Protecting Welsh parks

National World - LocalTV

We’re hearing from members of the Senedd who are talking about how best to protect green spaces across Wales. From local parks to woodlands, being able to access nature across the country is something the Welsh Government say they’re taking seriously.

Transcript

00:00Quality green spaces and parks provide real opportunities for healthy recreation.

00:07They support biodiversity and they contribute to reducing flood risk and air pollution.

00:12During 2025 to 2027, the Welsh Government will provide over £18 million of capital funding

00:19to support the creation of local green spaces and access improvements.

00:23It might not be quite the weather for it today, but spending time in nature is a massively important thing for people all across the country.

00:32Local parks and woodlands areas, as well as so much natural space in Wales, is a point of national pride

00:38and having access to those spaces is something that people hold dear.

00:42Politicians have been discussing how to make sure access to green spaces is available to all of us

00:47and protecting green sites is something that the Welsh Government say is a top priority for them

00:52making sure our parks are there for us.

00:55This month is National Walking Month, but sadly many barriers prevent people from being able to access green spaces easily

01:03and of course the health benefits that they bring.

01:05It's essential therefore we are sure everyone has safe, secure and convenient access to local green spaces.

01:11On the principle of it, you're absolutely right. We need to make sure that we maintain and enhance green spaces

01:17as well. That includes things such as the local rights of way network across Wales as well as the longer distance trails and so on.

01:25Those local places that people can get to are very important.

01:28Thank you as well for flagging up the fact that it's National Walking Month.

01:32As you know, in my interest, I'm a very keen walker. I have been for many, many years.

01:37And again, I think the importance with that is that it's not only those who don a backpack and big boots and woolly socks and so on

01:44and head off on long distance trails. It's actually the local access as well.

01:47But I appreciate you raising those concerns here in the Senedd.

01:51No Mo May has been a talking point of recent years and provides our local wildlife with a place to flourish.

01:57Countles across Wales have taken part and said that they won't cut some grass in some areas through the month of May

02:03to give insects, birds and other animals a habitat that they can thrive in.

02:08But some members are making sure that everyone is taking part.

02:12This weekend as part of No Mo May, Plant Life, invited me to visit Averge in Denbyshire,

02:17which thanks to the local places for nature funding you've just mentioned,

02:21has seen over the last four years the species increase by 300% in diversity, which is wonderful to see.

02:28And from a distance it may look like overgrown grass and what people might call weeds,

02:33but I know the wildflowers are great for insects and those grass seeds feed the birds.

02:39Oh, and are you taking place in No Mo May?

02:42All in the spotlight! In the spotlight!

02:46My neighbours will be checking how they've had the binoculars out on it.

02:50Yes, I can't confirm once again. I am taking place.

02:54I mean last year we went through the whole of the summer.

02:56So we moved very early on and we moved very late there.

02:59How many paths have you been so excited for?

03:02Isn't that nice?

03:03Like a little bit, I'll know about that.

03:04You're doing a little bit like that.

03:05I've had a little bit of work.

03:08I should be doing a little bit of work at it.

03:11I am not talking to you, but I have a little bit of work.

03:12You're doing another type of work.

03:13I'm doing a little bit of work at the beginning.

03:16I'm doing a little bit of work.

03:18I'm doing a little bit of work on things like that.

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