A project can be done by a group of interested people but it’s often useful to be a formally constituted group as some funding organisations only offer grants to established groups. You’ll need to create a constitution and get the group registered. A constitution is a written framework of rules which states your aims and establishes a basis for good practice. For a model constitution contact the Charity Commission:  www.charity-commission.gov.uk.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority can offer advice on how to become a constituted group. Please contact the National Park Authority’s Community Development Officer.

What consultation do you need to do?

It’s best to involve the key individuals and relevant organisations very early on in the planning process so that you can avoid problems that might delay your project in the later stages.  One of the first things to do is to find out who owns any site or feature that you might be interested in and get their permission to interpret it. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority may be able to give advice on this. Depending upon the type of interpretation you decide to develop, you may need planning permission to install some structures such as outdoor panels. There is further information on the www.breconbeacons.org website. If you are planning to install outdoor signs or panels on site, you will need to get the landowner’s permission for this. Make sure that you investigate and get agreements, in writing, for the responsibility for Public Liability Insurance for all physical installations.

Consulting with all members of the local community will ensure that everyone is kept up-to-date and that they have a stake in the project. Community consultation will also reveal any objections and, more positively, ideas and offers of help. Have a start-up meeting and invite everyone along to contribute. Send out a letter via the school and other local groups and put up a suggestions board or box in a public place for a short while.