Natural Resources Wales (NRW) held an early round of engagement with local communities and other groups throughout October and November 2023. This included five all day events in Glyn Ceiriog, Llanfyllin, Llangollen, Llanbedr and Trelawnyd. In addition, a series of online events were offered, some open to the public, others focused on interest groups including politicians, landowners, tourism and recreation representatives, environmental, cultural and heritage interests, and the energy sector.
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to speak to over 600 attendees in person and another hundred or so online. We also received over 950 responses to the questionnaire.” Ffion Roberts, Project Communications and Engagement Lead.
The engagement period highlighted lots of considerations to the project team, many were expected, but some were new even to staff that live and work in the area.
“It’s been invaluable to gain this level of understanding so early in the process and nearly a year ahead of the consultation. We have a clearer picture of the issues, hopes and concerns the local people and others have for the area, along with identifying some misconceptions. Some of the most common issues raised are pre-existing, and not directly related to a national park designation, but we now must understand if and how a new designation would affect them, what more could be done to avoid negative consequences and achieve positive outcomes in the area.” Ash Pearce, Project Manager.
The team is working through the responses and evidence, with the aim of publish a report early in the new year. This report will address the most common and substantive issues raised, respond to appeals to amend the search area, and where necessary provide clarity on subjects that appear to be creating confusion.
At the same time, the project has specialists working with partners and stakeholders to investigate the key issues and considerations, separate facts from fiction, and inform the preparation of an evidence-based proposal.
Only when all of this, and further assessment work in 2024 is completed, will NRW take a position and make its informed recommendations. These recommendations will then be presented for public consultation.
To find out more and keep informed please visit: North East Wales National Park Designation Project Information Page