Agenda item

We received a report seeking approval for the outline work plan for the Wye Valley National Landscape during the forthcoming financial year, following confirmation of funding from DEFRA, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales.

In doing so, the following information was noted:

·        DEFRA, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales have all made confirmations of funding allocations for Wye Valley National Landscape for 2026/27.

·        Welsh Government has offered a 29% increase in Core Revenue funding for the Wye Valley National Landscape Team whereas all other allocations are the same as 2025/26.

·        The outline Work Programme for the Wye Valley National Landscape Team for 2026/2027 is furthering the conservation and enhancement of the area’s natural beauty, themed around delivering for Nature, Climate, People and Place.

·        Priorities include: the consolidation of the support for farming, through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) and Ffermio Bro programmes, a proposed in-year extension of the Wye Adapt to Climate Change? Programme; on-going focus on Nature & Climate outcomes through DEFRA and Welsh Government Capital funding, including the Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places (SLSP) programme and Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) in Wales; continued Planning advice shared jointly with the Malvern Hills National Landscape Partnership; the on-going activities and achievements of the Volunteers and Young Adventurers; the delivery of the National Grid Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI) projects; the completion of Management Plan review; and continuing a range of existing activities and projects, including continuation of the control of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and progressing the Lower Wye Tracks & Trails Action Plan; while retaining enough flexibility to pursue new funding opportunities and develop new initiatives.

·        The Wye Valley National Landscape Team core budget for 2026/27, as presented to the Steering Group, is £575,945 and additional Capital funding programmes, grants and other project funding is anticipated to reach £1,250,000 levered into the National Landscape during the year.  

The Wye Valley National Landscape team had anticipated a standstill budget from Government for 2026–27, which would have required careful prioritisation of projects and increased fundraising. However, the Team has been informed that additional funding is likely to be provided.

The Wye Valley National Landscape Manager explained that the extra funding stems from a national DEFRA allocation, not yet fully confirmed, but made possible thanks to efficient delivery across national landscapes. As a result, next year's budget is secure, allowing continuity in the work programme and enabling the team to consolidate current initiatives while planning more strategically. The draft work programme has been outlined, and funding will be allocated across projects once costings are refined.

During the discussion, several questions were raised. On reserves, it was clarified that although Herefordshire Council holds reserves for the Team, these will not need to be used next financial year. They may, however, be used for significant initiatives such as the £10 million, ten?year Landscape Connections bid.

Public engagement remains a major area of work and includes website improvements, social media, walks, talks, events, school partnerships, and extensive work with farmers and landowners. The Team also hopes to expand diversity and inclusion projects with diverse communities in Newport and Gloucester if resources allow.

The Young Adventurers scheme will continue, with potential expansion to additional age groups, and may connect with the national Generation Green initiative if it is revived.

Enhancements to the 65 and 69 bus route walking projects will also continue in partnership with Newport Bus, depending on staffing capacity and revenue funding. It was noted that capital?only funding this year limited the scope of engagement activities, so increased revenue funding will be beneficial. Members praised the quality of the 69?bus route information leaflet and requested additional copies. The current staffing and funding position is strong, but that future planning, such as resourcing the next five?year management plan, will also require sustained support.

We resolved:

(i)              To welcome the funding commitments from DEFRA, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales for the Wye Valley National Landscape Partnership.

(ii)             To endorse the outline Wye Valley National Landscape Team Work Programme for 2026/2027.