Farmers and landowners are vital to the future management of our national parks and areas of outstanding national beauty and must be at the centre of their governance, CLA Cymru has said.

Th body, which represents more than 3,500 landowners, farmers and other rural businesses, made the remarks in response to the Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales led by Professor Terry Marsden.

The review sets out 69 wide ranging recommendations, including setting out a new vision for National Landscapes in Wales.

CLA Cymru Director Rebecca Williams said: “The report largely ignores the investment that farmers and rural businesses have put in to managing our beautiful landscapes over generations. It is their innovation and hard work that attracts visitors to our countryside and ensures that the communities remain vibrant.

“Communities and businesses must be able to evolve within these areas. That is why we welcome the report’s recommendation that Park and AONB authorities must pursue sustainable economic and community development as a statutory objective alongside conservation objectives.

“We will continue to argue for the strong representation of those that own land in the affected areas in the decision making that affects their lives and businesses.

"We support, in principle, plans for a ’Future Landscapes Working Group’ to be chaired by Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas. The views of farmers and landowners must be included in the work of this group.”