The Elan Estate is owned by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water although a greater part of it is vested in the Elan Valley Trust on a 999 year lease. A principle function of the Estate is the provision of a clean water supply – this means that the whole area is managed in an environmentally friendly way in order to protect the water quality. This in turn means that the valley has a rich abundance of wildlife. In fact the whole area falls within the Cambrian Mountains Environmentally Sensitive area (ESA), is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for wild birds, has Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for habitats and most of the land has been designated as various Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

We appreciate the significance of these designations and employ a team of Countryside Rangers to cover the Estate. Their work includes helping the public to enjoy the natural history and beauty of the area and carrying out practical habitat management, conservation and access work.

We work hard to protect the flora and fauna of the Elan Estate and to encourage public access and environmental education, and to safeguard against inappropriate developments affecting the Estate.

The Elan Valley Trust are responsible for the administration of the majority of the 72 square mile Estate as Landlord to 28 farms and 38 houses, and farming 8 blocks of in hand land (totalling in excess of 7,000 acres), public facilities, holiday cottages, estate maintenance in the Elan and Claerwen Valleys

This is an area of natural beauty but one that has also been shaped by man. It is an area to be enjoyed and safeguarded by all of us. As custodians of the Elan Valley we look forward to welcoming you and encourage your feedback, views and concerns.