Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is inviting the public to have their say on a proposed new National Park in Wales. A draft boundary map, known as the Candidate Area Map, has been released for consultation, and NRW is keen to gather input from local communities, stakeholders, and anyone with an interest in the project.
The consultation period runs from Monday 7 October until 23:59 on Monday 16 December 2024, offering various opportunities for the public to engage, including in-person events, online sessions, and targeted stakeholder meetings.
The Welsh Government has tasked NRW with assessing the potential for a new National Park, based on a region known as the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. A study area, referred to as the Area of Search, was identified during a public engagement phase in late 2023. Following a period of evidence collection, NRW is now seeking feedback on the emerging proposal through the autumn and winter months.
Opportunity to Share Views
NRW has launched an online questionnaire to gather public opinions on the proposal. The questionnaire can be accessed on the project website: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/waless-national-park-proposal-public-consultation. Those attending in-person drop-in events can also collect a paper copy of the questionnaire, which can be returned via Freepost.
Ash Pearce, Programme Manager for NRW’s Designated Landscapes Programme, emphasised the importance of this consultation: “For a new National Park to be established, NRW must be confident it will manage risks and make use of the opportunities available, for the betterment of nature, people, and communities. We have gathered further evidence in 2024 and the map we are now sharing has changed to reflect this. We now have a much clearer picture of the risks and opportunities associated with creating a new National Park, but also the risks associated with not addressing the factors already at work, like visitor pressures, housing, nature depletion, and climate change. We are interested in hearing from anyone affected or interested, listening to the range of perspectives, and we are especially keen to receive any new information or evidence that relates to the proposal before NRW comes to a conclusion. We encourage everyone to complete our questionnaire after viewing a summary of the evidence.”
Public Events
NRW is hosting a series of public events where people can learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and provide feedback. The information presented will be consistent across all events, so participants need only attend one. A range of in-person and online events are scheduled, as well as targeted sessions for key stakeholder groups such as elected officials, recreation and access groups, and the agricultural sector.
In-Person Drop-in Events
- Thursday 10 October: 3pm – 7pm, Parkfields Community Centre, Ash Grove, Mold CH7 1TB
- Wednesday 16 October: 1pm – 7pm, Ceiriog Centre, New Road, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen LL20 7HE
- Monday 21 October: 3pm – 7pm, Llanrhaeadr Village Hall, Back Chapel Street, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant SY10 0JY
- Saturday 26 October: 10.30am – 4.30pm, Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Road, Mold CH7 5LH
- Friday 8 November: 3pm – 7pm, Wrexham Memorial Hall, Bodhyfryd, Wrexham LL12 7AG
- Saturday 16 November: 10am – 4pm, Public Institute Committee, Park View/High Street, Llanfyllin SY22 5AA
- Saturday 30 November: 10am – 4pm, Kings Hall Community Centre, Kings Avenue, Prestatyn LL19 9AA
- Tuesday 3 December: 3pm – 7pm, Cowshacc Centre, Berriew Street, Welshpool SY21 7TE
- Wednesday 4 December: 3pm – 7pm, Canolfan Ni, London Road, Corwen LL21 0DP
- Wednesday 10 December: 3pm – 7pm, Llangollen Town Hall, Castle Street, Llangollen LL20 8NU
Online Public Events
- Monday 14 October: 6pm – 7:30pm (Microsoft Teams)
- Tuesday 12 November: 6pm – 7:30pm
- Thursday 12 December: 6pm – 7:30pm
Targeted Stakeholder Events
- Monday 7 October: 6pm – 7:30pm (Elected Members, Microsoft Teams)
- Thursday 24 October: 6pm – 7:30pm (Recreation and Access Groups)
- Wednesday 6 November: 2pm – 3:30pm (Environment and Heritage Groups)
- Monday 18 November: 2pm – 3:30pm (Renewable Energy Sector)
- Wednesday 20 November: 3pm – 7pm (Agricultural Sector and Landowners, Llysfasi College, Ruthin LL15 2LB)
- Monday 25 November: 2pm – 3:30pm (Utilities, Microsoft Teams)
- Wednesday 27 November: 6pm – 7:30pm (Businesses and Tourism)
For more information, or to register for an event, visit the project website where consultation resources will be available from 7 October 2024.
This consultation presents a unique opportunity for the public to have a direct impact on the future of Wales’ landscapes. All feedback will help shape the final recommendation to the Welsh Government regarding the potential establishment of the new National Park.
