The motion calling on NRW to proactively engage with local community groups to prevent the closure of their visitor centres was defeated 24-22. This covers the three centres at Nant yr Arian Coed y Brenin and Ynyslas Labour had instructed their Members to vote the Motion down.
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The state of Mountain Biking in Wales is seriously up the creek without a paddle. Struggling to say much positive about Natural resources Wales these days.
The issue is not a disdain for MTB community by the way the issue is likely systemic in how it has been set up. They cover too many things and MTB is just slipping further and further down the list in times of environmental and economic challenge.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is responsible for managing and safeguarding Wales’ natural environment, focusing on critical priorities like flood prevention, water quality, and climate resilience. While they support recreational access, such as mountain bike trails, this remains a secondary priority and must align with their core mission of environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
A lot of organisations feel the media is being over doom-mongering on the situation in Wales. They point to many of the facilities (bike shops etc) and the trails still being open and the thriving bike park industry. I disagree and I am unapologetic in the tone here. Wales is the proverbial canary and folk should be worried if we want MTB to have a future as these changes and re prioritisation in Wales impact as much off piste where most of us ride as trail centre survival.
Get the bigger picture here:
Why Wales MTB is in Serious Trouble
📍 Check out the UK MTB Trail Index
