Consultation events released over proposed new National Park in North East Wales – the first since 1957
People are encouraged to mark their calendars as Natural Resources Wales (NRW) announces 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.
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.
Engagement events – October and November 2023:
| Date | Time | Event type | Location
|
| Wednesday 11 October | *1pm – 7pm | In-person (drop-in) | Canolfan Ceiriog,
New Rd, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen LL20 7HE |
| Thursday 19 October | 6pm – 7.30pm | Online | via Microsoft Teams |
| Saturday 28 October | *10am – 4pm | In-person (drop-in) | Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Rd, Mold CH7 5LH |
| Monday 6 November | *1pm – 7pm | In-person (drop-in) | Public Institute Committee, Park View/High St, Llanfyllin SY22 5AA |
| 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 |
| Wednesday 22 November | *1pm – 7pm | In-person (drop-in) | Trelanwyd Memorial Hall, The Record Journal, Trelawnyd LL18 6DN |
*Drop-in at any time between these times.
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 [email protected] 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.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email [email protected]
