Concerns over the creation of a new national park in northeast Wales have been flagged on the eve of a fresh public consultation exercise. Critics say the Welsh Government has yet to address vital aspects of the proposal.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been tasked with investigating how a national park could be set up based around the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape (formerly an AONB). Initial plans were tweaked following public feedback earlier this year and these will be shared during a second round of consultations starting on Monday, October 7. A revised map of the target area will also be released on the same date.

Implementation is possible as early as 2026 but Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales MS, warned that key questions remain unanswered. He called on ministers to address fundamental issues (see below) before he and “many of his constituents” can support the proposals.