Speaking in the Senedd this week, Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar called for more action to promote hillforts in the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to entice more tourists into North Wales.
In contrast to a National Park, whilst AONBs enjoy protected status, there is no requirement for them to be promoted for people to enjoy and Darren is concerned that hillforts in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB remain largely undiscovered.
He said:
“The hillforts of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB help to tell the story of the people of Wales. They are perched on top of one of the UK’s most wonderful landscapes and the opportunity to use them to attract visitors into North Wales should not be overlooked.
“The Range covers miles of undulating landscape, which is characterised by sweeping moorland, heather hills, Iron Age stone forts and limestone cliffs. Whilst beyond the Horse Shoe Pass, over Llantysilio mountains lies the glorious Dee Valley, with the historic towns of Llangollen and Corwen, rich in cultural and industrial heritage.
“Improving the promotion of our hillforts could help to make people more aware of these treasures and have a hugely beneficial impact on the economy in towns and villages in North East Wales as they come to seek them out.
“The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are truly national treasures, every bit as special as other areas in Wales which already have National Park status. They deserve to be protected, promoted widely and enjoyed by all.”