…Researched and contributed by Henry George.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, located in Wales, has officially dropped its English name, “Brecon Beacons,” to be named solely by its Welsh name.
This decision follows Eryri National Park’s similar decision to eliminate the English names for its highest peak, “Snowdonia” and “Snowdon,” referred to by their Welsh names Eryri and Yr Wyddfa, respectively.
The move is to reflect Bannau Brycheiniog National Park’s commitment to Welsh culture, language, and heritage in response to the climate and ecological crisis.
CEO Catherine Mealing-Jones said that the present name referencing wood-burning, carbon-emitting beacons no longer fits with the park’s eco ethos, resulting in the rebrand.
The name “Brecon Beacons” doesn’t make sense in Welsh, so Bannau Brycheiniog National Park will be named Bannau Brycheiniog or simply ‘y / the Bannau.’
Welsh culture and language promotion
The Park’s managers stated that Bannau Brycheiniog has always been the Welsh name for the park.
The Welsh name means “peaks,” while Brycheiniog refers to the fifth-century ruler of Wales’ old kingdom, Brychan.
The CEO stated that the change expresses the new way the park wants to celebrate Welsh people, culture, food, and farming.
The community of Brecon in Powys, at the heart of the National Park, is supportive of the decision, according to WalesOnline.
Most of the people interviewed by the news source expressed positive views for the Welsh language, and they welcomed the National Park Authority’s decision.
Mixed opinions from the people
A Welsh learner from Brecon, Rowland Jepson, agreed with the decision, saying that he supports encouraging Welsh names.
On the other hand, two friends, Alison Child and Lynda Bernard from the Swansea area, were concerned, saying that the new name might be challenging to pronounce.
However, Gareth Thomas from Brecon likened the learning process to Welsh expressions such as “shwmae” or “bore da,” adding that people would get used to things.
In summary, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park has dropped its English name, “Brecon Beacons,” to reflect its commitment to Welsh culture, language, and heritage.
The park has always been known as Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh.
The National Park Authority said that the current name no longer fits the park’s eco ethos.
The decision was well-received by most of the people interviewed by WalesOnline, but some had concerns over the pronunciation.