Petition launched to save famous Welsh nature reserve
One of the finest nature reserves in Wales is under threat.
Kenfig NNR in Glamorgan is home to an internationally important sand dune system and will be known to many birders.
Bridgend Council has been managing the site for many years but has had to withdraw due to financial pressures.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) then started exploring taking on the lease but could not reach agreement with the owners, a charitable trust called The Kenfig Corporation Trust (KCT).
NRW released the following statement on social media: "Following the end of Bridgend CB Council’s management lease of Kenfig National Nature Reserve, we’ve been in negotiations with the Kenfig Corporation Trust (KCT), who own the site, about the potential of us taking on the long-term lease."
"After many months of lengthy discussions, we have both agreed that we cannot proceed with a lease agreement. We are now exploring the possibility of a Nature Reserve Agreement for the future management of the site."
"We and KCT remain committed to managing the conservation of this protected site to safeguard the rare wildlife that thrives there, and to ensure it maintains its National Nature Reserve status."
In exceptional cases, where there is a clear public interest, the Welsh Government has the power to undertake compulsory purchase to protect a site like Kenfig.
So now a petition has been started calling on the Welsh Government to step in and to use its compulsory powers and to help secure the future of the nature reserve.
You can add your voice to the petition to save Kenfig here
13 October 2020
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