News

Natural Resources Wales responds to criticism over nature protection

Published

6 months ago

November 13, 2025

Agency says it is focusing on site management amid funding and staffing constraints

NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) has acknowledged that challenges such as staff shortages and data gaps have affected its ability to meet targets on nature protection — but insists action is being taken to put things right.

The response follows an Audit Wales report which found the body was falling behind in its commitments to designate and manage Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and wider conservation targets.

Mary Lewis, NRW’s Head of Natural Resource Management, said the organisation “welcomes the Audit Wales report and its focus on protecting nature for future generations.”

“Nature recovery in Wales is a shared mission, and we play a central role,” she said. “Designating SSSIs is one of several tools we use alongside other public bodies and organisations to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.”

Ms Lewis said NRW had made a strategic decision to prioritise managing existing SSSIs over designating new ones, as “the condition of existing sites was a key issue that needed to be addressed.”

She added: “We do need to see further investment in Wales if protected areas are to make the best contribution they can to turn the curve for nature.”

NRW says it is taking action through its Protected Sites Programme, which supports the Welsh Government’s 30 by 30 Framework — a target to protect 30 per cent of land, freshwater and sea by 2030.
Recent designations include Mynyddoedd Llangynidr a Llangatwg and Cefn yr Ystrad a Chomin Merthyr, covering more than 7,000 hectares.

“We’ve strengthened how we monitor the condition of existing SSSIs and will continue refining our work to help restore nature and tackle the climate and nature emergencies,” Ms Lewis said.

The Audit Wales report warned earlier this month that NRW was struggling to meet key nature recovery goals, citing years of under-investment, limited staff capacity, and slow progress in designating new protected areas.

Audit Wales findings

The Audit Wales report, published earlier this month, warned that NRW was struggling to meet key commitments on nature recovery, particularly in relation to the protection and management of SSSIs.

The report highlighted:

A decline in new SSSI designations since 2013, despite ongoing loss of biodiversity.
Inconsistent monitoring of existing protected sites, with incomplete or outdated data in many areas.
Insufficient staff capacity and limited digital infrastructure hampering progress.
A need for stronger leadership, clearer targets, and better coordination between Welsh Government, local authorities, and conservation partners.

Audit Wales concluded that while NRW plays a “central and committed role” in nature protection, the agency’s work has been “constrained by financial pressures and competing priorities,” and that “urgent action” was required to meet Wales’s international biodiversity obligations.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

Crime

Hakin woman handed five-year behaviour order over household waste

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAKIN woman has been made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeated problems involving household waste outside her home.

Marie James, 47, of John Lewis Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being convicted of offences linked to accumulated rubbish at her address.

The court heard that James had failed to remove all refuse and household waste from 36 John Lewis Street, Hakin, in Milford Haven.

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order which will remain in force for five years.

Under the terms of the order, James must not engage in conduct causing alarm or distress to others within the perimeter of her address in Hakin. She is also prohibited from keeping, storing or accumulating household waste at the property.

The order further prevents her from keeping or storing household waste at an associated address in Milford Haven.

No order for costs was made due to limited means.

James was represented in court by Steve Wrobe