Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced the dates of a series of 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.
Two events will be held in Llangollen during November.
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 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).
This would be a fourth National Park for Wales, and the first new such park to be established in Wales since 1957.
Welsh Government has commissioned 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 engagement 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.
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 designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk 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. For more information on the project and evaluation process, visit the website at: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/north-east-wales-national-park-designation-project
Local events are:
| Tuesday 14 November | 6pm – 7.30pm | Online | via Microsoft Teams |
| Saturday 18 November | *10am – 4pm | In-person (drop-in) | Llangollen Town Hall Castle St, Llangollen LL20 8NU |
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