Llanberis, Gwynedd, 21 October 2025 — Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) hosted the historic COPA1, the inaugural Youth Climate Summit held atop Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. Over 50 schoolchildren aged 11 to 18 gathered at this iconic Welsh landmark to propose innovative solutions to the pressing issue of litter, particularly single-use plastics, which threaten the park’s fragile ecosystem. Organised by the Eryri National Park Authority with support from Bangor University and the National Lottery, the summit marked a significant milestone in the “Plastic-Free Yr Wyddfa” initiative launched in October 2023.
Yr Wyddfa attracts approximately 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of Europe’s busiest mountains. However, this popularity has led to an environmental crisis: research indicates that up to 5% of the summit’s soil is contaminated with microplastics, and in 2024, nearly 1.5 tonnes of litter were removed from the mountain. In September 2024, volunteers, including experts from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and Trash Free Trails, conducted an unprecedented clean-up of the Trinity Gullies—natural “litter traps” below the summit. They retrieved decades’ worth of debris, including plastic bottles, food packaging, and even prosecco bottles swept by wind from the peak. Ecologist Robbie Blackhill of Miles VPLS noted that such litter endangers rare Arctic-alpine species, such as the Mossy Saxifrage, now found growing amidst refuse.
COPA1, a name derived from the Welsh word “copa” (summit) and inspired by global COP climate conferences, served as a platform for the “voice of the future.” Pupils from secondary schools across Gwynedd, divided into age groups, presented video pitches outlining their ideas for reducing litter. Winners earned invitations to “incubator workshops” on the summit and grants to develop their projects. Among the most innovative proposals were:
- Compostable Bag Clip: A 3D-printed accessory made from recycled plastic to secure biodegradable bags to hikers’ belts, preventing organic waste, such as banana peels—the fourth most common litter type on the mountain—from being left behind.
- “Give Back” Incentive Scheme: A reward system encouraging visitors to collect others’ litter, offering discounts at local cafés or certificates in return.
- Trailhead Art Installation: A striking sculpture crafted from recycled litter at the start of the trail, designed to raise awareness and promote a “leave no trace” ethos.
“This summit represents a groundbreaking initiative, empowering young people to take ownership of our mountain’s future,” stated a spokesperson for the Eryri National Park Authority. Participants, accompanied by experts, ascended the summit using the eco-friendly Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus, underscoring the importance of sustainable transport. Following their pitches to a judging panel, the pupils enjoyed a tour of the Snowdon Mountain Railway as a reward for their enthusiasm.
Experts highlight that the issue extends beyond Yr Wyddfa: litter disrupts soil pH, harms wildlife, and pollutes waterways. Studies from Bangor University reveal that up to 5% of microplastics at the summit enter food chains, affecting ecosystem health. COPA1 not only generates solutions but also fosters a sense of responsibility among youth, described by Greta Thunberg as “climate ambassadors.”
The initiative is already yielding results: partners, including Plantlife and the Snowdonia Society, plan to implement the best projects in 2025. “Our goal is to make Yr Wyddfa the world’s first ‘plastic-free’ mountain,” said Alec Young, coordinator of the Plastic-Free Yr Wyddfa project. For visitors, this serves as a reminder: even a banana peel at 1,085 metres takes decades to decompose due to the harsh climate.
COPA1 is not a one-off event but the start of a movement. The next summit aims to address additional aspects of the climate crisis, continuing to engage Gwynedd’s youth in safeguarding their heritage. In an era of global challenges, such local actions demonstrate how young people can drive change—one step, or rather, one trail, at a time.
