Natural Resources Wales has launched a public consultation on how land in its care could be used to support economic growth while continuing to protect the environment.

The organisation, which manages more than 120,000 hectares of land – around seven per cent of Wales – is seeking views on future business and commercial activity, including renewable energy, recreation, timber production and other development opportunities.

The land includes the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, flood defences and a number of National Nature Reserves, many of which are located across North Wales.

NRW has published a draft Growth and Value Strategy covering the period from 2027 to 2031, setting out how it plans to develop commercial activity in a way that supports its wider environmental responsibilities. The strategy is accompanied by a draft Timber Sales and Marketing Action Plan, reaffirming a long-term commitment to supplying timber to sawmills and wood-processing businesses in Wales – a sector that plays an important role in rural economies, particularly in North Wales.

The proposals aim to generate income that can be reinvested into NRW’s core work, including restoring nature, helping communities adapt to climate change and reducing pollution. Forestry and woodland management remain a key part of this approach, with Welsh timber widely used in construction, manufacturing and renewable energy projects.

NRW says the strategy is designed to strike a balance between economic activity and environmental protection at a time when Wales faces both a climate and nature emergency.

Opportunities being explored include expanding renewable energy generation on NRW land, improving access for outdoor recreation and tourism, and enhancing the resilience and productivity of Welsh forests.

Sarah Jennings, Executive Director of Communications, Customer and Commercial at Natural Resources Wales, said the draft strategy supports the organisation’s mission of helping nature and people thrive together. She said commercial activity could contribute to renewable energy production, sustainable growth, improved forest environments and stronger connections between people and nature.

She added that NRW is keen to hear from communities, businesses and partners before finalising the strategy later this year.

Staff, stakeholders and members of the public are being encouraged to read the draft documents and share their views. An online engagement event is also being held on 2 March.

Feedback can be submitted online or by phone, with responses accepted in both Welsh and English.

The consultation closes on Sunday 8 March 2026, after which NRW will consider the feedback before publishing its final strategy.