The BMC's Access & Conservation Trust (ACT) grants funds to important conservation projects. Here's a quick update on some of the projects that have been funded in 2013/2014.

ClimbBristol

ClimbBristol is a project which has been running since 2012, focusing on improving climbing in Bristol’s Avon Gorge. ACT funding has been used to part fund a project officer for the first 2.5 years of the project. Direction and volunteer effort is provided by a group of local active Gorge climbers and the project as a whole aims to revitalise the climbing area, which for a number of reasons has seen a dip in popularity in recent years.

Key objectives are to make physical improvements to the cliffs through volunteer work days (removing vegetation to improve climbing and habitat for rare flora and removal of any significantly loose rock) as well as convincing landowners and other influential organisations of the value of climbing to Bristol to ensure continued and improved access to the gorge. The project is organising the Bristol Climbing Festival in July 2014 to showcase the climbing resource available within the city and engage with climbers and the local community.
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Cwm Idwal Winter Conditions

Late in 2013 a remote temperature sensing station was discreetly installed on a rock bluff below the cliffs of the Devils’ Kitchen in Cwm Idwal, generating and recording live data about the air, turf and ground temperature there.

This information is available to view on the BMC website, so climbers can gauge if conditions are suitable for winter climbing in the Cwm, hopefully preventing people making the long journey to get to Cwm Idwal and being tempted to attempt routes not in condition, causing damage to the vegetation.
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Fix the Fells

We've teamed up with Fix the Fells to support two important projects they've undertaken recently. The first on England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike which is one of the most popular mountains in the Lake District and sees tens of thousands of people reach its summit every year, this level of footfall takes its toll on the paths.
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The second project which is currently underway is repairing the path from Dale Head Tarn to the summit of Dale Head. This is a popular path as it is part of the Newlands Horseshoe, which begins or ends at Catbells.
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Got an idea for a project?

Have you got an idea for a project in the UK or Ireland? From local footpath work to national consultations, anyone can apply for ACT funding, no matter how big or small the project.
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Donate to ACT

You can donate to ACT as part of your BMC membership renewal, online through PayPal, or by SMS text message thanks to JustGiving.

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