Sustainability in
Powys
Travel Lightly, Tread Kindly
Powys is one of the most naturally beautiful and unspoiled regions in Wales—rich in heritage, biodiversity, and space to breathe. We’re proud of our wild landscapes and welcoming communities, and we’re committed to protecting them for generations to come.
Whether you're here for a short visit or an extended stay, we invite you to explore Powys in a way that’s thoughtful, low-impact, and connected to place. Sustainability isn’t just something we promote—it’s something we live.
Getting Here and Around Sustainably
By Train & Bus
Powys is well-connected via public transport, helping reduce your carbon footprint while taking in scenic views along the way.
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Plan your journey with Traveline Cymru
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Check timetables and train routes with Transport for Wales
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Use local buses to explore towns and countryside areas without a car
By Bike or On Foot
There are miles of dedicated walking and cycling routes across Powys, from national trails to tranquil towpaths. It's one of the most sustainable—and rewarding—ways to experience our rural landscapes.
By Electric Vehicle (EV)
Driving an EV? Powys offers a growing network of charging points located across major towns and key destinations. Find your nearest charger via:
Respecting Nature and the Countryside Code
To help protect the environment and support local landowners, please follow the Countryside Code for Wales:
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Keep dogs on leads around livestock and always between 1 March and 31 July to protect wildlife and nesting birds
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Leave gates and property as you find them
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Stick to marked footpaths and open access land
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Avoid disturbing animals, plants, or archaeological features
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Be mindful of noise, especially in peaceful or remote areas
Responsible Waste and Recycling
Clean, litter-free spaces help everyone enjoy the outdoors. You’ll find recycling bins and waste facilities in towns, villages, and many popular visitor spots. Please:
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Use the correct bins where available
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Take litter home if bins are full
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Avoid disposable plastics when packing food or drinks
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Clean up after dogs, even in remote places—bag it and bin it
For local recycling centre information, visit Powys County Council Waste & Recycling.
Support Local, Shop Thoughtfully
Every local purchase makes a difference. By supporting independent shops, markets, cafés, and accommodation providers, you help reduce transport miles and strengthen our rural economy. Many businesses in Powys offer:
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Locally sourced food and drink
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Handmade crafts and sustainable goods
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Eco-conscious stays and hospitality
Look out for green business initiatives, refill stations, and low-waste services.
Thank You for Travelling Responsibly
By choosing to explore Powys sustainably, you're helping protect our landscapes, wildlife, and way of life. We believe responsible travel creates richer experiences—for you and for the places you visit.
So whether you’re arriving by train, charging your EV, hiking ancient routes, or simply choosing to reuse—thank you. Together, we can keep Powys wild, welcoming, and wonderful.
Discover Green and Blue Infrastructure: A Sustainable Approach to Tourism
Welcome to Powys, a place where nature’s beauty and sustainability go hand in hand. Our Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) is a key part of what makes our region unique and special, playing a vital role in preserving our natural environment while enhancing your travel experience.
Green and Blue Infrastructure refers to the network of natural spaces—both green and blue—that stretch across Powys, creating a beautiful, interconnected landscape. These include green spaces like parks, gardens, woodlands, and countryside, as well as blue spaces such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands that weave through our towns and villages. These spaces do more than just look good—they support a sustainable environment that benefits us all.
Visiting these areas doesn’t just mean enjoying their beauty; it also means helping to protect and maintain these vital spaces. From walking in the national parks to spending time by the lakes, you are actively supporting the preservation of our region’s ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
What is Green and Blue Infrastructure?
Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) refers to the natural network of spaces that surround our towns and cities. While traditional infrastructure like roads and buildings often only serve one purpose, GBI provides multiple benefits for both people and the environment. Think of it as a lifeline connecting us to nature, wildlife, and the outdoors.
GBI includes large areas like national parks and country parks, as well as smaller green spaces like private gardens, community allotments, hedgerows, and street trees. It also involves rivers, wetlands, and other water features, which are essential for both wildlife and water management.
These spaces serve many important functions:
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Protecting wildlife by providing homes and corridors for animals
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Managing water by absorbing rainwater and reducing flood risks
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Improving air quality by filtering pollutants
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Supporting biodiversity, including important pollinators like bees and butterflies
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Enhancing our well-being by providing beautiful places to relax and explore
When these green and blue spaces are connected, they form a network that supports climate resilience and helps mitigate the impacts of environmental challenges, such as flooding and heatwaves. In Powys, these networks thread through both rural and urban landscapes, ensuring that nature is accessible to all.
Why Do We Need This Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy?
Powys is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the sweeping hills of the Brecon Beacons to the peaceful lakes and meandering rivers. These natural assets are not only important for tourism and recreation but also for the health and well-being of local communities. As the region grows and evolves, it is essential to protect and enhance these green and blue spaces to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of Green and Blue Infrastructure, and in 2015, it passed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. This Act encourages the creation of a more sustainable, resilient Wales, where the natural environment is protected, and everyone has access to green spaces.
In Powys, the focus on Green and Blue Infrastructure is part of a broader effort to enhance the environment, promote sustainability, and improve the quality of life for local communities and visitors alike. This strategy prioritises projects that will help us make the most of our natural resources and ensure that these areas are accessible, well-maintained, and protected for generations to come.
How You Can Contribute to Sustainable Tourism in Powys
As a visitor to Powys, your journey through our green and blue spaces plays an important part in supporting our efforts to protect these natural treasures. Here’s how you can make a difference while exploring:
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Respect the Environment: Stick to designated paths and trails to protect plant life and avoid disturbing wildlife. Follow local guidelines for waste disposal and recycling to keep our landscapes pristine.
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Support Local Conservation Projects: Many of the places you visit in Powys are part of local conservation efforts. By staying in eco-friendly accommodation, visiting nature reserves, and supporting local businesses that promote sustainability, you can contribute to the region’s conservation work.
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Use Sustainable Transport: Consider walking, cycling, or using public transport to get around Powys. Many of our towns and scenic spots are easily accessible by bus or train, reducing the environmental impact of your visit.
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Engage with Nature: Take time to appreciate the wildlife, plants, and water features around you. Whether it’s a peaceful walk along the River Wye or a hike through the Brecon Beacons, immersing yourself in nature helps strengthen your connection to the environment and highlights the importance of its preservation.
The Benefits of Green and Blue Infrastructure in Powys
In Powys, Green and Blue Infrastructure provides a wealth of benefits not only to the environment but also to our communities and visitors:
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Wildlife and Biodiversity: Powys’ diverse natural habitats support an incredible range of wildlife. By preserving these green and blue spaces, we help ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural wonders that we cherish today.
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Flood Management: Well-managed green and blue spaces, such as wetlands and river corridors, help absorb excess water during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and protecting local communities.
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Improved Well-Being: Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase physical activity. The accessibility of Powys' natural spaces means that both locals and visitors can benefit from these restorative effects.
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Climate Resilience: Green and Blue Infrastructure helps buffer the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising temperatures, by providing natural cooling and absorbing carbon emissions.
By supporting Powys' Green and Blue Infrastructure, you’re helping protect this remarkable region while enhancing your own experience of Wales’ natural beauty. From the tranquil waters of our lakes and rivers to the sweeping views from our national parks, every corner of Powys offers a chance to connect with nature and contribute to its future preservation.
Explore Powys’ green and blue treasures, and help us ensure they thrive for generations to come!