Consultation opens on proposed Glyndwr National Park covering north‑east Wales and Powys

Natural Resources Wales has opened a new round of public consultation on a proposed national park for north‑east Wales and parts of Powys, a move that could create Wales's fourth national park if approved.

The area under consideration, being referred to as Glyndwr National Park in the latest documents, could extend from the coast at Prestatyn through Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and into northern Powys. The proposed boundaries would encompass the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley landscape, including identified landmarks such as Moel Famau, the Horseshoe Falls at Llangollen, Thomas Telford's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Lake Vyrnwy.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), commissioned by the Welsh government to assess the case for a new park, said a series of consultation events for the public, landowners and other stakeholders will take place across the region and online. The public consultation runs until 2 December.

"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 of NRW, which is coordinating the consultation. NRW and supporters say the designation could strengthen protections for habitats, deliver conservation gains, and raise the area's profile as a destination.

An initial public engagement exercise in 2023 found 51% of respondents in favour of creating a new park and 42% opposed. Those who opposed the idea cited concerns about impacts on those living and working in the area, whether local roads could cope with additional visitors, rising house prices, and potential changes to planning rules. Supporters argued a national park could guard against overdevelopment and bring recognition and investment to rural communities.

If approved, the Glyndwr proposal would join Wales's three existing national parks: Eryri (Snowdonia), established in 1951; Pembrokeshire Coast, established in 1952; and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), created in 1957. National Parks UK estimates the parks attract more than 12 million visitors a year who spend over £1 billion, and the three Welsh park authorities received just over £11 million in Welsh government funding in 2024. Each park authority has statutory planning powers and receives government funding to deliver conservation, access and community objectives.

The proposed name echoes Glyndwr's Way, a national trail in Powys named after the medieval Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr; the trail itself is separate from the proposed park but underscores the area's cultural as well as natural heritage. Proponents say an official national park designation could bring longer‑term strategic planning for conservation and tourism, and provide resources to support local businesses and communities.

Local reactions to the proposal are likely to remain mixed as the consultation proceeds. Landowners and community groups have been invited to take part in events and submit responses; NRW has said it will use the feedback to refine the case before any formal designation process is progressed by ministers.

The consultation documents and details of events are available on the Natural Resources Wales website. Responses must be submitted by 2 December for consideration in the next stage of the assessment.