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Peter Cairns/2020VISION

Peter Cairns/2020VISION

Wildlife Trusts Wales: Our asks for the Senedd Elections

What we’re calling for


The next Senedd elections are a crucial moment for nature in Wales. The next term (2026-30) must deliver on Wales’ commitment to protect and effectively manager 30% of land, freshwater and sea by 2030.

Nature in Wales is declining, with 1 in 5 species extinction - and without action at scale and pace, this loss will continue, putting our communities, health, and future at risk. But with the right leadership, this can be the turning point for nature’s recovery.

We’re calling on candidates to put nature at the heart of decision making and commit to action for people, nature and climate.

Our priorities for candidates

When candidates are elected to the Senedd, there are key actions they can take to drive nature’s recovery across Wales. Read more below.

A wide coastal scene at dusk showing a large flock of terns flying above a bay, with calm water, pebble-covered shore in the foreground, and low green hills in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Priority One

Creating space

Protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater, and sea for nature by 2030 by delivering an expanded and well- resourced network of protected area to deliverbenefits for both people and nature.
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Priority Two

Enabling farmers

Deliver an ambitious Sustainable Farming Scheme that works for people, nature, and climate by providing a sufficient multi-year budget for action for nature on farms.
Housing
Priority Three

Strengthening planning

Adopt an ecosystem-based approach to infrastructure planning on land and at sea that stops development in designated sites and on irreplaceable habitats and prioritises nature-based solutions.
Campaign
Priority Four

Increasing investment

Scale up investment by unlocking long- term public and private finance for nature recovery on land and at sea and ensuring every Welsh Government portfolio includes investment in nature-based solutions.
A river in Wales, with a wooded hill on the far bank
Priority Five

Stopping pollution

Deliver a coordinated, cross-sector approach to cut domestic and agricultural pesticide use by at least two-thirds by 2030. Strengthen monitoring, enforcement, and penalties for agriculture runoff and sewerage that is polluting our rivers.
wild walk people
Priority Six

Green prescribing

Recognise and invest in nature’s ability to prevent illness and improve mental health by creating a Welsh ‘Natural Health Service’ approach through funding community-based health initiatives that support green and social prescribing.

Learn more about the Senedd Elections

Get prepared for the Senedd Elections, and wave the flag for nature this May.

Read the Manifesto of Welsh Wildlife Trusts: Nature Matters

Find out what commitments we'd like to see from Senedd Election candidates this May. 

Score your candidates

We would like to know how well your candidates are doing on the subject of nature and climate - you can give them a satisfaction score!

If you have had a conversation or met your candidates choose the face that best represents how seriously you feel the nature and climate crises are being taken by them. You can also include more details and an overview of the information they shared if you want to. 

We’ll regularly update the overall satisfaction score based on the feedback we receive. 

Are your candidates talking about the state of nature? Are their plans for nature and climate achievable? Were you satisfied, indifferent or unsatisfied with their action for nature's recovery? 

Complete the survey

 


 

Download and print our Nature Matters posters

Wave the flag for nature by displaying our Nature Matters posters in your local community. Whether that's a community space, your local shop or even your living room window!

Wildlife Trusts Wales and Senedd Constituency Borders 2026

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