SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has expressed concern over the future of National Resources Wales.
Mr Rowlands, Chair the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Outdoor Activities, recently asked Climate Change Minister, Huw-Arranca-Davies for an update on the work of the NRW.
Natural Resources Wales is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its work and seeking to close 265 posts. It is considering reductions in areas including tackling waste crime, advising on climate change, managing heritage features and running visitor centres.
Mr Rowlands said: “In this Chamber there has been a huge amount of concern raised with you on the future of NRW, and the financial challenges that they are having to face
“I Chair the Cross-Party Group on Outdoor Activities and they have raised significant concerns about the impact of the cost-cutting measures that NRW are seeking to undertake, and their particular concerns, include access to those all-important outdoor spaces.
“I know that you appreciate the difference that those spaces make to people’s lives, whether it’s physical health, mental health or just seeing the beauty that Wales has to offer in a safe environment.
“I was wondering, whether you’ve had further chance to reflect on what I’ve written to you and the concerns of the outdoor activities sector here in Wales, and what thoughts you’ve had in terms of how they can access these spaces safely in the future, despite what may come down the track.”
Mr Rowlands asked to meet the Minister and any other interested parties involved in the outdoor activities sector.
The Minister thanked Mr Rowlands for his letter and the invitation said he was happy to meet but did not want it to interfere with the ongoing consultation.
Mr Rowlands added: “I remain very concerned on hearing about the possible amount of reductions in services and job cuts. Not only does it affect the environment and nature but I believe it is vital to ensure that people have these outdoor spaces to visit and enough staff to run them.”
