Countryside Council for Wales
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| Purpose | Conservation |
|---|---|
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Official language
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English, Welsh |
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Budget
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£45m (2008) |
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Staff
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500 |
The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW; Welsh: Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru (CCGC)), a Welsh Government Sponsored Body, was, until 31 March 2013, the wildlife conservation, landscape and countryside access authority for Wales. It was merged with Forestry Commission Wales, and Environment Agency Wales to form Natural Resources Wales, a single body managing Wales's environment and natural resources, on 1 April 2013.
As a statutory advisory and prosecuting body, the Countryside Council for Wales 'championed the environment and landscapes of Wales and its coastal waters as sources of natural and cultural riches, as a foundation for economic and social activity, and as a place for leisure and learning opportunities'. It aimed to 'make the environment a valued part of everyone's life in Wales'.
The Council of CCW consisted of a Chairman and a maximum of ten members. They were appointed by the Welsh Government which also provided CCW's annual budget. The Council gave direction to the around 500 staff. CCW's headquarters was in Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales, with other offices across Wales.
Advice CCW gave advice to Government on a wide range of matters affecting the countryside. This included threats to the environment, the impacts of developments and changes in land use, international environmental matters and new legislation. CCW also advised on the declaration of marine nature reserves, land for protection under European Union Directives and other international obligations, and land designated by local authorities such as Heritage Coasts and Local Nature Reserves.
Establishing protected areas As well as advising Government and local authorities on land which should be protected, CCW was able to designate several categories of land to protect and conserve wildlife or landscape. These include National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest as well as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. National Trails were mapped out and negotiated in the first instance by CCW. Though protected areas represent the most special parts of the Welsh environment, CCW's conservation responsibilities transcended these boundaries and covered the whole of Wales. Wales has 70 National Nature Reserves, three National parks, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and Sites of Special Scientific Interest cover around 12% of Wales. About 70% of the Welsh coastline is protected.
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