Whilst the move to establish a new National Park in Wales sounds like a great idea, not everyone is in favour of the plans. Here’s what’s going on and what locals are saying about it.
In a significantly bold move towards preserving the environment and promoting sustainable tourism, the Welsh Government has announced its intention to establish a new National Park in north-east Wales.
The proposed park is planned around the current Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area, an already designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
While the initiative aims to protect this region, it’s been met with some apprehension by some local figures.
The Drive Behind a New National Park in Wales
Firstly, it’s important to know how these proposals have come about. The pledges are part of the Labour Party’s manifesto, put forward in the 2021 Senedd election.
As outlined in the Programme for Government, the primary motivations behind the establishment of a new National Park are twofold:
- To tackle the nature emergency: With global environmental concerns on the rise, the protection of natural spaces has never been more crucial. National parks play a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and providing a sanctuary for numerous species.
- To promote sustainable tourism: By establishing protected areas, there’s a controlled approach to tourism. This ensures that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of an area without causing detrimental effects, thereby achieving a balance between recreation and conservation.
However, not everyone sees this move by the Labour Party as a positive one, and have voiced concerns about the area’s readiness for a potential influx of visitors.
The Criticism Behind Enforcing a New National Park
The main issue for the opposition is the thought that the area is simply ‘not ready’.
Speaking to Sky News, Cllr Huw Williams of Denbighshire County Council raised his anxieties, referencing the already popular Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, which attracts 300,000 visitors annually. “We can’t cope with the people on Moel Famau“, he said. The visitor influx has necessitated emergency traffic measures like “double yellow lines along the road towards it because at weekends or bank holidays, when it’s sunny, the car parks are full to the brim“.
The farming community also has reservations. The National Farmers’ Union expressed its desire for “a fair process” and raised concerns about potential implications for farming within the designated area, coupled with broader worries about the designation’s appropriateness and process.
When asked, a Welsh government spokesperson highlighted that national park status could bring about several advantages, including “additional resources to manage tourism pressures“.
The Potential Benefits of a New Welsh National Park
Others counter this negativity by expressing that awarding a national park status will be important for making an identity for the area, instilling a sense of pride for locals, and putting it on the map for even more tourism.
A well-managed national park can promote ecotourism practices, which prioritise both the environment and the visitor experience.
There are also many other positive repercussions for businesses and the local economy, such as more jobs, and an increase in money spent on accommodation, guided tours, food and local crafts and produce.
The Long Road to Designation
Designating a National Park is no small feat and there’s no guarantee it’ll pass all necessary procedures. The responsibility of evaluating and establishing the park falls upon Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the statutory designating authority.
To facilitate the process, NRW will undertake several essential steps, such as community and authority consultation to ensure the park benefits and resonates with those directly impacted, and geographical assessment to ascertain the uniqueness, impact and significance of the proposed park.
If approved, this national park would be the fourth in Wales, alongside the esteemed Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park), Snowdonia (Eryri National Park), and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. As the discussions continue, both ourselves and the Welsh community eagerly await the final decision.