Bleak New Year for Welsh National Parks

22 December 1998

National Park funding cuts announced by the Welsh Secretary last week will hit hard at the three Welsh Parks and their vital conservation, recreational and socio-economic roles.

Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast will have, in effect, tens of thousands of pounds slashed from their budgets for 1999 - 2000.

'"This means a bleak Christmas and New Year for the three Parks in Wales", said Ruth Chambers, CNP's Director of Welsh Policy.  "The Welsh Parks have been the poor relations to the English Parks when it comes to funding and it looks as if they are once again being left out in the cold.  Welsh Parks are being badly treated compared with funding for the English Parks - some might say they are even becoming second class National Parks".

The Welsh Secretary has approved a standstill budget for the Welsh Parks, which means about a 5% cut in real terms.  The English Parks received a 10% funding boost this year, in line with the recommendation of the influential National Parks Review Panel, which reported in 1991.  The Panel recommended this was necessary and value for money, "to secure the best of our landscape heritage".  CNP has written to the Welsh Secretary urging him to reconsider and to reverse the trend next year.

"The 1995 Environment Act widened the purposes of National Parks to include landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage conservation and the promotion of understanding and enjoyment. It also gave the Park Authorities a duty to foster the social and economic well-being of Park communities.  All this is jeopardised by such a short-sighted funding settlement," said Ruth Chambers.

"The real losers are these beautiful landscapes, rich in wildlife and Welsh culture, the millions of visitors to them and the people who live in the Parks - many of whom have already been hit by the crisis in hill farming".

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222