Image: Snowdonia
Research initiative explores impact of tourism on slate heritage sites across Eryri valleys as Dolennu secures £1m grant to study community-led solutions through local researchers
A Welsh community network has received £1 million in funding to research tourism, culture and heritage in the Eryri (Snowdonia) region. The grant was awarded to Dolennu through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Community Research Networks programme.
The project, delivered by The Young Foundation, will focus on communities around the Llwybr Llechi Eryri (Snowdonia Slate Trail), including the valleys of Ogwen, Ffestiniog, Nantlle, and Conwy.
Dolennu previously received £25,000 in phase one funding, which supported the recruitment and training of community researchers. These teams conducted research on tourism through local events and drop-in sessions.
The second phase will develop participatory, community-led action research with support from professional social researchers and academic advisors. The findings will be documented in toolkits and handbooks for other communities facing similar challenges.
Jo Quinney, Dolennu Lead at Foundational Economy Alliance Wales Ltd, said: “The research is led by our teams of locally-based slate researchers and over the course of the project they will develop their own skills, share their learning with others, and facilitate open conversations within their communities. This grant also strengthens local partnerships with Cyngor Gwynedd, Eryri National Park, Bangor University, The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site, fostering a broader network for shared learning and impact.”
The grant is part of a £9 million national investment by UKRI in community research networks, with nine projects receiving funding in this second phase. An additional £625,000 was awarded in the first phase.
Partner organisations include Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog, Foundational Economy Alliance Wales Ltd, Foundational Economy Research Ltd, Llwybr Llechi Eryri, Partneriaeth Ogwen, People’s Economy and Siop Griffiths, alongside slate researchers from the four valleys.
The stakeholder group comprises local authorities Cyngor Gwynedd, Conwy County Borough Council, and Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn, as well as Eryri National Park, Bangor University, Natural Resources Wales, Llyn Ecomuseum, Cymunedoli, and LleCHI LleNI.
