In its Programme for Government (2021-2026) the Welsh Government has set out its intention to designate a new National Park in North East Wales, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with its ‘Designation Project Information Page’ outlining the programme.
image: Natural Resources Wales website
… first new such park to be established in Wales since 1957…
Natural Resources Wales writes:
Designated Landscapes, consisting of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), cover approximately 25% of Wales. They are areas legally recognised for their natural beauty, and for National Parks, the opportunities they provide for open-air recreation.
In its Programme for Government (2021-2026), Welsh Government sets out its intention to designate a new National Park in North East Wales based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This would be a fourth National Park for Wales, and the first new such park to be established in Wales since 1957!
As a result, Welsh Government has commissioned Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to evaluate the case for the designation. We (NRW) are the Welsh Government’s statutory adviser on landscape and natural beauty and the designating authority for any new National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
Welsh Government has provided us with resources to establish a team to lead this work. We are an independent organisation so can make an independent recommendation based on the evidence gathered and benefits identified for the citizens of Wales, taking into account all relevant legislation.
We have prepared procedural guidance setting out the statutory process that must be followed. It is evidence based and allows for engagement with statutory consultees, the public and other stakeholders.
The process will reflect the Welsh legislative and policy framework through the application of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR) principles and a focus on nature recovery and climate adaptation and mitigation.
Following the consultation, all responses and any amendments to the boundary will be considered before presenting a recommendation to Welsh Government. If there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the statutory criteria relating to natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation are met, and that the area is of such national significance that National Park purposes should apply, a Designation Order will be submitted to Welsh Government. Ministers will then consider this and decide whether to confirm, refuse or vary the Designation Order. If confirmed, Welsh Government will establish a new National Park in North East Wales.
The case for a new National Park will be considered within the existing Senedd term (2021-2026).
The Statutory Landscape Designation Procedural Guidance document detailing the technical aspects of the designation process is available on request….
Later in 2023, we are planning to hold a series of engagement events on the National Park proposal to gather information from local communities and other key stakeholders. Dates and locations for these events will be published on this page as well as publicised through local networks and partners.
There will also be an opportunity to share feedback during a public consultation period in 2024. Opening and closing dates for the consultation can be found at the top of the page.
Information will be provided and updated here as it becomes available.
In the meantime, if you would like to express an interest in the engagement events and ensure you are kept updated on the National Park proposal, please email us with your name, post code and state your interest (e.g. resident, community leader, landowner, farmer, business owner, organisation representative, etc).
