 The RSPB yesterday (Tuesday) began a daily Breakfast Birdwatch, which takes place between 8-9am on weekdays.
Before the Coronavirus crisis, this is the time when many people would have been commuting to work, doing the school run, or otherwise unable to enjoy the splendour of nature, from the safety of their homes. We are living in unprecedented times. With restrictions on how much time we are all able to spend outdoors and with RSPB nature reserves closed until further notice, it is vital that nature can still be enjoyed by as many people as possible, whether keen birders, parents, children, those self-isolating or anyone else able to join in. Using #BreakfastBirdwatch and #BrecwastGwylioAdar on social media, the RSPB hopes to create a friendly, supportive and engaged community who can share what they see in their gardens, on their balconies, rooftops and spaces from their own homes, all the while keeping within Government guidelines in relation to Covid-19. With the arrival of spring, there is so much incredible nature returning, blooming, growing and thriving outside. While we are in the midst of an unparalleled crisis, we must not forget the power of nature, including how watching nature, can be so positive for our mental health and wellbeing. Throughout the coming weeks, Breakfast Birdwatch will focus on different themes and different species, helping to identify what supporters have seen and heard, and answering questions along the way.
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An organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales is calling on the Welsh Government to announce a specific support package to help the industry through the Coronavirus crisis.
MWT Cymru, based in Machynlleth, wants the package to at least cover part of the cost of job losses during the crisis and to waive this year’s business rates for all tourism and hospitality businesses, irrespective of size. The company will be lobbing politicians in Cardiff and Westminster to make the case for government support for the industry. Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, said it was important to the Welsh economy that tourism and hospitality operators emerged from the crisis in a position to carry on their businesses and continue attracting visitors to Mid Wales. She and her staff have been busy for the past two weeks handling calls from worried businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd. MWT Cymru is in close contact with Visit Wales, the Wales Tourism Alliance and a number of other organisations. The company is also gathering intelligence from Mid Wales businesses to feed back to the Bank of England and UK policymakers. “The importance of the tourism industry to the rural economy in Wales cannot be overstated,” said Mrs Hawkins. “More than 100,000 people are employed directly in the tourism sector across Wales which also supports thousands of jobs in the associated supply chain. “Our members are doing everything they can to protect their businesses so that they will be in a position to carry on and provide jobs at the end of this crisis. “Businesses need an immediate cash injection to help them through this period of uncertainty. We urgently need to hear from the Welsh Government what help is available to these businesses which, in many cases, are now, reluctantly, having to consider laying off staff and closing temporarily. “The UK Government’s offer of unlimited loans for businesses in general is very welcome because I think businesses will need help to resume after the crisis.” As the scale of Coronavirus and its impact on the industry comes into sharper focus, Mrs Hawkins said MWT Cymru remained committed to offering full support to its members. “One of the most frequently asked questions we're receiving from tourism and hospitality members is: ‘Should my business remain open?’,” said added. “Unfortunately, there is no easy answer and it will depend on personal circumstances or a business decision. “Around the world we’ve seen positive stories of businesses and communities coming together collectively to face the challenges faced by Coronavirus,” added Mrs Hawkins. “We are asking our members to help us spread good news stories and positivity during these troubling times by using #RealMidWales on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to let us know how their business is helping people deal with the pandemic.” If your business has been impacted by floods, find information and advice below to help you get back on your feet, including dealing with cancellations, communicating with customers and accessing Government flood support packages. View Visit Britain Guidance
Now in its third year, this annual celebration of the independent accommodation sector will take place from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd March 2020.
MWT are supporting eviivo and the B&B Association to make the campaign a success and we need your help to make the most of National B&B Week week for Mid Wales accommodation providers. Last year almost 350 properties nationwide provided deals and offers to encourage guests to stay with them and we'd like to make sure that as many local businesses and MWT members as possible are among them. National B&B Week is open for all B&Bs and independent accommodation providers to get involved with and, best of all, it’s free! All you need to do is: 1. Think up a great offer to entice guests to book or stay with you during National B&B Week 2020. 2. Visit https://bandbweek.com/participate/ to submit your offer. Enter your property and offer details, and the National B&B Week team will promote them to the public and the press. That’s it! Last year's National B&B Week generated nearly 100 pieces of press coverage for UK B&Bs (including a feature in the Sunday Times) and almost 20,000 visitors to the bandbweek.com website. Over 150 offers have already been published. Submit yours now to get involved . A warm welcome to a host of new MWT members who have joined us since the start of the year:
We are also delighted to welcome a new supplier to the MWT supplier directory: Gwe Cambrian Web, based in Aberystwyth. They work closely with businesses across Wales to deliver great website designs and digital marketing. Designs are created especially for you, are mobile responsive, include bilingual functionality and provide you with access to login. They also offer services including social media management, WordPress training, SEO, hosting and brand consultancy. *Special rates available for MWT members* www.cambrianweb.com  MWT's social media video 'Do Something. Do Nothing' was launched a couple of weeks ago and we're thrilled to see it's received 11k Facebook views already. Please pop across to our Visit Mid Wales Facebook page and help us share the #RealMidWales message. (And a big thank you to everyone who has already shared it). Click here to view the video  |
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