Understanding the Senedd and the 2026 Election

If you’re wondering what the Senedd does, how the next election will work, or what you need to do to take part, this blog is for you.

What is the Senedd?

Put simply, the Senedd is Wales’s parliament, based in Cardiff Bay. It was previously known as the National Assembly for Wales. It’s where decisions are made that shape daily life across the nation.

That includes things like:

How we protect nature and wildlife
What we do about climate change
How farming and land are managed
Preventing pollution
What gets built (and where)
Public health and education

So, when we talk about restoring nature, improving water quality, or supporting nature-friendly farming, this is where many of those decisions happen.

Exterior view of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, showing its distinctive wide, overhanging roof and glass façade, with steps and a few people in the foreground under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Image by Joe Wilkins

Sunset view at Cardiff Bay, with the Senedd building on the left and the red-brick Pierhead Building with its clock tower on the right, beneath a sky streaked with soft pink and orange clouds.

Image by Joe Wilkins

Interior of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, featuring a striking wooden ceiling and central column shaped like a funnel, with seating, tables, and people gathered around the open balcony space.

Image by Joe Wilkins

2026: a big shake-up

The 2026 election isn’t just another cycle; it’s a bit of a reset moment for Welsh politics. A few big changes are coming in all at once.

The number of Members of the Senedd is increasing from 60 to 96, meaning more people representing communities across Wales.

At the same time, the map is being redrawn. Instead of the old system of constituencies and regions, Wales will now be split into 16 larger constituencies, each electing 6 Members.

And then there’s the voting system. This is probably the biggest shift. We’re moving to a proportional system where you can vote for a political party or an independent candidate, and seats are allocated based on the share of the vote they receive in each area. In theory, that should mean the final result better reflects how people across Wales actually vote.

A wide coastal landscape viewed from a grassy cliff, overlooking a long sandy beach with gentle waves rolling in from the blue ocean. Rolling green hills and rocky cliffs frame the shoreline under a partly cloudy sky.

Why the Senedd Elections matter for nature

Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, we explore why this vote is a pivotal moment for nature and for the future of Wales.

Read the blog

Want nature to be a priority? Voting matters

It might sound obvious, but one of the most powerful things you can do for nature is vote.

If you are 16 or over, live in Wales, and are a UK, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, you can take part. If you are unsure about the details, the Electoral Commission has clear guidance.

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

Register to vote by: 20 April 2026
Apply for a postal vote by: 21 April 2026
Election Day: 7 May 2026

Registering is quick and straightforward, and it is one of the simplest ways to make your voice heard. It is also worth encouraging others to do the same, as small actions like this really do add up.

More ways to speak up for nature

Voting is just one part of the picture. Elections are also a chance to raise your voice in other ways.

These conversations genuinely make a difference, especially during an election when politicians are paying close attention to what people care about.

Senedd Election

The bottom line

The next Senedd will make decisions that shape the future of nature in Wales for years to come. From restoring biodiversity, reducing flooding, to supporting farmers and tackling climate change, it all runs through the Senedd.

So, if you want to see a more biodiverse, healthier Wales, this is your moment to get involved. Because nature needs a political voice, and in 2026, that voice can be yours.