Blaenavon gained World Heritage Site Status in 2000, in recognition of the important part the town and surrounding country side played in the birth of the iron making process during the industrial revolution. These days with attractions like Big Pit Mining Museum, the Iron Works and the recently opened Interpretation Centre, the town is enjoying more visitors than ever before. The town itself as many interesting buildings while shop fronts along the high street are being sympathetically and tastefully renovated.

The countryside around Blaenavon is of great interest to naturalists, geologists and historians, while inspiring views maybe enjoyed from various hillside summits. On a clear day a panoramic view from the Black Mountains to the Central Beacons themselves is what greets the visitor when entering the National park near Keepers pond on Blorenge Mountain.

The Blaenavon World Heritage Site is 3,290 acres in total, with nearly 50% lying within the Brecon Beacons National Park, and therefore close links have been forged both at a managerial level and at a wardening level with our partnership colleagues. I, myself have a close working relationship with the warden on the ground, Alvin Nicholas. Alvin, myself and National Park colleague Clive Williams, have had good success whilst working together on promoting both the National Park ,and the World Heritage Site through a series of guided walks and other events, and we regularly come together for training and volunteer work parties.