£21.5k raised to protect Sirhowy crag in South Wales

“We’d like to thank all of you who have given your hard-earned money towards supporting our Sirhowy Crag Campaign,” says Campaigns and Policy Officer Eben Muse. “Unfortunately, the BMC was unable to join in the bidding process due to our status as a charity (the BMC’s Land and Property Trust) and the lack of information on potential liabilities in that process.”

However, the team have reached out to the holder of the winning bid and expect to hear back from them soon. “We are not currently aware of their intention for the land,” Eben says, “but we are reassured by the fact that it’s unsuitable for major development and the council who own the surrounding land are keen to preserve the recreational nature of the site.”

“The BMC aims to use the resources at our disposal to negotiate with the landowner to safeguard access to Sirhowy Crag in the future. Many options are on the table, including leasehold, investing in crag improvements to reduce liability in return for guaranteed access, ring-fencing the funding for a like-for-like alternative, or even making an increased offer to the new landowner contingent on the same checks we offered the previous landowner.

“We remain steadfast in our view that climbers are the best people to own this special site, and that local climbers are those best equipped to manage and maintain it. This was always going to be a marathon, not a sprint, so stick with us - we are optimistic about the future of Sirhowy Crag and we will keep updating supporters and members as new developments arise.”

If crag maintenance and acquisition work by the BMC’s Land and Property Trust is something you wish to support further, Eben and the team are working on ways to make it easier for you to donate in the future.

In the meantime, please enjoy these comments about the Sirhowy Crag Campaign on Crowdfunder, and read more here.

Supporters said:

"We only have land once. If it's ruined then it's ruined. This sounds a great chance for the BMC to protect it for generations to come." - Lindsey Jackson

"I have been climbing all my life and have been able to enjoy free access to numerous crags and cliffs. I am too long in the tooth now but am still able to enjoy the freedom of the hills and would like to take this opportunity to support the up and coming generation." - Rob Barton

"Never been there but we should always try to support someone’s local crag". - Chris Rumsey

"It would be a great shame to lose such a fantastic crag. A lot of good memories and phenomenal climbs at Sirhowy." - Louise Chartron