Designated landscapes working together, delivering for Wales

A new Partnership of the designated landscapes in Wales is working together to address key shared challenges, including action on the climate change and nature emergencies.

The Partnership – Tirweddau Cymru Landscape Wales – includes:

·       the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales:

• Anglesey;
• Clwydian Range and Dee Valley;
• Llŷn;
• Gower; and
• Wye Valley

and the Welsh National Park Authorities:

• Brecon Beacons ;
• Pembrokeshire Coast; and
• Snowdonia

Tirweddau Cymru Landscape Wales is fostering a more structured way of working across Wales and coordinates delivery of a Welsh Government capital fund – the Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places (SLSP) programme has already provided over £8 million to support more than 90 projects across the Welsh Designated Landscapes.

Designated landscapes have a critical role in taking action on climate and nature emergencies. Following the Senedd declaring a nature emergency, and ahead of COP 26 this year, designated landscapes are committed to working together to deliver on this declaration.

At an online seminar on 19 October, Partners will be presenting their work from across Wales, which is delivering on Welsh Government priorities. The SLSP fund supports projects working on decarbonisation, nature recovery, sustainable tourism and projects supporting a green Covid recovery as well as support for larger scale collaborative projects across multiple landscapes.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “The Designated Landscapes of Wales, the staff and members within each organisation, are integral in delivering large-scale ecosystem and habitat conservation improvements. They are very much a part of the solution to the climate emergency.

“By working together, Tirweddau Cymru and Welsh Government are able to build on good practices and strive towards strengthening the bonds we all feel to our land and waters.

“I am pleased to see the first seminar of Tirweddau Cymru go ahead and trust you will all have a productive session.”

Chris Lindley, Chair of Tirweddau Cymru Landscapes Wales said: “Wales’ designated landscapes are taking action on climate and nature emergencies. We are working to lower our carbon footprint and supporting our communities to do the same. We protect 25% of the Welsh landscape and so have a vital role in helping nature to recover.

“Our designated landscapes are for everyone to explore and enjoy. We welcomed record numbers of people during the pandemic, demonstrating the importance of landscapes for all. We are working to support our communities and businesses, helping to ensure everyone can enjoy these treasured landscapes today and in the future.”