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Welsh Government scraps key road schemes in favour of nature and climate

‘Momentous decision for our future generations’ praised by Wildlife Trusts Wales

Today the Welsh Government has responded to the Roads Review set up in June 2021 by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change. Of the 55 road schemes that were assessed, a large number have now been scrapped including the ‘Red Route’ in Flintshire which would have destroyed an ancient woodland.

The Review was made up of an independent panel of experts to review road schemes in development across Wales. These schemes were examined to establish if they were in line with Welsh Government policy and, in particular, if they could assist in tackling the climate and nature emergencies.

Tim Birch, Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager at Wildlife Trusts Wales, says:

It is clear that the Welsh Government has recognised that business as usual is not an option when it comes to road building across Wales – the climate and nature emergencies must be urgently addressed.

"Tackling the emissions from the transport sector, which currently makes up over 15% of the total carbon emissions in Wales, is critical in the fight against climate change. Building more roads to accommodate more cars not only damages the climate but destroys vital habitats for wildlife. That’s why the decision by the Welsh Government to set stringent conditions on any new road building is a very important step.

“These conditions include a need to ensure that any future road building does not lead to an increase in the release of carbon from vehicles. But critically, it seeks to ensure that any future roads do not destroy ecologically valuable sites. This step will hopefully see the end to damaging road schemes.”

Adrian Lloyd Jones, North Wales Wildlife Trust, says:

“We are very pleased that the Welsh Government has supported the Road Review Panel’s recommendation to scrap the ‘Red Route’ in Flintshire in North Wales. The proposed 13km new highway would have sliced through the countryside, causing irreparable harm to ancient woodland, hedgerows, wildflower meadows and other habitats, as well as the species they support. We hope this will bring an end to speculation about this scheme and that everyone, whatever their view on the old Red Route idea, will get fully behind the alternatives. We’re very grateful to the Stamp Out The Red Route local action group and everyone who joined our campaign.”

Rachel Sharp, Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, says:

“For years, the Wildlife Trusts have had to spend our limited resources as a charity in fighting damaging road schemes. At long last, we now have a progressive policy; Welsh Government should be congratulated for showing bold leadership, which is exactly what’s needed if we are to see the step changes needed to address the nature and climate crisis.”

Alex Griffiths, Wilder Engagement Officer for Stand For Nature Cardiff added:

“The decision made by the Welsh Government to limit future road schemes will massively benefit future generations, and as a young person dedicated to seeing natures recovery being supported by the government, this policy goes a long way to ensuring a future for our wildlife”.

Notes to editors

The Roads Review

In 2021, Welsh Government announced a pause to new road projects to carry out a review. On the Roads Review web page, it states “In accordance with Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy we want to reduce Wales’s carbon footprint to protect people and wildlife from the climate emergency. To do this, we need to reduce the number of journeys taken by private cars and increase the number of people walking, cycling and using public transport”.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.wales/roads-review#79630

About Wildlife Trusts Wales

Wildlife Trusts Wales works in partnership with the five local Wildlife Trusts in Wales: North Wales, Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire, Gwent, and South and West Wales.

We believe passionately that wildlife and natural processes need to have space to thrive, beyond designated nature reserves and other protected sites. To achieve this it is vital that the richest wildlife sites are protected and sustained as a starting point from which nature can spread back into our wider landscapes. And at sea we must also protect areas now for a future when our marine wildlife can thrive more widely.

Society needs this as much as our wildlife does. A healthy natural environment is the foundation for everything that is of value to people – food, water, shelter, flood prevention, health, happiness and creative inspiration. It’s the source of our prosperity and our wellbeing. We want to inspire people about the natural world so that they value it, understand their relationship with it and take action to protect and restore it.

Our network of local Wildlife Trusts is the largest voluntary organisation in Wales dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places. Together we manage 216 nature reserves covering more than 8,000 hectares, and we are supported by 25,000 members.

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