A selection of projects identified as ‘LleCHI’ from across the quarrying communities of Gwynedd. The nomination and LleCHI is an opportunity to celebrate the unique contribution of a landscape, communities, businesses and people of Gwynedd as they roofed the world.
Sponsored by The National Heritage Lottery, Eryri Partnership, Rural Gwynedd Innovation.
During the Summer of 2021 UNESCO will decide whether the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales is designated as a World Heritage Site. This would make the area a truly important cultural landscape, just as important as the Taj Mahal, or Stonehenge. The area would join Blaenavon and Pontycysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage sites in recognition of the important contribution Wales made to the Industrial Revolution, and would join King Edward I’s Castles and Town Walls in Gwynedd as Gwynedd’s second World Heritage site.
The landscape showcases the incredible story of the evolution from an upland agricultural society to one dominated by the slate industry; with towns, quarries and transport links carving their way through the mountains of Snowdonia down to the iconic ports. Vibrant communities grew up around the quarries. Each of the six areas contains examples of how local people have been able to take advantage of new opportunities, and new skills, to create a future. The Welsh language underpinned their culture, religion and politics.
Gwynedd Council have lead on developing the nomination on behalf of a range of partners, and alongside that work funding was secured through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Snowdonia Partnership Fund and Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig to work across Gwynedd’s quarrying communities in an attempt to empower, reconnect and regenerate those communities through heritage. This work is known as ‘LleCHI’.
The nomination and LleCHI are an opportunity for us to celebrate the unique contribution that Gwynedd’s landscape, communities, businesses and people have made by roofing the world.
Come and learn more …
Notice: The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales is undoubtedly fascinating, but by its very nature can be remote, dangerous and challenging. A significant proportion of the landscape is within private ownership and some of this on land where no public access is permitted. Go to AdventureSmart.uk to find out how to enjoy your visit safely.
