Press Release announcing AME launch

The following press release was sent to Welsh media outlets and our political representatives (all Senedd members, all Powys County Councillors and our MP) on the 17th November.

We were pleased to have been able to give the Trallong, Penpont and Llanfihangel Nant Bran Community Council advanced notice of the press release at their meeting on 12th November, where they kindly allowed Mark Collins, AME spokesperson, to introduce the group, share the press release and field questions both from Counsellors and from the members of the public present. Other members of the Interim Steering group were also present and a positive discussion ensued.

Mark Collins emphasised that we will campaign in a way that will seek to preserve and enhance community relations and foster partnership with the Community Council and others, while also respecting those that may have different perspectives.

We were pleased to see it reported on the front page of the Brecon & Radnor Express on Wednesday 19th November.

The Press release is given in full below, Welsh language versions were also sent.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

A new community-led organisation, Amddiffyn Mynydd Epynt (AME), has been established to protect Epynt and ensure that its historic, biodiverse landscape is safeguarded for future generations.

The launch follows Bute Energy’s proposal to construct Garreg Fawr Energy Park — a massive industrial wind development of twenty-two 220-metre turbines surrounding the village of Llanfihangel Nant Brân.

AME spokesperson Mark Collins said:

“We do not accept the industrialisation of this beautiful part of Wales, which would continue the historic pattern of resource extraction for profit and the displacement of people for interests that are not our own. The wellbeing of the land, and of the communities who belong to it, must always come first.

“Bute Energy is pressing ahead before communities have a chance to understand the full implications of their plans. Limited information is shared, financial incentives are offered, and subtle pressure is applied — all within an infrastructure planning process that marginalises local voices. We have formed AME to change that.

“Although this campaign was born out of negative circumstances, we have a positive, hopeful, and creative vision of the future.”

Residents have already coordinated and submitted a 106-page response to Bute Energy’s Garreg Fawr proposals through Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). The submission highlights numerous concerns, including impacts on ecology, wildlife, peat and water systems, health and wellbeing, noise, visual impact, and tourism.

The group is now producing a community information leaflet to help ensure that every household in the area understands the scale and implications of what is being proposed.

AME promotes genuinely green, sustainable lifestyles and will convene Community Assemblies to enable residents to share knowledge, consider evidence, and shape local decisions together.

The group’s formation follows Powys County Council’s unanimous decision on 9 October to call on the Welsh Government to pause all wind development proposals in Powys until their effects on rural communities and landscapes are fully understood.

Notes to Editors

Amddiffyn Mynydd Epynt (AME) is an unincorporated, community-led organisation formed to campaign for the protection of Epynt’s landscapes, ecosystems and communities.

Amddiffyn translates as Protect.

For more information: contact@ame.cymru

Group Spokesperson: Mark Collins on 07809 516950