Written question WQ88487

Work is continuing to progress a number of access reforms. This year, work will continue on modernising processes regarding the public rights of way network and Local Access Forums, as well as promoting responsible recreation.

In addition, during 2022-25, the Welsh Government continues to support and fund a 3-year capital Access Improvement Grant, totalling £5.6 million, to Local and National Park Authorities that have public rights of way responsibilities. This will enable authorities to improve recreational access to the countryside and water.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to ‘begin to designate Wales’ inland waters for recreation, strengthening water quality monitoring to enable rivers to reach the same high standards achieved by Wales’ beaches.’

We are working with stakeholders, including Natural Resources Wales, to continue to improve water quality and water opportunities across Wales. This includes early policy development for increased designation of inland bathing waters, which will include exploring if access reforms are required. Building on our recently completed public inland bathing water survey, later this year we will be publishing a landowner’s survey. This survey will give landowners the opportunity to provide their views on current inland water access practices and any benefits or concerns around designation of inland bathing water sites.

The Programme for Government commitment will support in identifying further access considerations before making any next steps.