Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales has welcomed news of more funding for countryside projects in his region.

Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, was commenting after the Welsh Government announced £7.2 million for schemes to improve access to the countryside and to boost the sustainability of Designated Landscapes.

He said: “We are very fortunate here in Wales to have an outstandingly beautiful coastline and countryside which attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

“I am delighted to see £4.7 million has been awarded to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONBs) which cover a quarter of our country. The money will be used on projects such as restoring peatland and woodlands as well as introducing more energy efficiency measures.

“Access to local green spaces proved very important during lockdown, as more people were using these areas for daily exercise and for many this is still continuing. It is only right for the government to provide more funding to improve Wales’ network of footpaths and bridleways.

“I am also pleased to see an area in my region, Pembrokeshire Coast NPA, being awarded £100,000 to allow them to lead on the National Landscape Partnership which will foster a closer working relationship across all Designated Landscapes in Wales.

“This is a very important step as it will enable National Parks and AONBs to work together on their future challenges and opportunities.”

A further £1.76m has been awarded to Local Authorities to improve Wales’s network of footpaths and bridleways, making them easier to use and more accessible to all.

This is in response to people rediscovering local footpaths and trails as part of their daily exercise during the recent Covid lockdown.

£337,000 has also been awarded to eleven projects to improve recreational access to water and £309,000 to community orchards and allotments to support community growing projects.