Have your say on proposed new National Park for this area

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are inviting feedback on an initial Area of Search map for a proposed new National Park in North East Wales.

And people in Llangollen, which is included in the plan, will get the chance to have their say, in person, tomorrow (Saturday, November 18) at the Town Hall between 10 and 4pm.

The engagement period will run until Monday November 27.

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 the park will be considered within the existing Senedd term (2021-2026).

A questionnaire to capture feedback is now live on the project website. This can be accessed at: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/national-park-designation-project-engagement-2023

Ash Pearce, Project Manager, said: "We are engaging with local people and groups early in the project to ensure we can capture and understand all the issues and opportunities that relate to the proposed new National Park. 

"We will consider and account for the feedback provided as we work through a series of technical assessments and prepare our informed recommendations.

"There will be a full public consultation on a proposed boundary in 2024. At this stage, we have identified an area to study and want to listen and understand the significant issues, opportunities and themes affecting the area.

"We warmly invite everyone interested in our work, to join us at one of a series of in-person and online engagement events over the next two months. Also most critically, to complete our questionnaire which will ensure that we can capture their feedback.

"The events 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.

"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."

The Llangollen engagement event is due to take place at the Town Hall on Saturday November 18, from 10am until 4pm.

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