The Cambrian Mountains Society’s petition for the Cambrian Mountains – dubbed Wales’ last wilderness – to achieve Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status has exceeded its 10,000 signature target.

Achieving the signature target means that the AONB topic can potentially be debated in the Senedd.

The petition will now be delivered to the Senedd on Tuesday, October 4, at 12.30pm.

Lorna Brazell, Cambrian Mountains Society spokesperson said: “The support for designating this wonderful area – the backbone of Wales, and the heartland of Welsh language and culture – has been overwhelming.

“We have exceeded our target within a very short window. Protection for this unique landscape is long overdue. That one of the most striking areas in Wales is vulnerable to exploitation is a travesty.”

The campaign for AONB status has been backed by numerous high-profile supporters including Iolo Williams, TV naturalist, who is the Cambrian Mountains Society’s president; Sir Simon Jenkins, former Times editor, current Guardian columnist, and former chair of the National Trust; celebrated author and award-winning journalist, Neil Ansell; and BBC broadcaster and writer, Mary Colwell.