The Welsh Governments Future Landscapes Wales (FLW ) review threatens the very nature of our Welsh National Parks. By removing the environmental protection they receive under the Sandford Principle they could be left open to damaging and inappropriate development.

The report has been tabled for debate on the 6th June, less than a month after publication and hidden under the shadow of a Westminster election. The Welsh Government is trying to push through the biggest change to the management of our environment in a generation and do so without the knowledge of the public. Assembly Ministers have not had the time or the information to properly consult with their constituents on this crucial mater.

For more details see here : Introduction
The reasoning given for the FLW review is that
“The special qualities of the designated landscapes go wider than their visual and amenity value and embrace their vital role as a provider of wider public and private benefit both within and beyond their areas.”
Source - FLW
However National Parks, in their current state, provide far more to the Welsh people and economy than is commonly recognised, and their protection ensures this will continue into the future for new generations.
Did you know that:
“Outdoor activity tourism contributed £481m to the Welsh economy in 2012 and this was mostly concentrated in our national parks.”
Source - Economic Impact Study
95% of people in Wales feel National Parks are important to them and 73% of the Welsh population visited a National in the last 12 months.
Source - Valuing National Parks
National Parks contribute more to the Welsh economy than agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and quarrying combined.
Source - Valuing National Parks
If the continued protection of our National Parks is important to you then please take action.

If you live in Wales

If you live in Wales then write to your AMs and tell them that;

"the environmental protection afforded by the Sandford Principle must be the cornerstone of any new legislation affecting National Parks."

Also copy in the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs and her opposition Shadow Ministers

If you live outside Wales, you can still help.
If you live outside Wales please write to the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs and her opposition Shadow Ministers
Your AMs and their email addresses can be found here (remember you have more than one):
Who are my AMs?
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs
Lesley Griffiths: [email protected]
Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Sustainable Communities, Energy and Rural Affairs
[email protected]
Conservative Spokesperson for Environment & Sustainability
[email protected]

With the Westminster election approaching ask you prospective MPs what their party policy is in Wales for the future of our National Parks.
Remember you only have until the 6th of June to act.

More information from others campaigning to save our National Parks:

BMC

Snowdonia Society