Although a major incident declared across South Wales in the wake of the wildfires that swept the region this summer, critics have argued the events of July and August prove the environment watchdog for Wales needs greater support.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) published its annual report for 2026/27 in June and it has made clear that there is still a recurring theme of a of funding. While the body has said it is in a “more stable” position than the previous financial year due to increased Welsh Government funding, the report also states that “demand for our services and the scale of environmental challenges continue to exceed available resources.”

Now, as the Senedd prepares to return from recess, Members have been turning their attention to how they raise the prospect of further support for those who will have to begin restoration work for the local environment.

Sir Fynwy Torfaen MS, Peter Fox, has written to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS. Mr Fox highlighted the concerns around funding pressures within NRW and stated that they must be given the resources to be able to respond effectively to growing environmental challenges.

“I was pleased to see that some progress on finances have been made by NRW, but it is clear from the report that funding remains the primary issue,” Mr Fox said.

“We have seen appalling flooding, wildfires and other events here in Torfaen and Monmouthshire, and across Wales, that have left communities reeling, and rightly asking if NRW are properly equipped and funded to tackle these events.

“From the report, it is clear they are still not, with it clear the scale of challenges faced continues to exceed their resources.

“The Welsh Government must ensure NRW are properly funded, and I hope the Cabinet Minister, as the previous Chairman of the Climate Change Committee, that has scrutinised the organisation, will ensure this happens.”