The possibility of creating a new national park in Wales will enter a consultation period, with farmers and rural businesses urged to participate.

The Welsh government said it had commissioned Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to assess the case for a new national park in north-east Wales.

A study area, based on the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, has been identified as a candidate. It is already designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If the plans go ahead, it would become the fourth national park in Wales alongside Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons.

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The Welsh government said it had identified eleven themes that underlined both risks and opportunities for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area.

These reflect concerns about over tourism and the impact on housing, but also the hopes for better management, responsible access, conservation and nature’s recovery.

Ash Pearce, programme manager at NRW said: “We want to ensure that this is an inclusive process and that people have the opportunity to share their views on the proposals.

“Early engagement has given us a much clearer picture of the issues, hopes and concerns of the local people and stakeholders.

“If a new national park is established, then it must be able to manage the risks and take advantage of the opportunities available, for the betterment of nature, people, and communities.

“We have amended the study area in response to local feedback and in the past year, appointed three separate independent consultants to help us develop the evidence that will inform our recommendation."