Welsh broadcaster John Humphrys has called the decision to officially refer to the former Brecon Beacon's National Park by the Welsh name Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog as "baffling" and says there will be many who "resent" the change. The change comes into force on the 66th anniversary of the area being designated a national park and will be known as 'the Bannau' for short.
Bosses of the park said the change is to reflect its commitment to Welsh culture, language and heritage and in direct response to the planet's ongoing climate and ecological crisis. Bannau means 'peaks' and Brycheiniog refers to the old kingdom of Wales' fifth century ruler, Brychan. The park's managers said the present name - referencing wood-burning, carbon-emitting beacons - no longer fitted the park's eco ethos, hence the rebrand.
They also said that the change was a necessary part of "expression of the new way we want to celebrate Welsh people, Welsh culture, Welsh food and Welsh farming."
