Uplands
The uplands are the heart of the Park’s landscape, supporting wildlife, farming and culture while shaping the views and character we all recognise
A landscape of open skies and wide horizons
The uplands of Bannau Brycheiniog shape the identity of the Park. These high places of heather moor, acid grassland and peat bog provide dramatic views, store carbon, regulate water and support wildlife from skylarks and curlews to hares and bats. They are fragile but vital ecosystems that connect nature, farming and people.
Farming and tradition
For centuries, farmers have grazed sheep, cattle and ponies on the uplands, giving the landscape its open character. Commons are still managed through shared responsibility, reflecting a cultural tradition that has shaped the land as much as the weather and geology. Sustainable grazing remains key to balancing farming livelihoods with biodiversity and climate priorities.
Culture and heritage
The uplands are as rich in culture as they are in nature. Ancient cairns, Iron Age hillforts, folklore and poetry all tell the story of how people have lived with and drawn inspiration from these high landscapes. Today they remain places for outdoor learning, cultural celebration, recreation and quiet reflection.
Caring for the future
These landscapes face pressures from climate change, grazing imbalances, visitor numbers and invasive species. The Authority works with farmers, graziers, communities and conservation partners to restore peat bogs, manage heather moorland and protect species. By caring for the uplands now, we help ensure they remain resilient and continue to benefit both people and nature.
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