Announcement of the Details of, And Draft Terms of Reference for, The Proposed Review of National Park Authorities in Wales

I am setting out my proposals for a review of the National Park Authorities in Wales.

The National Park Authorities in Wales were established in their current form – as special purpose local authorities – under the Environment Act 1995. I believe they have made very good progress on a number of fronts; but the context in which they are operating is changing, not least following the inception of the National Assembly itself and there are new challenges. I think therefore that a review of National Parks is now appropriate.

The three Welsh National Parks cover some 20% of Wales and are of international importance. The landscape and other special qualities of these “jewels in the Welsh crown” need protecting but these areas also contain important communities, which need to be sustained.

The Park Authorities today face a number of competing pressures and priorities.  Agriculture, a major determinant of the landscape of the Parks, is changing in response to policy shifts and market forces.  How can the Parks sensibly adapt or influence this? An increasingly mobile public means the Parks are  more  accessible to larger numbers of people creating visitor  pressure points.  This situation needs to be effectively managed, utilising sustainable transport solutions where possible.  As part of this, there is scope for the Parks to take more action to engage with the wider public, including people living inside and outside their immediate boundaries.  I am also keen for the Parks to be test beds of sustainable development – building on the excellent work they are already undertaking utilising the Environment Development Fund, now more appropriately re-named the Sustainable Development Fund.  

The Park Authorities have the responsibility for managing national assets but also have a responsibility to support their local communities. They have an important role in the social and economic development of their areas. I want to see how the Park Authorities’ role in rural development might be sensibly developed further – without duplicating or cutting across the role of other key players.

Another key issue is how the Parks can be assisted to engage more effectively with their local communities so that the Parks are viewed as a positive influence, responsive to local needs.

Turning to the proposed review and its focus, the Terms of Reference which are being drawn up therefore identify four key issues to be addressed:

Firstly the role of the Parks.  How might the role and influence of the Park Authorities be usefully strengthened, including rural development? What further action might the Parks usefully take – with partners, such as the Forestry Commission, to help secure a more fully integrated approach to the management of the countryside?

Secondly the promotion of sustainable development.  How can the Parks potential contribution to sustainable development be maximised, including the development of vibrant local communities? Would stronger links to the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales be mutually beneficial in this?

Thirdly rural/urban links. What further action can the Park Authorities usefully take to reach out to communities beyond the boundaries, promoting social inclusion and “access for all”, breaking down perceived rural/urban divide?

Fourthly support for local communities. How can the Park Authorities become more responsive and accountable to their local communities? Do we need changes in terms of democratic representation?. The review will specifically examine whether the introduction of a new category of directly elected members might assist in improving local democracy and accountability of the Park Authorities.

I want the review to focus on these four core issues and to produce practical, action-based, recommendations.

The National Parks in England were subject to review earlier this year;  that of the Welsh National Parks should take appropriate account of the findings of the review of the English  Parks while focusing on the issues most pertinent to the situation in Wales.

I intend to commission external consultants to undertake this important review.  Their work will be overseen by a steering group reporting to me.  The steering group will include an acknowledged expert in protected landscape/conservation matters, as well as other relevant expertise. Preparatory work is now under way to invite competitive tenders for this important exercise. I envisage the review work formally commencing in February. All key stakeholders, including those living in the Parks, will have an opportunity to make input.   The review is expected to take about six months to complete.

I have recently consulted the Environment, Planning and Transport Committee on my plans.  Members of the Committee made some very valuable observations and endorsed the approach taken.  I have the support of the National Park Authorities and the Countryside Council for Wales in taking this forward.