The Countryside Alliance Wales has launched its manifesto “Championing our countryside” ahead of the Senedd Election in May 2026. Meetings with candidates are already under way and all parties are invited to engage with the Alliance as it shares the priorities of rural Wales.
In developing the manifesto, the Countryside Alliance conducted a survey of our members and supporters across Wales to identify the key challenges facing rural communities and the actions they expect from the next Welsh government. The findings are clear: a staggering 98% of respondents said that the Welsh government does not understand or represent the needs of rural Wales.
Rachel Evans, Director for Wales, said:
“This disconnect between Welsh government and rural Wales is not surprising. There needs to be a complete reset with rural communities, who obviously feel ignored by the current government and indeed by some Senedd Members. We hope that this new dawn we will undoubtedly see in May, if the polls are correct, pays attention to the needs and potential of rural Wales.
Released on St David’s Day, the manifesto focuses on four key areas: Thriving rural communities, Land use management, Managing our countryside and Harvesting our countryside. Each section presenting five key asks of the next government. The manifesto also reiterates the Countryside Alliance’s key asks of all governments, to establish a dedicated “Countryside Champion”, the publication of a Rural Community Impact Assessment (RCIA) and the creation of an annual State of the Countryside Report, which would provide up-to-date, data-driven insights into the economic, environmental and social health of rural areas to inform policy development and raise awareness of rural issues.
The next Welsh government has an opportunity to unlock the full potential of the countryside by promoting opportunities for growth, fostering innovation and encouraging a cultural shift in policymaking. Polices, from tackling crime to land management, must be balanced, based on sound evidence, respect the views of communities and be rural-proofed.
Rachel Evans, Director for Wales, said:
“Whether representing an urban or rural constituency, a thriving, resilient and economically sustainable countryside benefits everyone. Achieving this depends on policies that are properly rural-proofed and informed by practical experience. We are ready to work with the incoming Senedd Members to do just that.”
Read our manifesto
Darllenwch ein maniffesto