What we do

The Countryside Council for Wales has a legal duty to look after the precious Welsh landscape. Our work in this field roughly divides into three roles – choosing and protecting the special landscapes, awarding grants and offering advice

Special landscapes

• CCW advises the Welsh Assembly Government on choosing which areas should be designated National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These presently cover about a quarter of Wales and are special areas that are protected from inappropriate change. 
• We advise on defining sections of coastline as Heritage Coast and we are also identifying the most valuable seascapes around the Welsh coastline.  
• CCW has been involved in putting together a register of landscapes that are of special historic interest.
• CCW has developed methods of assessing the character and qualities of landscapes and seascapes to support this work.

Special sites

• CCW advises the Welsh Assembly Government on the designation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). CCW must be consulted by the planning authorities, water, gas and electricity companies before allowing any development that might affect an SSSI.
• CCW is involved in identifying prospective Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar Sites.
• National Nature Reserves are declared by CCW, and often owned or leased by the Council. Others are held by approved bodies.
• Local authorities consult with CCW before establishing Local Nature Reserves.
• CCW applies to the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government to designate Marine Nature Reserves.

Awarding grants

CCW gives grants to support projects that will improve the landscape and will often help the environment and wildlife at the same time. Grants are also given to projects that improve access - making it easier for people to visit and enjoy the countryside. The grants are available to local authorities and organisations in the public and voluntary sections.

Offering advice – the impact on special places

CCW’s third role is to advise planning authorities and others on developments that may affect the landscape  - not to prevent necessary development or change but to help conserve and enhance the landscape.