Natural Resources Wales has made the decision to hand over the management of cafes and shops at its visitor centres across Wales in an effort to cut costs. The move, announced by the watchdog on Wednesday, will also involve the closure of the environmental library in Bangor. This decision is expected to affect around 120 staff members and save Natural Resources Wales approximately £12 million.
Earlier this year, the news of the potential closure of cafes and shops at the visitor centres sparked strong objections from the public. Supporters of locations such as Coed y Brenin in Gwynedd and Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas in Ceredigion rallied in solidarity with the centres and their staff. Despite the changes, the visitor sites will continue to remain open for activities such as walking and biking, with facilities like play areas, car parks, and toilets still accessible to the public.
Campaign groups and the union Unison have expressed concerns that the cuts to Natural Resources Wales’ services could jeopardise the future of the natural environment. However, NRW chairman Sir David Henshaw defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to focus resources on critical environmental issues, especially the monitoring of water quality in Wales’ rivers.
As part of the restructuring, the environmental library in Bangor will be closed, and the responsibility for managing visitor centres at Coed y Brenin, Bwlch Nant yr Arian, and Ynyslas will be transferred to other entities. Sir David emphasised that while these changes come with a personal cost, they are essential for ensuring that NRW can effectively address pressing environmental challenges.
Natural Resources Wales has pledged to collaborate closely with customers, partners, and stakeholders to transition to a new model for retail and catering operations at its visitor centres. The organisation recognises the impact these changes will have on individuals and is committed to managing the transition as smoothly as possible.
This strategic realignment is not only about financial constraints but also about repositioning NRW to tackle key environmental issues efficiently. By focusing on priority areas like water quality management, the organisation aims to maximise its impact where it matters most. Despite the challenges ahead, NRW is determined to navigate this transition period with the best interests of both the environment and its employees in mind.