Wales' major landowners are joining forces to tackle climate change and protect nature.
The new body, Nature Estate Cymru, brings together organisations including Natural Resources Wales, the National Trust, RSPB, Dŵr Cymru, and the country's three national park authorities to collaborate on accelerating environmental action at scale.
Convened by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, the group will focus on tree planting and achieving the goal of protecting 30 per cent of Wales’ land, freshwater, and seas for nature by 2030.
Mr Irranca-Davies said: "For the first time, we’re bringing together major landowners in Wales to drive action to protect nature and tackle the climate emergency.
"Together, our task if clear – we must plant more trees and protect more land for nature.
"After the recent passage of our new environment law, creating Nature Estate Cymru is part of a new chapter of action and ambition."
Nature Estate Cymru will also address water quality, invasive species, wildfire risks, and improving public access to nature.
Members will share evidence, trial new land management approaches, and collaborate to solve challenges that no single organisation could tackle alone.
The group’s creation follows the passing of the Environmental (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, which will set legally binding targets for nature recovery.
At its first meeting, held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on March 12, Mr Irranca-Davies emphasised the urgency of unified action to meet those aims.
The Deputy First Minister also visited one of the four first Naturfa sites in Wales - at Cwm Colhuw, near Llantwit Major.
Twelve sites were assessed in the first pilot phase, with Cwm Colhuw, Bryn Tip in Neath Port Talbot, Mandinam in Carmarthenshire, and The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve in Pembrokeshire all recommended for Full Naturfa Status and will become the first recognised Naturfa sites in Wales.
Mr Irranca-Davies said: "It’s been excellent to see the work taking place at one of Wales' first Naturfa sites.
"Nature can only thrive where habitats are resilient, protected, and effectively managed – and today’s visit was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we commit to that."
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