MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to have their say on proposals for a new National Park in North East Wales. 

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced the dates of a series of online and in-person engagement events where people can have their say on an initial Area of Search map for the proposed plans.

The Welsh Government has commissioned NRW, as the Designating Authority in Wales, to evaluate the case for a new National Park based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 

The engagement events will take place in October and November 2023 and will be an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions of the team and share feedback on an early map of the area being assessed.

Ash Pearce, Project Manager, said: “There will be a full consultation on a proposed boundary map in 2024 when we have completed our assessments and refined the map.

"At this stage the map simply defines the area to focus our assessment work, we are interested in listening to and understanding all stakeholders’ points of view.

"I would urge anyone interested in the project to visit one of our online or in-person drop-in events to find out more about the work we are doing and share your feedback with us by completing a questionnaire.”

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The engagement period will run from Monday, October 9 until 23:59 on Monday, November 27 2023. People will only need to attend one event, be that online or in-person as the information shared will be the same for each event.

Engagement events – October and November 2023:

  • Wednesday 11 October: 1pm – 7pm, Canolfan Ceiriog, New Rd, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen LL20 7HE.
  • Thursday 19 October: 6pm – 7.30pm, online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Saturday 28 October: 10am – 4pm, Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Rd, Mold CH7 5LH.
  • Monday 6 November: 1pm – 7pm, Public Institute Committee, Park View/High St, Llanfyllin SY22 5AA.
  • Tuesday 14 November: 6pm – 7.30pm, online via Microsoft Teams
  • Saturday 18 November: 10am – 4pm, Llangollen Town Hall, Castle St, Llangollen LL20 8NU
  • Wednesday 22 November: 1pm – 7pm, Trelanwyd Memorial Hall, The Record Journal, Trelawnyd LL18 6DN

People are encouraged to drop by at the in-person events, there is no need to book a place.

If interested in taking part in one of the online events, email the project team at designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk with your name, state your interest (e.g. resident, community leader, landowner, farmer, business owner, organisation representative, etc) and which event you are interested in (the date).