Natural Resources Wales, NRW

Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru) is a Welsh Government sponsored body, which became operational from 01/04/2013 when it took over the management of the natural resources of Wales. It was formed from a merger of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, and the Forestry Commission Wales, and also assumes some other roles formerly taken by the Welsh Government.

Natural Resources Wales is responsible for over forty different types of regulatory regime, having inherited these roles from its predecessor organisations. It advises the Government, the National Assembly for Wales, Local Authorities and others on sustaining the natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment. NRW is also the national wildlife conservation authority that looks after protected areas in Wales. These are called designated areas. They including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), National Nature Reserves, Marine Nature Reserve, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coasts, Biosphere Reserves, Biogenetic Reserves and Local Nature Reserves.

Page updated 17/12/2018