Visitors heading to one of North Wales’ most popular forests will soon notice a change when they park.

A new barrier-free parking system using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is being introduced at Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest as part of a wider upgrade across several Natural Resources Wales sites.

The technology will also be installed at Coed y Brenin Forest Park and Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre, but Newborough — a major destination for residents and tourists in North Wales — is expected to see some of the most noticeable changes because of the large number of visitors it attracts each year.

The new system will use automatic number plate recognition cameras to record when vehicles enter and leave the car parks.

Rather than paying at a barrier when leaving, visitors will be able to pay online, through the RingGo app, or at card payment machines on site. Motorists will have until midnight on the day they arrive to pay for their stay, and there will also be a 30-minute free window after arrival, allowing people time to decide whether they want to park.

Drivers who need more time will also be able to extend their stay online or via the app, rather than returning to the car park.

The scheme will be installed during the week beginning 16 March 2026, with the new system going live on 30 March.

Natural Resources Wales says the system will also help monitor misuse of its car parks. Overnight parking is not permitted, and vehicles found staying overnight could face a penalty charge notice.

Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is one of the most visited outdoor sites in North Wales. The vast pine forest and sand dunes stretch along the south-west coast of Anglesey and provide access to Llanddwyn Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn, a location closely linked to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, Saint Dwynwen.

The reserve is part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, a protected landscape known for its wildlife, including red squirrels, coastal birds and rare dune habitats.

Thousands of people visit each year to walk, cycle and enjoy the coastal scenery, particularly during spring and summer when the area becomes a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Because of that popularity, managing parking and protecting the surrounding environment has long been a challenge for authorities.

Natural Resources Wales says money generated through parking will be reinvested into maintaining the forests, visitor facilities and conservation work at its recreation sites.

The new parking operation will be run in partnership with First Parking and the UK parking payment provider RingGo.

The organisations say the barrier-free system should make parking easier while also helping staff monitor issues such as anti-social behaviour.

Not everything is changing. Blue Badge holders will still be able to park free of charge, and residents who already qualify for free parking will continue to do so.

For many visitors to Newborough, the biggest difference will simply be how they pay — with the new system designed to allow people to sort out parking digitally after they arrive rather than rushing to a machine before heading out to explore the forest and coastline.