An independent review of Designated Landscapes (e.g. National Parks and AONBs) in Wales was commissioned by the Welsh Government in 2014. It was chaired by Professor Terry Marsden, and its report was published yesterday (29th October 2015).

The report makes 69 recommendations, including:

• making no change to the name or legal status of national parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
• strengthening the support and delivery role of other bodies
• the creation of a National Landscape Committee.

A Future Landscapes Working Group has now been created to consider the recommendations, and will report on the Report in 2016. It will be led by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM and include representatives of the national parks, AONBs, interest groups, business, and local government.

Click here to read more, and for links to the Report itself.