Summit to Sea
Co-designing a shared vision for land and sea restoration in mid Wales.
This planning grant supported a co-design process for restoration in Mid Wales, spanning from the Pumlumon uplands to Cardigan Bay. The area includes the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve, Dyfi National Nature Reserve and multiple nationally and internationally designated sites. Despite its ecological significance, the landscape has long been shaped by farming and is little celebrated beyond its communities. The project worked with residents and resource users to create a shared vision that connects land and sea while supporting biodiversity, livelihoods and culture.
Mid Wales, UK (counties of Powys and Ceredigion)
RSPB Cymru
US$ 197,953
May 2020 – May 2022
Upland grasslands, deciduous woodland, lowland pasture, saltmarsh, dunes, freshwater lakes and rivers, estuary, marine reefs
Why This Landscape Matters
The red kite, once endangered in the UK, is scavenging raptor that now helps maintain healthy ecosystems.
The Summit to Sea project area contains some of Wales’ most important habitats and watersheds. The Pumlumon massif is the largest watershed in the country and source of the rivers Severn, Wye and Rheidol. Its diverse ecosystems support species-rich grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and marine life, while also providing water, carbon storage and flood protection.
However, pressures from land use, habitat fragmentation and climate change threaten both ecological health and community resilience.
What the Project Did
The grant facilitated a participatory process to build a new, inclusive restoration vision for Mid Wales. The grant delivered:
A co-designed landscape blueprint was created through extensive community engagement.
Hundreds of participants were involved in workshops, outdoor meetings and consultations.
Stronger collaboration was fostered between landowners, farmers, coastal users and conservation groups.
Proposals were developed, linking ecological restoration with economic, cultural and social benefits.
A new name, Tir Canol (“Middle Ground”), was chosen by the community, reflecting the inclusive and cooperative approach.
Looking Ahead
This work has helped partners successfully apply for further funding, including support from the National Nature Service programme and the Coastal Capacity Building Fund. Delivery of the Tir Canol vision is now continuing, with additional applications underway and ongoing support from RSPB Cymru and the Woodland Trust.
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