of the final version of the Nomination to UNESCO.

September 2020 – In depth site visit by an UNESCO assessor.

July 2021 – Announcement that the designation was successful.

How will the area be managed following the designation?

The production and adoption of a Management Plan is a requirement of UNESCO. It provides an overall framework of objectives. The draft Management Plan was consulted on during August / September 2019. The comments received were been fed into the final plan which was submitted to UNESCO as part of our application. There are 5 themes within the Management Plan:

Governance and Management,
Slate Landscape Care,

Sustainable Development,
Slate Landscape Enjoyment,
Slate Landscape Learning

In addition, a local management plan will be prepared for each element (area) of the World Heritage Site.

What does this mean for Planning Applications?

The designation will not add additional planning constraints to current planning policy - designated and proposed world heritage sites are a material planning consideration within Gwynedd's planning policies. Supplementary Planning Guidance has been developed relating planning policy to the Designation areas.

Is this going to attract more tourists to an area where over-tourism is a problem?

A new Destination Management Plan will soon be developed by Gwynedd Council, which will look at sustainable and sensible management of tourism growth, as well as supporting sustainable and living communities. The nomination will attract visitors with a particular interest in heritage, and studies prove that these are visitors who tend to visit outside traditional holiday periods, and tend to spend more during their visit.

We have developed a hub and spoke model to move visitors around the area, take the pressure off the traditional main sites, and also to spread the economic benefit. The Interpretation Strategy encourages visitors to 'follow the story' around the area, and beyond the boundaries of the World Heritage Site safley and to accessible sites.

What about the impact on the Welsh language?

The Welsh language is a theme that runs throughout the nomination document and is identified in the Management Plan.

What does it mean for landowners?

It will not increase public access across the site, and therefore will not add a burden to landowners to protect / preserve structures. Being within the boundary of a World Heritage Site does not mean that access to all parts of the site must be allowed.

What about Safety?

The designation of World Heritage does not mean that the public has access to private property. The area contains relict quarries and active railways, which have their own health and safety requirements. Public access is also not appropriate in all areas to protect fragile historic assets and in some cases to enable commercial activities.

We are working with Snowdonia Active on developing messages and a security campaign for the slate landscape to complement the AdventureSmart.uk campaign.

Will any additional money come into the area with the Designation?

Although no additional funding comes directly with the Designation, we hope that groups will be able to use the Status in support of any grant applications.

Has the local community been involved in consultations?

Community events have been held across the area over the past few years, regular articles in Newyddion Gwynedd which is circulated to every property in Gwynedd and specific Consultation sessions on a Draft Management Plan were held during August - September 2019, with drop in sessions and an opportunity to complete an online questionnaire on the Gwynedd Council website.

We have also held online information events and include a number of community groups in our work.

What are the different names and the size of the slates that were being produced?

Name	Size in inches	Name	Size in inches
Empresses	26 x 16	Princes	24 x 14
Duchesses	24 x 12	Small Duchesses	22 x 12
Narrow Duchesses	22 x 11	Wide Countesses	20 x 12
Countesses	20 x 10	Small Countesses	18 x 10
Viscountess	18 x 9	Wide Ladies	16 x 10
Large Ladies	16 x 9	Ladies	16 x 8
Small Ladies	14 x 8	Narrow Ladies	14 x 7
Double Slates	12 x 6	Single Slates	10 x 5

admin Wed, 04/28/2021 - 17:04

LLECHI CYMRU - WALES SLATE - Safle Treftadaeth y BydWorld Heritage Site

Resources

Visit

www.visitsnowdonia.info

Cadw

Ameuddfa cymru

Cyngor Gwynedd

Slideshow Llechi 1

Elen Roberts

Cynllun Rheoli

Designation

Designation Vision

The Aims of the Designation

Testimonials

Timeline of the Designation

FAQ

LLECHI CYMRU - WALES SLATE - Safle Treftadaeth y Byd
World Heritage Site