January 2026
Concern on Creation of National Park
The Welsh Government outlined plans in its 2021-2026 Programme for Government to designate a new National Park in north-east Wales, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. If established, it would be Wales’ fourth National Park and the first since 1957. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is leading the evaluation process.
An initial Area of Search was shared in 2023. Public feedback was sought, and adjustments were made. The last consultation on the refined Candidate Area map ran during 2024. A further consultation began in September 2025, the latest proposals asked for views on a new proposed area for a Glyndŵr National Park, which covers part of Powys, this ran until 8 December 2025. The consultation follows two years of evaluation commissioned by Welsh Government. There have been several public meetings that have been arranged, and I hope everyone who has views or concerns attended these public meetings.
I attended a packed public meeting in Llanrhaeadr YM Village Hall at the end of 2023, attended by over 250 people, and made my stance clear. Since the conception of the proposals, I have not been convinced that Montgomeryshire would benefit. Changes could adversely affect farm diversification efforts, limiting opportunities for rural businesses who are already under pressure. The overarching issue for me is that, despite a whole range of concerns and questions, no adequate assurances have been provided, and I remain opposed to the proposals. The meeting chaired by Alun Elidyr, farmer and S4C presenter, highlighted significant local opposition to the proposals to include parts of North Powys within the new National Park boundaries.
The overwhelming message from those that attended the meeting was clear: the proposals to create a fourth National Park in Wales, to include an area of North Powys, are not welcome.
I am pleased this is also the view of Powys County Council having unanimously rejected the proposals at a Full Council meeting in December 2025, along with rejections from other Local Authorities affected by the proposals including Wrexham. Welsh Government has previously stated that a formal rejection from a Local Authority will automatically trigger a Public Inquiry which in itself is likely to delay the whole process. A decision may not now be made ahead of the Senedd elections this coming May.