NATURAL Resources Wales is to close three visitor centres, it has confirmed.

In a lengthy statement released on Wednesday afternoon, NRW said towards the end that ‘the catering and retail operations at Visitor Centres will also end’.

This follows months of protests, petitions and pleas on NRW to save Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth, Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau and Ynyslas visitor centre.

The three sites attract more than 750,000 visitors annually and there is great concern over the impact these closures will have on the local economy.

The decision has been branded ‘terrible news and a blow to the local area.

Rhys Llywelyn from Caru Coed y Brenin, who are a community-based group who want to take over the running of the centre, said: “It is extremely sad that NRW have made the decision to close the visitor centres.

“The focus now must be ensuring they do not stay closed for a prolonged period.

“Caru Coed Y Brenin, an officially constituted Community Benefit Society have a solution to the crisis.

“It is now imperative that NRW pave the way for an alternative way of delivering recreation, catering and retail at Coed y Brenin by working in partnership with the community group and protect the local environment and economy.

“We therefore call on NRW to engage with us at the earliest opportunity to deliver for Coed y Brenin’s staff, businesses, users and community.”

Ganllwyd councillor, Delyth Lloyd-Griffiths, said of the Coed y Brenin loss: “This is terrible news for Coed y Brenin, the staff, and everyone involved in the campaign to prevent the closure of this treasured local asset.

“It is also a blow to the local and visitor economies in Meirionnydd, to which Coed y Brenin contributes significantly.

“I am very disappointed that Natural Resources Wales have been so reluctant to work with local groups to seek a pragmatic, community-led solution to keep the centre open and allow the community to bring forward a viable business plan to take over the running of the whole site.

“The people I represent will be devastated by this news, as will those who come from far and wide to enjoy the recreation and social opportunities this world-class centre has to offer. I remain steadfast in my opinion that the future of Coed y Brenin lies in the hands of the local community and will continue to work with local group Caru Coed y Brenin to drive this forward.”

Local politicians, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS and Liz Saville Roberts MP added: “This news comes as a devastating blow, foremost to the retail and catering staff at Coed y Brenin who have worked diligently under a cloud of uncertainty for months, but also to the wider community who have fought hard to resist this closure.

“We have argued from the outset that the long-term future of Coed y Brenin is best served in the hands of the local community, but sadly we have found ourselves in a position where the needs of the local community are being dismissed, despite overwhelming support for community ownership. We have repeatedly urged Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to engage constructively with local group Caru Coed y Brenin who are well-placed to take over the running of the site. The people of Coed y Brenin and the surrounding area have made Coed y Brenin what it is, and both NRW and the Welsh government should bear this in mind when tendering for future ownership. It is extremely regrettable that sufficient time wasn’t afforded to allow local groups to formally submit business plans, despite NRW assuring us in February that nothing would happen for two or three years. The closure of this fantastic resource is being rushed through without meaningful consultation and scrutiny, and with little regard to the impact on the local and visitor economies.

“Coed y Brenin is a fantastic brand which requires real investment and development, driven by those with the expertise and knowledge to harness the site’s potential. NRW should be working openly and creatively with local communities to ensure valued resources such as Coed y Brenin continue to serve local people and the Meirionnydd visitor economy alike. If NRW and the Welsh government aren’t willing to properly invest in the site then they should step aside and transfer responsibility to the local community who are ready and willing to step in.”

Polly Ernest from the Save Ynyslas campaign said: "We are not surprised by this news. It was always their intention to deny the public access to Ynyslas Visitor Centre - they announced it in a policy paper a year ago and then claimed it was a ‘communications error’.

“We are gutted and angry. Ynyslas does not appear to lose money, so this is not about saving money. If they really wanted to trim their budgets six figure executive salaries would be a good place to start. They say they want to work in partnership with the community having consistently refused to engage with us. Why would anyone want to work with them in the future when they have acted in such an untrustworthy manner to date?

“Our thoughts are with all the staff directly affected and the future generations who may not be able to enjoy this unique reserve.

“Closure is concealed by saying the Centres will no longer provide retail or catering. This is a miniscule aspect of staff responsibilities at Ynyslas, but without safe staffing levels,the centre will quickly become no longer safe or viable. Closure will have a hugely detrimental impact on the environment, wellbeing, and the local economy, as has been stated on numerous occasions.”

Toby Bragg said that the group hoping to keep Nant yr Arian were mainly ‘very disappointed’ by the decision.

