Natural Resources Wales, the organisation responsible for managing many of Wales' natural areas, including mountain biking destinations, has announced it is streamlining its activities to focus on core responsibilities and essential services and MTB isn't one of them folks.

1. The organization aims to save £12 million through these changes.
2. 233 job posts will be removed from NRW's structure, with 120 current staff members directly affected.
3. NRW will no longer operate and shops at its visitor centers, including popular MTB spots like Coed y Brenin in Gwynedd.

Sir David Henshaw, NRW Chair said: 

"Our goal is to ensure that every pound of public funding is used efficiently and effectively, with a focus on tackling the climate emergency, restoring biodiversity, and addressing environmental risks. The changes we’re making now will help us maximise our impact where it matters most.

“This process is not only about addressing financial constraints but about putting NRW in the best shape to tackle the most pressing environmental issues. Every decision is aimed at maximising our impact where it’s most needed.

“While some activities will be adapted or delivered differently, the changes will free up resources to be invested in the areas that matter most. This will allow NRW to continue its leadership role in protecting Wales' natural resources, driving positive change for future generations.”

Robin Grant, Chair, UK MTB Trail Alliance said:

"It's disappointing that NRW's board have signed off the planned cuts to their recreation budgets and the subsequent restructure, which, amongst many other things, will mean the temporary closure of their visitor centres. However, thanks to many different organisations' efforts, hopefully we’ve collectively made NRW’s board and the Welsh Government aware of the implications of the cuts. We’re hopeful that when NRW finalise their post cuts-and-restructure plans over the next few months, they won’t be as bad for mountain biking as they would have been otherwise. However, in any scenario, once those plans are clear, we expect there will be more coordinated action the mountain bike community will need to take to secure the future of Wales' trails, so watch this space."

If you want to understand what this will mean in practicality for us as a community and why we should be seriously concerned you can read this article: Why Wales MTB is in Serious Trouble

Some clarifications: Beics Brenin the Byclicle shop and their training partner Pedal MTB will continue to operate as usual from Coed y Brenin, even if the visitor centre is closed. So the image that Wales is 'Closed' is clearly tongue in cheek referencing the sad direction of travel Wales is going in but do still go visit these places. More than ever they need our support.

Read: 69 times Published: 07/11/2024