A Hollywood star is at the forefront of a campaign to save one of the most iconic views in Wales
International actor Matthew Rhys is leading a �1 million appeal to secure the future of one of Snowdonia’s most precious landscapes.
Matthew, the Welsh star of the American television series Brothers and Sisters, which also stars Calista Flockhart and Sally Field, is at the forefront of the attempt to save Llyndy Isaf, a 600-acre hill farm. The land includes the beautiful Llyn Dinas lake, also known as Snowdonia’s ‘jewel in the crown’.
Llyndy Isaf lies in the stunning Nant Gwynant valley, near Beddgelert. Unspoilt by intensive farming for several decades, the area is home to much wildlife, including Snowdonia’s endangered choughs, songbirds and even peregrine falcons.
The appeal to buy Llyndy Isaf is the National Trust’s biggest countryside appeal in 10 years. Cardiff-born Matthew Rhys, Ambassador to the Snowdonia Appeal, said: ‘We have a once in a lifetime chance to buy and protect Llyndy Isaf, including Llyn Dinas, the beautiful lake that played a part in the dramatic scene which witnessed the birth of the Welsh dragon emblem. If we don't act now we risk losing the peace of this tranquil valley to commercial development. Please donate to the National Trust’s Snowdonia Appeal and help secure the future of this fabulous landscape.’
Without public support the farm and valley could be at risk of commercial development and the tranquillity destroyed.
Llyndy Isaf is owned by Mr and Mrs Ken Owen and after living and working on the land for 35 years their wish is for the National Trust to buy the farm. Mr Owen said: ‘The decision to retire and leave Llyndy Isaf was not an easy one. It’s a beautiful place and we’ve spent 35 very happy years here. We’ve worked hard and over that time we’ve realised more and more the importance of farming in harmony with the environment.
‘It’s amazing to see the wildlife returning to places where it hadn’t been for years. I’d like that to continue and that’s why we have offered the farm to the National Trust as I know they will continue to farm it in the same way that I have.
‘I could look forward to coming back here to see Llyndy Isaf more or less as it is today.’ The appeal to buy Llyndy Isaf is launched under the umbrella of the National Trust’s Snowdonia Appeal. In 1998 with support from its president at the time, Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, it raised �4 million to buy the 4118 acre Hafod y Llan estate on the southern flank of Snowdon.
Anyone wishing to make a donation, arrange a fundraising event or support the appeal in any way should contact the National Trust on 0844 800 1895 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowdoniaappeal
Matthew Rhys in National Trust Snowdonia farm appeal - BBC website
