Farmers urged to have say on proposed Glyndŵr national park

Farmers in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are being urged to submit their views on a public consultation regarding the proposed Glyndŵr national park.

The 12 week Natural Resources Wales (NRW) consultation is closing at midnight on Monday 8 December, providing one last chance for farmers to voice their concerns before a final decision is made.

The proposal would see the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley designated as a fourth national park and would be the first in Wales for more than 60 years.

See also: Can Welsh farming afford another national park?

NRW programme manager Ash Pearce said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect nature, support communities, and shape a better future for this stunning part of Wales.

“We know change can be difficult, but with the right approach, a new national park could bring real benefits for people, wildlife and the local economy.”

The Scottish government recently decided not to proceed with plans to designate a new national park in Galloway, following significant opposition from local communities, farming and land-based organisations.

Evaluation cost

Over the past two years, NRW has carried out a detailed evaluation, commissioned by Welsh government at a cost of £700,000/year.

This included data gathering, technical assessments, and engagement with communities and stakeholders.

The Welsh government has declined to give any estimate of the eventual cost of establishing a new national park.

However, it is understood that Welsh ministers have considered the most significant costs that would arise and confirmed that these will form part of the Welsh government’s future financial plans.

Important landscapes

In a statement, the Welsh government said national parks provide carefully targeted management of some of Wales’ most important landscapes to “ensure they work effectively for the environment”, as well for the “local communities and visitors”.

It added that national parks also provide “excellent opportunities” for collaborative work with farming communities, as highlighted by their Ffermio Bro agri-environmental scheme.

“This consultation is a very important part of the process of designating a new national park and we urge everyone to get involved,” a Welsh government spokesman told Farmers Weekly.

High level of concern

Farming unions in Wales, however, remain concerned about the proposals, which they say could be burdensome for those living and working in the area.

Farmers’ Union of Wales land use and parliamentary committee chairman Tim Faire said:

“Questions remain around how a new national park would be funded and managed, and what it would mean in practice for local planning, farming businesses, and rural infrastructure – much of which is already under strain and unlikely to cope with the added pressures.”

NFU Cymru Clwyd county chairman David Williams added:

“We are yet to see sufficient evidence of any benefits to the agricultural community that outweigh the numerous negative effects this designation could bring to our members living and farming in the area.”

The Nature Friendly Farming Network said farmer worries need to be heard and measures put in place to ensure local businesses benefit from the opportunities the park could bring.