Brecon Beacon Equine Cluster

Mission Statement

Membership of the cluster is open to all riding and riding related businesses in and adjacent to the BBNP. As partners all members will work together to promote equine tourism in the area and to strive to increase its value and benefits whilst minimising its impact on the natural and cultural environment.

Membership is not without obligations. Partners therefore undertake to actively take part in the cluster and to conform to its values and the code of practice. If ths is not forthcoming membership will be terminated.

Applications for membership will be considered within the period November to January 31st for membership commencing the following year.

Objectives

• To improve the visitor experience for equine tourists visiting the BBNP and surrounding area.
• To encourage and promote working together for mutual benefit.
• To increase the value of equine tourism as part of what the BBNP and surrounding area has to ofer visitors.
• To develop a reputation as a leading, sustainable, equine tourism destination.

Values

Partner businesses will be sustainable. This means that they will be able to operate in the same way for the foreseeable future (but not necessarily have to).

Partner businesses will be aware of the impact they are having on the environment and make positive attempts to minimise this. The most obvious impact is potential overuse of particular routes but could also include more generic issues such as vehicle use, recycling, water consumption and energy use. The group will develop a code of conduct with the aim of reducing countryside impacts to a minimum.

We are inclusive. Each business will try to sell other businesses in the cluster as they sell themselves. If they are unable to accommodate an enquiry either because they are fully booked, or they do not offer what is required, they will attempt to point customers to other members.

Quality is central to what we offer and we will aim to exceed visitors and each other’s expectations, with membership of relevant governing bodies where appropriate.

Marketing of the area requires it to be differentiated from other localities. This can only be done by partner businesses establishing a ‘sense of place’ and highlighting to customers what makes the BBNP the place it is.

Partners will freely exchange ideas with each other in order to learn ‘best practice’.

Appendix 2 to Equine Cluster Mission Statement

Horse Riding Code of Conduct

Te businesses which form this group agree to use their best endeavours to ensure their staff, volunteers and customers follow this Code of Conduct in order to protect the riding resource and wider environment from damage.

1. To ride responsibly in a way that has minimum impact on bridleways, restricted byways, unsurfaced roads and open country.
2. To liaise with NPA staff about which routes are best used on an intensive, regular basis and how such regular routes are best varied to relieve pressure. The NPA will ensure that any alternative ROWs are kept open to minimise overuse of specific routes.
3. To respect land ownership and always gain relevant permissions.
4. To ensure staff, volunteers and customers understand the importance of protected sites for wildlife (SAC/SPA’s SSSI’s, Wildlife sites) and history/archaeology (scheduled Monuments, etc) and those measures needed to protect their interest. The NPA agree to assist with the identification of those sites and to liaise with regulatory bodies over appropriate usage.
5. To be aware and act sensitively when notified by the NPA of significant and vulnerable ground nesting bird activity.
6. To organise working parties to assist with the maintenance, repair and improvement of riding routes in co-operation with the wardens teams.
7. To show respect and consideration for other users of the Rights of Way network.

Appendix 1 to Equine Cluster Mission Statement

Action Plan

1. The Cluster will have a presence at 4 shows annually, either within Wales or Nationally.
2. All Cluster group partners will place a web link to “ridebreconbeacons” on their own websites.
3. Ensure all partners and their employees are willing and able to promote the BBNP and the assets of the area.
4. The Cluster will investigate joint purchasing with a view to obtaining significant discounts for partners.
5. An AGM will be held at the end of January to discuss the admittance of new members, to re-define objectives and to outline the action plan for the following year.