Protecting our landscape

Natural Resources Wales (NRW)

Natural Resources Wales logo

From 01 April 2013, Natural Resources Wales will take over the functions currently carried out by the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, the devolved functions of Environment Agency Wales and some functions that are currently carried out within the Welsh Government.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW)website.

Special landscapes and sites

Waterfall Afon Pyrddin

Wales is full of beautiful places. 30% of Wales' land and waters has been designated as 'special' - either by UK, European or International law.

Designated Sites Search

Use this search tool to find different site types [designations]. You can search by full or partial site name, county or type.

European and International Designations
Natura 2000, Ramsar, Council of Europe and UNESCO designations.

Natura 2000 Management Plans
All these sites have now been divided into management units.

Official Site Maps

Official Maps Search

Official Maps Search
In addition to the official site maps, you can also access here official documents for each site, giving the features for which the site is designated and other important information about the site. The documents are different for each type of site.

Protected Sites Map

Protecting our Landscape map

Protected sites map
Areas of Outstanding Natural beauty, Marine Reserves, National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest - and more. The natural wealth of Wales at your fingertips.

GIS Downloads

Mapping specialists unite! Download our latest geographical boundaries of the many protected sites in Wales...

Historic Landscapes Map

Wales' historic landscapes
Wales’ diverse and distinctive landscape provides a fascinating insight into the past. From prehistoric stone circles to city centre streets, 6,000 years of human activity has left its mark on our environment...

Seascapes

Seascapes map

Assessing seascapes
CCW and partners in Ireland have developed a way to define different seascape areas according to their character. The aim is to identify what areas, characteristics and qualities are important to conserve at a time when our coastal areas face many pressures from new developments.

National Nature Reserves

Cors Fochno NNR

NNRs
There are 71 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in Wales ranging in size from half a hectare to nearly 8,000 hectares.

Marine Nature Reserves

What are Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs)? They are a way of conserving sea habitats and wildlife, and other features along the shore and on the seabed.

Sea slug Coryphella browni

Skomer
the first and only MNR in Wales, was established in 1990 and is situated around the island of Skomer and the Marloes Peninsula in south west Wales.

Sustainable Development

National Parks and AONB Sustainable Development Fund
Welsh Government initiative to enhance and conserve the quality of our landscapes.

LANDMAP

Beautiful landscapes and careful thought
Learn more about sustainable land management through our LANDMAP - a singularly unique mapping experience, shortly due for redesign!