Fourth national park could bring 'real benefits'

Glyndwr National Park could include the Clwydian Range and peaks like Moel Famau, near Mold, Flintshire, in its northern reaches

The next round of consultation has begun on creating a proposed new national park stretching across north-east Wales and Powys.

Latest documents show it is being called Glyndwr National Park which could extend from the coast in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, through Flintshire, Wrexham and northern Powys.

A series of events for the public, landowners and other groups are being held across the region, as well as online.

"We know change can be difficult but, with the right approach, a new national park could bring real benefits for people, wildlife and the local economy," said Ash Pearce from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) which is coordinating the consultation.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect nature, support communities, and shape a better future for this stunning part of Wales."

An initial public engagement exercise in 2023 found 51% of those asked in favour of a new park, with 42% against.

Those opposing a planned new park were concerned about the impacts on those living and working in the area, whether roads could cope with an influx of visitors, rising house prices, and how possible changes to planning rules might affect them.

However, those in favour of a new park said it could protect rural areas, especially from overdevelopment, while also bringing recognition to the region.

Martin Murray, a member of the Dee Valley Environmental Network, said the area had "stagnated" in recent times.

"My own village has no pub anymore, no primary school, and people there are very upset.

"I think increased tourism in this wonderful place surely will be a benefit," he added.

Mr Murray told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast the introduction of a new national park would ease the burden on Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, during peak times.

"It seems sensible to connect the two landscapes and thin out the overcrowding and just generally enhance the Dee Valley all the way along the coast."

But Elwyn Vaughan, a Powys councillor, said there were a "number of issues" raised about the proposals.

He said it would lead to "increased pressure on communities" and there were also concerns about the "impact" on house prices.

Mr Vaughan said the areas close proximity to the West Midlands could lead to increased traffic.

He also said he was worried about introducing a new authority at a time when there was a "lack of public money".

NRW was commissioned by the Welsh government to assess the case for a new national park, based around the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley landscape, including beauty spots like the peak of Moel Famau, near Mold, Flintshire, and the Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen, Denbighshire, as well as landmarks including Thomas Telford's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wrexham and Lake Vyrnwy in Powys.

Wales currently has three national parks and three separate national trails, including the 135-mile (217km) Glyndwr's Way in Powys, which is named after medieval Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr.

Lake Vyrnwy in Powys could also be included in the planned park on its south-western edge

Where are Wales' national parks?

• Eryri was the first national park established in Wales in 1951

• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was established in 1952

• Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, was created in 1957

These parks attract more than 12 million visitors a year, spending more than £1bn, according to National Parks UK.

Each has its own authority, with power to make planning decisions, and they receive funding from the Welsh government, with just over £11m for the three parks in 2024.

The public consultation runs until 2 December.