Wildlife Trusts Wales: Our asks for the Senedd Elections

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 restore 30% of land, freshwater and sea by 2030.

Nature in Wales is declining - 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.

Manifesto of Welsh Wildlife Trusts: Nature Matters

Manifesto of Welsh Wildlife Trusts: Nature Matters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.