by Eben Muse
Boundaries/Ymylon by Eben Muse is part series of interviews, part short video essay on the subject of National Park boundaries – what do they leave out, what do they draw lines around to protect, and what are the implications of this? Scenes are shot mostly around the edges of two National Parks – Eryri, and Bannau Brycheiniog, focusing on two post-industrial areas in the North and South (slate and sandstone/coal), with interviews set against a quarried backdrop.
Thank you to National Lottery players
Watch Eben’s film to see a whole new side of National Parks
Eben Myrddin Muse is a Welsh writer, campaigner, and policy officer focused on land justice, outdoor access, and nature connection. He grew up in Dyffryn Nantlle and currently works for the British Mountaineering Council while contributing to various publications such as the Welsh Agenda, Viewpoint Magazine, The Great Outdoors, Caught by the River, UKClimbing and The Guardian's Country Diary.
“I grew up in a place that many people consider to be ‘Eryri’ and yet because of the area’s industrial heritage, the line of the park is drawn such that the area is left out. This always had implications (good and bad) for the local area, among the poorest in Wales. Now I live in South Wales, where much the same process occurred and the dramatic and unique landscape of the South Wales Valleys lack protections and investment for public access that it might have enjoyed in a timeline where coal, iron, limestone and sandstone didn’t coexist so richly. Although those industries are now gone, these places still deserve to benefit from some of the spirit of conservation and public access that our National Parks embody.”
“The question I asked my interviewees is being turned back on me! I should say ‘protected landscapes of significant size with unique characteristics’. But to me they’re about knowing that a place you’re in is supposed to be managed both for nature, and for people to thrive (‘in’ nature). And in a (non literal, sadly) sense they belong to all of us.”
Right now we have a once in a generation opportunity to change how National Parks operate. It’s essential that future generations are part of it.
Will you help us shape the future of National Parks?
Our National Parks New Perspectives project aims to give young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to influence and connect with decision makers to change the narratives on who National Parks are for and who has a say in their future.
As part of our New Perspectives project we have offered grants to young people to share their stories of National Parks
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we provided storytelling grants, Future Leader Courses and opportunities for young people to join us as Ambassadors
