Wildlife Trusts Wales: Our asks for the Senedd Elections

What we’re calling for

The next Senedd term (2026-30) is crucial for nature. It must deliver on Wales’ commitment to protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater and sea by 2030.

Nature in Wales is declining, with 1 in 5 species extinction - and without action at scale and pace, this loss will continue, putting our communities, health, and future at risk. But with the right leadership, this can be the turning point for nature’s recovery.

In the run-up to election day, we called on candidates to put nature at the heart of decision making and commit to action for people, nature and climate.

Our priorities for candidates

When candidates are elected to the Senedd, there are key actions they can take to drive nature’s recovery across Wales. Read more below.

A Welsh landscape comprising a green field in the foreground, dotted with yellow flowers. There is a tree on the right and to the left of that an area of scrub and bracken. In the distance is a hill covered in bracken, scrub and trees.

PRIORITY ONE

Creating space

Protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater, and sea for nature by 2030 by delivering an expanded and well- resourced network of protected area to deliver benefits for both people and nature.

PRIORITY TWO

Enabling farmers

Deliver an ambitious Sustainable Farming Scheme that works for people, nature, and climate by providing a sufficient multi-year budget for action for nature on farms.

PRIORITY THREE

Strengthening planning

Adopt an ecosystem-based approach to infrastructure planning on land and at sea that stops development in designated sites and on irreplaceable habitats and prioritises nature-based solutions.

PRIORITY FOUR

Increasing investment

Scale up investment by unlocking long- term public and private finance for nature recovery on land and at sea and ensuring every Welsh Government portfolio includes investment in nature-based solutions.

A view over a river, with bushes and trees visible on the far side

PRIORITY FIVE

Stopping pollution

Deliver a coordinated, cross-sector approach to cut domestic and agricultural pesticide use by at least two-thirds by 2030. Strengthen monitoring, enforcement, and penalties for agriculture runoff and sewerage that is polluting our rivers.

Wild Skills Wild Spaces hand around tree

PRIORITY SIX

Green prescribing

Recognise and invest in nature’s ability to prevent illness and improve mental health by creating a Welsh ‘Natural Health Service’ approach through funding community-based health initiatives that support green and social prescribing.

Learn more

Read the Manifesto of Welsh Wildlife Trusts: Nature Matters

Find out what commitments we'd like to see from Senedd Election candidates this May.

Manifesto of Welsh Wildlife Trusts: Nature Matters (735.67 KB)

Download and print our Nature Matters posters

Wave the flag for nature by displaying our Nature Matters posters in your local community. Whether that's a community space, your local shop or even your living room window!