Mend Our Mountains Get Stuck In! Eryri (18th - 20th June 2025)

Many BMC members will enjoy using the Eryri (Snowdonian National Park) for hill walking and climbing. In association with the National Trust, the BMC are arranging conservation projects in the mountains of Eryri. Works may involve path maintenance, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering, led by the local National Trust Rangers. There will be 4 projects in the Eryri in 2025. The second project is being held from Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th June 2025.

Volunteers must attend both work days (Wednesday & Thursday). Accommodation will be provided at the National Trust barn ‘Bwlch Mwlchan’ (near Beddgelert) for the nights of 17th, 18th, and 19th June so volunteers can enjoy a free day to enjoy Eryri on Friday 20th June, possibly a social hike, scramble or climb with the other volunteers.

Why it’s worthwhile

Our uplands are under pressure as never before with increased footfall and rainfall, combining to produce increased erosion. This causes unsightly scars on the landscape and damages precious upland habitats. Path maintenance, which may involve drainage projects and vegetation clearance, is therefore very important.

What will the work involve?

Spending around 6 to 8 hours a day, working as part of a small team, supervised and directed by National Trust staff, in various conservation projects in Eryri. Precise project will be decided by the National Trust Rangers depending on number of volunteers and weather conditions at the time, but might include path maintenance, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering.

What will you need to bring?

Steel toe capped boots required: these can be borrowed.

Waterproofs, warm layers and hat, along with sufficient food and drink, suitably equipped for a full day out in the mountains. Just in case it is sunny bring sunhat and sunscreen! You will also need a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves.

All other tools will be supplied by the National Trust.

For those using the accommodation you will also need sleeping bag and pillow case, towel, spare clothing and food.

Please bring your own food for all breakfasts and lunches – and for Sunday evening. The kitchen is well equipped with fridges, freezer, microwave, kettles, hobs and oven. If you want wine or beer for Monday night’s communal meal please bring your own!

THE WORK IS TOUGH ON CLOTHING SO DON’T BRING YOUR NEWEST MOUNTAIN GEAR!

Where will the work take place?

Precise location of the work will be decided nearer the time but will be on National Trust land in the Eryri National Park. We have previously worked on the Watkin Path on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cwm Bychan and in the Glyderau.

Where is the accommodation?

Accommodation will be available at the National Trust barn Bwlch Mwlchan (near the NT Hafod y Llan campsite).

Accommodation is available from the Sunday night so that we can get an early start on Monday morning. Further joining details nearer the time.

The nearest post code is LL55 4NQ which should get you to the campsite entrance. The hut is right at the end of the gravel path through a couple of cow fields and gates – just keep going!

Who can take part?

Adults only (older than 18). No dogs, sorry! Interested?

Registration will be by Eventbrite. At registration we will ask for a non-returnable £10 donation to Mend our Mountains (£5 for students and unemployed). This is an attempt to reduce number of people booking on to the events, but then cancelling at late notice. As well as free accommodation, we hope also to provide a communal meal on one night.

Places will be allocated on first come first served basis and priority given to those able to come for both days of the project.