Publication of the Llechi Cymru Annual Report

The Llechi Cymru Partnership Board has published its annual report for 2025.

It is now four years since the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales was granted World Heritage Site status, and the annual report is an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved recently; developments, investments, conservation work and other priorities.

During the year a number of projects have been implemented in order to bring benefits to Gwynedd's communities and businesses as a result of the designation.

Projects have included:

• Conservation: Rescuing Penrhyn Quarry Hospital from further deterioration and ensuring future access.

• Town regeneration: Striking artworks in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog, Tywyn and Penygroes co‑designed with local pupils.
• Community infrastructure: Investments to upgrade Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda and Yr Aelwyd, Blaenau Ffestiniog.
• Education and heritage: Workshops with primary schools across Gwynedd.
• Community pride: Events such as the successful Dyffryn Nantlle Football Festival.
• Visitor experience: Partnerships offering international experiences with the National Slate Museum, including the “Museum on the Road.”

Lord Dafydd Wigley, Chair of the Llechi Cymru Partnership Board, said

"I'm proud of the work that has been seen across the slate landscape and hope that this report gives everyone a taste of what has been achieved, and that as partners we are really progressing with the work.

"The designation has led to significant improvements across the area which will reinforce our vision as a partnership ‘to protect, preserve, improve and convey the area's important features to reinforce the cultural distinctiveness and strengthen the Welsh language, and become an important catalyst for economic regeneration and social inclusion'."

Over the years UNESCO designations have attracted significant investment to Gwynedd, and since the designation of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales as a World Heritage Site in 2021 a total of over £38 million has been secured for the county through sources such as the UK Government, Cadw, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners.  

Over the next period further activities of the Llewyrch o'r Llechi project will be delivered as well as another year of LleCHI LleNI activities.

Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Economy and Community added:

"Since I became Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, I have been delighted to visit the slate landscape to see the exciting developments that have been underway, the enthusiasm and support in our communities.

"Cyngor Gwynedd is delighted to be leading on our World Heritage Site and on the Llechi Cymru partnership; seeing our vision gradually become a reality for the benefit of communities, businesses and the slate landscape of the area is truly encouraging.

"This is a huge story that puts Gwynedd on the world map. This is a momentous story – not only for our past or our today – but also for our tomorrow and future generations. Cyngor Gwynedd will continue to seek to capitalise on our rich heritage with all our partners to ensure prosperity from our slate to all communities in the area."

A copy of the full Annual Report is available on the website: Llechi Cymru Annual Report 2024/25

For more information about the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site and how to visit the attractions safely, go to: www.llechi.cymru