The volunteers who discovered the mess said it was ‘heartbreaking’ to see
A large amount of rubbish which has been dumped in Bannau Brycheiniog(Image: Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team)
People dumped barbecues, beer bottles and smashed glass in one of Wales’ most popular beauty spots. Volunteers from the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, which operates in Bannau Brycheiniog and its surrounding areas, were in the Waterfall Country section of the national park on Sunday (July 20) when they found the waste.
However, instead of training, members of the team ended up picking up rubbish that had been “strewn across the landscape” in what they described as “one of Wales’ most beautiful areas”.
The rubbish was dumped and left beside a path (Image: Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team)
Pictures show a number of used disposable barbeques, empty beer bottles, various plastic items, cardboard and paper, all left at the side of a path next to a tree. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
Rescuers have now urged members of the public to act responsibly and pick up after themselves, rather than using a beauty spot as a “dumping ground”.
A spokesperson for the 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.
Volunteers clean up the mess(Image: Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team)
“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.
“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.”
The Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team added that it is currently trying to raise money to replace some of the defibrillators that it relies upon around Bannau Brycheiniog.