Manifesto for the Assembly elections launched

The Campaign for National Parks together with the three National Park Societies in Wales today launched their Manifesto for Welsh National Parks at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay.

The event was hosted by Sara Edwards, Vice President of the Campaign for National Parks, and attended by representatives of all political parties.

Norma Barry, Head of Welsh Affairs for the Campaign for National Parks said:

“We have worked closely with the Park Societies in Wales to develop Manifesto proposals that will improve landscape management in the Parks and enable access for a wider range of people so that all sections of society can enjoy the health, social and educational benefits of these stunning areas of Wales”

She added:

“ We are conscious of the need for reducing public expenditure and streamlining the delivery of public services in putting forward our ideas. Overall, we consider that the proposals should improve delivery and after taking into account the benefits, costs should be neutral or reduce overall”.

Gareth Clubb, Director of the Snowdonia Society, speaking on behalf of all three Park Societies in Wales commented:

“We are asking for responsibilities for the management and improvement of rights of way, sites of special scientific interest and nature reserves to be transferred to Park Authorities from local authorities and the Countryside Council for Wales. Staff within National Parks already cover some of this work so statutory transfer of the responsibilities could streamline delivery.”

He added:

“We would also like to ensure that Park Authorities play a full and meaningful role in the delivery of the Glastir, agri-environment scheme as part of their land management planning”

“Finally, our National Parks provide wonderful opportunities for people from all walks of life to enjoy, improve their health and well being, and widen their understanding of wildlife, nature and our cultural heritage. We are keen to develop projects that will encourage all the people of Wales to take advantage of these opportunities.

Note to Editors

The Manifesto contains the following four “Asks”:

• To enable National Park Authorities to play a full part in promoting enjoyment of National Parks, statutory responsibilities for management and improvement of rights of way should be transferred to them along with the necessary resources
• Funding should be made available for projects to engage and involve people from under-represented groups in visiting and benefitting from National Parks
• In the context of the Making the Connections agenda and in order to ensure coherent delivery of National Parks Management Plans, consideration should be given to Park Authorities playing a key role in the management and delivery of the Glastir agri-environment scheme within their areas
• In the light of the proposal contained in the Welsh Assembly Government’s Policy Statement on National Parks and National Park Authorities, and the Making the Connections agenda, the management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves should be transferred from the Countryside Council for Wales to National Park Authorities together with the necessary resources

The Campaign for National Parks is a charity that works tirelessly to protect and promote all National Parks in England and Wales.

The three National Park Societies in Wales are Brecon Beacons Park Society, Cymdeithas Eryri Snowdonia Society and Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park are member based voluntary bodies who work to ensure that the beauty and diversity of their respective National Parks’ landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage are protected for future generations.

Enquiries: Please contact Norma Barry on 07785 55151 or by email