Cross-Party Group (CPG) for the Outdoor Activity Sector in Wales

Meeting #9

Date & Time: Wednesday 13 March 2024, 10:00 - 12:00

Venue: Hybrid - Video Conference Room, Ty Hywel

 

Attendees in-person

 

Sam Rowlands – Chair;
Rebecca Brough - Secretariat - & Ramblers Cymru;
Graham French - Bangor University & Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres;
Kerrie Gemmill - Scouts Cymru;
Andy Meek - Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres & Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre;
Phil Stone - Canoe Wales; Paul Airey – The Outdoor Partnership;

Matthew Williams – Welsh Sports Association
Rhys Thomas (Sam Rowlands team);
Jena Quilter (Senedd conservative group)

 

Attendees online

 

Huw Irranca-Davies (MS – start);
Russell George MS;
Cefin Campbell MS (item 1);
Altaf Hussain MS (item 2);
Catherine Williams - Snowdonia-Active & Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation;
Eben Muse – British Mountaineering Council;
Sue Williams – Natural Resources Wales & Wales Council for Outdoor Learning;
Steph Price – Duke of Edinburgh Award;
Helen Donnan – British Horse Society;
Kathryn Stewart – British Horse Society;
Gwenda Owen - Cycling UK;
Robin Grant – Cycling UK;
Simon Patton – Mountain Training Cymru;
Alison Roberts – Natural Resources Wales;
Tom Carrick – British Mountaineering Council;
Mark Jones – The Outdoor Partnership;
Gethin Thomas – train4underground;
 David Boden – British Association for Shooting and Conservation;

 

Welcome, Introductions, Apologies & Opening Remarks

The Chair welcomed attendees, confirmed minutes had been circulated and drew members attention to the Cross-Party Group’s draft Annual Report which has been circulated to members 

ACTION: Additions or amendments to the draft Annual report be notified to the Secretariat as soon as possible

CPG Annual General meeting: Election of Chair and Secretariat and a summary of CPG activity in 2023

The Annual General meeting was unable to proceed due to the lack of full cross-party representation.

 

ACTION:  An alternative AGM date will be identified and notified to members in due course.

 

Presentation 1: Outdoors for All - considering Wales’ response to the ‘Outdoors for All’ manifesto

Phil Stone – Canoe Wales

An overview of the Outdoors for all manifesto was presented; it was a collaboration of 43 groups and calls for increased blue/green space access. The document contains useful UK wide and English level data.  Its launch in Westminster was sponsored by Kim Leadbetter MP.  Outdoor Alliance members want to explore adapting this work to make it appropriate for Wales, and as a base for an Outdoor Alliance manifesto to be ready for 2026 elections.   The document would ideally be ready within 12 months, and cover the access needs of everyone,  wherever they want to enjoy the outdoors in Wales. 

Discussion points:  Outdoor for All was a joint campaign of diverse organisations in England, some of which aren’t represented in Outdoor Alliance or the Cross Party Group.  General agreement that there would need to be a wider base if signatories in any final document.  Need to achieve strength in numbers and to widen discussions; Outdoor Alliance can lead but important to secure as many supporters as possible.

The calls to government in Outdoors for All would need changing quite significantly.  It was felt that between all CPG member organisations there was a wealth of powerful statistics and facts to highlight why it’s important for Wales to have an equivalent document.  There is a repository on the Outdoor Alliance Basecamp platform for research and facts, which available to use now.

The Climbing Higher and Climbing higher Next Steps were Welsh government strategy which could be springboards, alongside work for Outdoor Education Bill explanatory memorandum.

With the appointment of a new first minister and new cabinet imminent there will beopportunities to revisit previous manifesto and restate previous calls for action.

Suggestion that a small working group be established through the Outdoor Alliance which feeds back to the Cross Party Group.   Also need to be mindful of links to curriculum reform and the need to involve lots of young people’s voices.

ACTION:  Secretariat to liaise through Outdoor Alliance Chair to set up small working group

ACTION:– Letter to be sent to First Minister as a reminder of Outdoor Alliance manifesto and to highlight work of the cross party group.

 

Discussion: Future Cross Party group event

The group explored possible events or awards for the sector which could be held at the Senedd.  Maximising Senedd Member attendance and engagement is key. 
Ideas discussed covered:

·         Linking to a future Outdoor Learning Week which is taking place 22nd to 28th April this year but will move annually to avoid Easter. 

·         An update report on the Outdoor Alliance 2021 manifesto later this year

·         Activities involving young people, with a possible link to the Urdd event in Cardiff Bay in the summer.

·         Something interactive with activities for Senedd Members to experience.

·         Could link to new Outdoor Alliance manifesto launch. 

 

ACTION: Chair to speak with secretariat on arranging event for 2025; Steph Price (Duke of Edinburgh) happy to work with others on this.

 

Any other business

The Chair gave an update on the progress of the Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill which was through committee its sessions with those reports due shortly. There will be a Plenary vote in mid April.   Discussions have acknowledged difficult financial climate and meetings ongoing with government to explore options for delivery.   Graham French highlighted that at a recent international research conference in Japan there was widespread interest and support for the Bill. 

The Chair thanked attendees for their time and confirmed the next meeting of the Cross Party Group will be on 5th June 2024, with arrangements to be confirmed in due course.