Wales' National Parks and AONB's 'will not be weakened'

Farms, villages and towns in National Parks and AONB's across the UK are protected along with the landscape and wildlife
Farms, villages and towns in National Parks and AONB's across the UK are protected along with the landscape and wildlife

All of Wales’ existing National Parks and AONB's will be "retained" and their current purpose of conserving and enhancing natural beauty "will not be weakened".

Speaking to AMs this week, Minister for Environment Hannah Blythyn confirmed the designated landscapes review process, which has been ongoing since 2013.

The review will draw to a close with the publication of a policy statement in the coming months.

During a plenary debate last June, the future protection of Wales’ designated landscapes under the current Welsh Government was called into question.

Ms Blythyn sought to reassure all concerned parties the Welsh Government will not be changing the purposes of National Parks or AONBs.

She said existing National Parks and Areas of Natural Beauty (AONB), which host thousands of rural livelihoods and ancient farmland, will be "retained" and not "weakened".

In an Oral Statement in the National Assembly, Hannah Blythyn said: “Designated landscapes have been in a state of review since a draft policy statement was consulted on in 2013.

“My priority over the coming months will be to work with the Park Authorities and AONB partnerships on our contemporary Welsh approach to ecosystems and landscapes, while recognising the enduring value of their original purpose.

“I am committed to ensuring Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks are valued for their natural beauty by our people, communities and country and our designated landscapes deliver rich ecosystems, vibrant and resilient communities and opportunities for outdoor recreation for all of the people of Wales.”

One of the greatest opportunities of a rural area is in the landscape itself which, as well as being

farmland, also provides an ideal setting for tourism.

Farms, villages and towns in National Parks and AONB's across the UK are protected along with the landscape and wildlife.