News

Natural Resources Wales struggling to meet its commitments on nature protection

Published

4 months ago

November 11, 2025

Staff shortages, data gaps and outdated digital systems holding back SSSI progress

NATURAL RESOURCS WALES (NRW) is falling behind on its commitment to enlarge and better connect Wales’s network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), according to a new report published today by the Auditor General for Wales.

The report examines whether NRW has an effective approach to designating SSSIs – areas protected for their important wildlife and natural features under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. NRW currently manages 1,083 SSSIs across Wales, with responsibility for both their designation and ongoing regulatory oversight.

NRW’s Corporate Plan commits to expanding and connecting SSSIs as part of the international ‘30 by 30’ target, to which the Welsh Government is signed up. The target aims to protect and effectively manage at least 30% of land, freshwater, and sea for nature by 2030. However, only 12% of Wales’s surface area is currently protected, leaving a significant gap to meet that goal.

Despite identifying many areas that could qualify, NRW has designated just 31 new SSSIs since it was established in 2013. The report concludes that staff shortages, critical data gaps, and outdated digital systems have severely restricted progress.

NRW’s digital systems are described as “fragmented and outdated”, hampering data sharing and monitoring. Large gaps remain in information about the condition of protected sites and their key features.

The report also highlights financial pressures within the organisation. NRW began the 2024–25 financial year with a £9 million staff budget deficit, forecast to rise to £17 million by 2026–27 unless savings were made. To reduce costs, NRW cut 8% of staff posts in April 2025 through its ‘Case for Change’ restructure.

Although NRW received additional funding later in 2024–25, including some specifically for SSSI work, it has yet to outline a clear plan or resource model for achieving its SSSI ambitions.

The Auditor General concludes that NRW must find a way to balance short-term financial pressures with the long-term environmental outcomes it aims to achieve, ensuring it maximises its impact on biodiversity protection.

The report makes eight recommendations, focusing on:

Developing a clearer strategic approach to SSSIs
Integrating and modernising digital systems
Strengthening oversight and performance monitoring

Auditor General Adrian Crompton said: “NRW’s functions are a fundamental part of Wales’s response to the climate and nature emergency.

I recognise the financial pressure NRW has been under and the competing priorities it faces, but SSSI designation is one of the key tools available to protect nature for future generations.

If NRW is to deliver on its commitment to enlarging and connecting the SSSI network, its approach needs a fundamental reset to drive increased activity in the years to come.”

Crime

Assault investigation launched after late-night incident in Carmarthen

Published

26 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police appeal for witnesses following attack in Guildhall Square

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an alleged assault reported to have taken place in Guildhall Square, Carmarthen.

At around 12.30am on Sunday (Mar 15), an 18-year-old man was approached by a small group outside Cofio Lounge.

It is reported that the victim was pulled to the ground and assaulted before the group — described as one man and two women — left the area.

The victim attended hospital shortly after the incident, where he was treated for head injuries. He was discharged later the same day.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Information can be provided in the following ways:

Online: https://orlo.uk/KRjzb
Email: [email protected]
Call: 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 26*208852

News

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of body in river

Published

1 hour ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town centre bridges sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a body in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the newly installed Instagramable Bridge near by has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a body in the water.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also still in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

MORE TO FOLLOW

Climate

New deal aims to unlock Wales’ renewable energy potential

Published

6 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Sector partnership targets 100% renewable electricity by 2035

A NEW deal has been launched to help Wales meet its renewable energy targets while ensuring greater benefits for local communities.

The Renewable Energy Sector Deal will see the Welsh Government and industry work in strategic partnership to unlock the full economic potential of Wales’ renewable energy future.

The announcement coincides with the publication of the latest Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales report, which shows renewable electricity generation in 2024 was equivalent to 54% of Wales’ electricity consumption.

The Welsh Government has set a target for renewable electricity to meet 70% of demand by 2030 and 100% by 2035. It also aims to deliver at least 1.5 gigawatts of locally owned renewable energy capacity by 2035.

The Sector Deal is intended to accelerate deployment across onshore and offshore wind, solar, marine and hydro projects. It will also focus on strengthening supply chains, developing skills, and ensuring communities across Wales benefit directly from renewable energy developments.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, is launching the deal during a visit to the Morlais tidal energy project on Anglesey.

The Morlais scheme, owned and managed by social enterprise Menter Môn, is set to become the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe. The Welsh Government holds an £8 million equity stake in the project.

Rebecca Evans said: “Our ambition is to become a world leader in renewable energy, creating jobs and green growth to make families in Wales more prosperous and help with the cost of living.

“The current conflict in the Middle East has further highlighted the importance of energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Sector Deal will provide a strong foundation for future delivery, benefiting our economy, environment and energy security.

“The Morlais project shows how sustained partnership can unlock Wales’ natural energy resources and turn them into lasting economic opportunities for local communities and businesses.

“The latest energy report shows we are making progress towards our targets. Combined with the record 20 major renewable projects, totalling 1,400MW, backed in the most recent UK Government Contracts for Difference auction, it is clear we are building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, added: “The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is an important step in accelerating growth in Wales and across the UK.

“It recognises the role marine energy schemes like Morlais can play in strengthening energy security, creating high-quality jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities such as Anglesey.”

The Sector Deal was co-produced by a task and finish group made up of developers and community organisations.