He added: “What we hope now is that NRW are active in their discussions with community groups on what happens next.”

Local county councillor Rhodri Davies, said: “Devastating news for the staff and us as campaigners on the announcement from NRW.

“This will have a great effect on the local community, tourism, and Ceredigion Economy.

“We need to proceed and put pressure on NRW to provide more information and find a solution to ensure that there is a future for Nant Yr Arian. If any transfer is made it needs to be made quickly to ensure that the staff are informed and treated with respect with any changes made.”

Ceredigion politicians, Ben Lake MP and Elin Jones MS said: "Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) decision to close the catering and retail operations at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas is extremely disappointing, and will impact local residents, communities and the wider economy.

"We are concerned about the staff members affected by this decision, who have worked diligently over the years to make both centres much loved facilities among both locals and visitors alike, and who in recent months have continued to serve under difficult circumstances.

"We know that the centres at both Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas make an important contribution to the local economy, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

"Today’s disappointment is compounded as it follows months of strong support by local residents and groups who are ready to work with NRW to keep these facilities open. "Local groups have demonstrated a willingness to discuss possible alternative arrangements with NRW to retain the centres, and the failure to pursue these offers further is a source of significant frustration.

"Given the strength of local support it is essential that NRW wastes no more time before engaging with those groups who are willing and able to assume responsibility for the continued running of the centres.

"In its decision today, NRW claims that it will work to ensure a smooth and “timely transfer of information, knowledge, and resources” to local groups.

"We have warned against the mothballing of the centres as it will only create greater problems and financial challenges in the future. NRW must now honour its commitment to working with ourselves and local partners ensure that the facilities at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas can be transferred without delay into local hands so that they remain open for the community to enjoy."

Natural Resources Wales is making changes across the public body to cut its budget by £12 million.

Last month, it was revealed the Welsh Government has paid £19 million to HMRC to settle a Natural Resources Wales tax bill.

The environment body was subject to a tax probe over the way it hired specialist contractors.

Announcing these cuts following a board meeting on 5 November, it was revealed a total of 120 staff members are directly impacted.

Announcing the news, NRW said it was implementing ‘important changes to its structure, enabling it to sharpen its focus on areas where it can make the most meaningful impact for people and nature’.

The statement said: “Following extensive consultation with the Trade Unions and their members, alongside engagement with staff, NRW will streamline its activities and concentrate its resources on delivering essential services that only it can provide. It will invest in priority areas that will drive long-term benefits for Wales' natural environment including enhancing efforts in improving water quality and monitoring.

“The changes, which have now been approved by NRW’s Board, will ensure that the organisation is better equipped to deliver its corporate plan objectives to support nature’s recovery, tackling climate change, and minimising pollution.”

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.

“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.”

Addressing the visitor centres, NRW said: “Certain activities that fall outside of NRW’s statutory responsibilities or have a lower impact on key environmental priorities will be discontinued. This includes no longer having a physical library service. The catering and retail operations at Visitor Centres will also end.”

Sir David added: "We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and resilience our staff have shown throughout this period of change. We know this has been a challenging time, and we recognise the uncertainty that many have experienced.

"We understand these changes come with a personal cost, and we are committed to supporting our team as we move forward.”

No further details on what happens when the three centres will end retail and catering services have been revealed by NRW.

Community groups have been attempting to have discussions with NRW for months with a view to taking over the centres and keeping the doors open, but have grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of meaningful dialogue from officials at the government body.

Caru Coed y Brenin has offered to run the site, while the charitable organisation that runs Aberystwyth’s Cliff Railway has publicly announced interest in running both Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas.

The three sites will remain open for walking, biking, play areas, car parking and toilet provision.

However as revealed by the Cambrian News earlier this year, NRW is considering banning vehicles from the beach at Ynyslas over climate and pollution concerns.

NRW officials will travel to Borth, where they will discuss Ynyslas visitor centre, at 7pm on Monday, 25 November.

On Tuesday, 26 November, a meeting will be held at Neuadd Penllwyn in Capel Bangor to discuss Bwlch Nant yr Arian from 6.30pm.

Then on Wednesday, 27 November, NRW will meet the public at Neuadd y Ganllwyd to discuss Coed y Brenin.

Caru Coed y Brenin says it is to hold its own meeting prior to the one with NRW on Sunday, 24 November between 2pm and 5pm at Neuadd y Ganllwyd.