Fairbourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fairbourne |
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 Fairbourne viewed from Golwen slate quarry |
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 Fairbourne
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| Population | 1,031 |
| OS grid reference | SH614130 |
| Community |
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| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | FAIRBOURNE |
| Postcode district | LL38 |
| Dialling code | 01341 |
| Police | North Wales |
| Fire | North Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Fairbourne is a pretty village right by the sea in Gwynedd, Wales. It sits on the coast of Barmouth Bay, near where the River Mawddach meets the sea. The village is surrounded by the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. Fairbourne has been in the news because of rising sea levels, which has led to discussions about how to protect it.
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The Story of Fairbourne
Fairbourne is part of an old county called Merionethshire. A long time ago, this area was mostly salt marshes and fields where animals grazed. Before people started building here in the mid-1800s, there were only three farms. The coast was known as Morfa Henddol, and the land where the Fairbourne Hotel now stands was called Ynysfaig.
How Fairbourne Started
Around 1865, a Welsh businessman named Solomon Andrews bought the land. He built a strong seawall to protect it from the tides. He also started building houses. To help with construction, he built a small railway. It was a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge line, pulled by horses, to bring building materials from the main railway.
Later, in 1916, this small railway was changed to a 15 in (381 mm) gauge steam railway. A rich flour-maker, Sir Arthur McDougall, then bought a lot of land in 1895. He wanted to create a model seaside resort. He quickly hired builders to make his dream come true.
Language in the Village
Unlike most places in Gwynedd, Fairbourne does not have an official Welsh name. Most people in Fairbourne speak English. Many residents or their families moved there from England.
Protecting Fairbourne from the Sea
Fairbourne has faced challenges because of rising sea levels. Experts once thought the village might need to be abandoned between 2052 and 2062. This idea was based on predictions of the sea rising by about half a metre. However, some studies suggest it would take much longer for the sea to rise that much.
Plans for the Future
In 2014, there was a plan to protect the village for only 40 more years. This idea, called "managed retreat," meant slowly moving people away from the coast. Many local residents strongly disagreed with this plan.
In November 2021, some government officials said it would no longer be safe to live in Fairbourne by 2052. However, several research reports have questioned this idea.
What Residents Think
In 2021, the Arthog Community Council asked Fairbourne residents for their opinions. Many felt their worries were not being heard. They believed Fairbourne was being chosen for "decommissioning" without good reasons. Residents felt they were being told what to do, rather than being listened to.
Political Discussions
In March 2022, the issue of Fairbourne was discussed in the Welsh Senedd (Parliament). Mabon ap Gwynfor AS, a Member of the Senedd, said that the plans were based on old information. He suggested that newer coastal flood defences had changed the situation. He also doubted the sea level predictions, saying they used old software and not enough data.
In May 2022, the Arthog Community Council voted against the plans to decommission Fairbourne. They pointed out several problems with how the decisions were made.
No Current Plans to Abandon
In November 2022, Huw Williams from Gwynedd Council said there were "no current plans to decommission the village." He also stated that no public body, including Gwynedd Council, intended to "destroy Fairbourne."
In May 2023, the Welsh Government Climate Change minister, Julie James, confirmed this. She said clearly, "We have made no decision on the future of Fairbourne."
Researchers Arnall and Hilson looked into the disagreement between residents and Gwynedd Council in 2023. They suggested that better communication was needed. This could help reduce the problems caused by worries about sea level rise. It could also help people imagine a more hopeful future for coastal communities.
Fun Things to Do in Fairbourne
Fairbourne offers several attractions for visitors and locals.
The Beach
Fairbourne has a two-mile long sandy beach. Behind the sand, there is a steep bank of pebbles. This pebble bank is as high as the sea defences in some places. At the north end, the beach meets the Mawddach Estuary. At the south end, cliffs meet the sea.
Dogs are allowed on parts of the beach. However, during summer, there is a ban on dogs in the central area. The beach is easy to access for people with prams or wheelchairs. You can also see old "Dragon's Teeth" on the beach. These concrete blocks were built during the Second World War to stop tanks. The beach often meets the high standards for a European Blue Flag.
Railway and Ferry
The Fairbourne Railway has connected the village to Penrhyn Point for over 100 years. It runs passenger trains regularly from April to October.
The Barmouth Ferry also sails from the end of the Fairbourne Railway. It takes passengers across the water to Barmouth/Abermaw.
Getting Around Fairbourne
Fairbourne is easy to reach by train and bus.
Train Services
Fairbourne railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line. This line runs from Machynlleth to Pwllheli. Transport for Wales operates the trains.
Bus Services
Lloyds Coaches also runs a regular bus service. You can take the bus to nearby towns like Dolgellau and Tywyn.
See also
In Spanish: Fairbourne para niños
