Landscape guardians have flagged concerns over “unthinkable” plans to divert water from “one of the most majestic waterfalls” in Eryri (Snowdonia). A pre-application consultation is underway for a proposed hydro-electricity scheme in Cwm Cynfal, a steep gorge near Llan Ffestiniog, Gwynedd.

Rhaeadr y Cwm falls in a series of cascades over a total drop of 350ft, with 24 known archaeological features nearby. It has inspired storytellers, artists and poets dating back to the Mabinogi. However in recent decades it has attracted interest for its potential ability to supply renewable energy in the form of hydropower.