In its Programme for Government (2021-2026), Welsh Government set out its intention to designate a new National Park in Wales, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. If established, this would be the fourth National Park in Wales, and the first since 1957.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been commissioned to evaluate the case for the proposed new National Park.
NRW is independent and will make an evidence-based recommendation, accounting for all relevant legislation.
The assessment procedure will decide whether the evidence demonstrates that the statutory criteria relating to natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation are met, and if the area is of sufficient national significance that National Park purposes should apply. Public consultation is also part of the assessment.
On completion of the assessment, NRW will consider whether Designation is desirable for the people of Wales, (both current and future generations), and then a Designation order will be submitted to Welsh Government. Welsh Government will consider this and decide to either confirm, refuse, or vary the Designation Order. If confirmed, a new National Park will be created.
A study area (referred to as the Area of Search), based on the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, was identified and shared during a public engagement period in late 2023.
NRW is now running their public consultation, which will end at 23:59 on Monday 16 December 2024.
The public consultation events will be an opportunity to learn more about the project and evidence gathered to date, ask questions of the team and share feedback on the draft boundary map referred to as the Candidate Area Map.
Ash Pearce, Programme Manager said, “While we have a statutory procedure to follow, we want to ensure that this is an inclusive process and that people have the opportunity to share their views on the proposals.
“Early engagement has given us a much clearer picture of the issues, hopes and concerns of the local people and stakeholders. We have identified eleven themes that underline both risks and opportunities for the area. These reflect concerns about over tourism and the impact on housing, but also the hopes for better management, responsible access, conservation and nature’s recovery.
“If a new National Park is established, then it must be able to manage the risks and take advantage of the opportunities available, for the betterment of nature, people, and communities.”
“We have amended the study area in response to local feedback and in the past year, appointed three separate independent consultants to help us develop the evidence that will inform our recommendation. As a result of this work, we now have Candidate Area map that we want to share with the public. We encourage anyone interested, to attend one of the events listed below and complete our questionnaire after viewing the summary of the evidence.”
People are encouraged to either drop by at an in-person event or email the project team at [email protected] to sign up to an online event. People will only need to attend one event as the information shared will be the same for each.
Information about drop-in events and how to take part in the consultation