Public consultation launches for proposed new national park in Wales

As the Statutory Designating Body in Wales, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), under commission by the Welsh Government, is seeking public feedback on the potential designation of a proposed new National Park in Wales. If established, this would be the fourth National Park for Wales and the first since 1957. The area covers a diverse and scenic landscape that includes parts of Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and Powys including the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or AONB (now known as a ‘National Landscape’).

NRW commissioned Gillespies, in partnership with Ffiona Fyfe Associates Ltd and Countryscape, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the area, assessing its suitability for National Park status. This Candidate Area evaluation reviewed multiple factors, including landscape and scenic quality, tranquillity, wildness, and both natural and cultural interest. The team also examined the potential for recreation, identifying areas that meet statutory National Park criteria, while noting areas that do not meet these standards.

You can view the proposed Candidate Area map here and explore a gallery of photos showcasing the landscape within the proposed National Park area.

The public consultation period is an essential phase of the project, allowing communities and stakeholders to share their views on the proposal. Running from Monday, 7 October, until 23:59 on Monday, 16 December 2024, this consultation includes both in-person drop-in events and online feedback opportunities. The input received will play a crucial role in the final assessment of the candidate area, which will be reviewed in 2025.

To learn more about the consultation process, events, and how to provide feedback, visit the official Wales’ New National Park Proposal information page. A short summary of all of the evidence to date can be found in the Summary of Evidence Report.

To give your feedback, please visit: Wales’s New National Park Proposal – Public Consultation 2024 Questionnaire. We encourage you to read all the reports before completing the questionnaire.