NATURAL Resources Wales has announced consultation event dates for a proposed fourth National Park in Wales.
People are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in online and in-person engagement events where they can have their say on an initial Area of Search map for a proposed new National Park in North East Wales.
Welsh Government has commissioned Natural Resources Wales (NRW), as the Designating Authority in Wales, to evaluate the case for a new National Park based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The case for a new National Park will be considered within the existing Senedd term (2021-2026).
The consultation events will take place in October and November 2023 and will be an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions of the team and share feedback on an early map of the area being assessed.
Ash Pearce, Project Manager, said, “There will be a full consultation on a proposed boundary map in 2024 when we have completed our assessments and refined the map. At this stage the map simply defines the area to focus our assessment work, we are interested in listening to and understanding all stakeholders’ points of view.
“I would urge anyone interested in the project to visit one of our online or in-person drop-in events to find out more about the work we are doing and share your feedback with us by completing a questionnaire.”
The engagement period will run from Monday 9 October until 23:59 on Monday 27 November 2023. People will only need to attend one event, be that online or in-person as the information shared will be the same for each event.
Engagement events – October and November 2023:
People are encouraged to drop by at the in-person events, there is no need to book a place. If interested in taking part in one of the online events, email the project team at [email protected] with your name, state your interest (e.g. resident, community leader, landowner, farmer, business owner, organisation representative, etc) and which event you are interested in (the date). These will be bilingual events with simultaneous translation provided.
NRW have prepared procedural guidance setting out the statutory process that must be followed. It is evidence based and allows for engagement and consultation with statutory consultees, the public and other stakeholders.
Click here for more information on the project and evaluation process