THE CROWN ESTATE and Natural Resources Wales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) underlining their commitment to work in partnership to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably managed in the long term. The Crown Estate is an independent commercial business paying all profit to Government for the benefit of the public finances, and has already been working closely with Natural Resources Wales where there is a shared interest – such as across the offshore renewables sector and rural and coastal developments.

Natural Resources Wales is a Welsh Government Sponsored body, established to ensure that the natural resources and environment of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future. Alison Nimmo, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate said: “Underlying our work in Wales is a commitment to providing lasting value and taking our responsibilities for natural resources seriously.

“We share Wales’ ambitions to grow the offshore renewables sector and ensure that rural and coastal land is sustainably worked, developed and enjoyed to deliver value over the long term. “We are therefore delighted to sign this agreement with Natural Resources Wales, which strengthens this valuable partnership that will help underpin a sustainable future for Wales and builds upon our existing agreement with the Welsh Government.”

Dr. Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales said: “We have already been working with The Crown Estate on several projects, including the mapping of natural heritage interests for the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy projects. “By working together, we have been able to help The Crown Estate identify the most suitable areas for development that would have the least impacts on Wales’ important habitats, species, protected areas and landscapes.

“We look forward to continuing and developing the partnership with The Crown Estate to ensure that the natural resources and environment of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future.” The memorandum sets out a framework in which the two organisations can work together to achieve mutual objectives.

This includes the principles of open discussion and transparency around areas of common interest; sharing data and information where it may be relevant; and exploring further opportunities to collaborate for mutual and wider benefit. The Crown Estate’s assets in Wales include managing the seabed out to 12 nautical miles, including leases for offshore renewable projects, rural and agricultural land such as two rural estates at Plunlumon and Tinter, and a number of ports, marinas and onshore wind farms.

They are also responsibility for marine aggregate extraction, such as sand and gravel. In south Wales, marine aggregate is particularly important to the construction sector, where more than 80 percent of the sand used in this market is dredged from the sea. Marine aggregates have been used in numerous high profile schemes in Wales including the Conwy Tunnel crossing; Second Severn Crossing; Cardiff Bay Barrage; Holyhead Ferry Terminal and Milford Haven oil terminal. The Crown Estate has a separate Memorandum of Understanding with the Welsh Government to work together to achieve strategic goals, particularly in the emerging renewables sector.