Naturfa – Tools, FAQs & Resources

Wales Naturfa Site Assessment tool (Word)

The Naturfa site assessment tool helps land managers, communities and organisations explore whether a site may be eligible for Naturfa recognition. Aligned with the 30by30 Framework for Wales, it provides a simple way to assess how a site contributes to nature recovery and whether it meets the Naturfa criteria. It can be completed independently or with support from an advisor.

The tool includes:

• A step-by-step assessment against the Naturfa criteria
• Guidance on governance, management and monitoring
• Resources to support participation in Wales' 30by30 ambition

To support a consistent approach to assessing site management, Naturfa uses the...

This helps measure how effectively sites are being managed over time using monitoring and other available evidence.

Participation is entirely voluntary.

The site assessment consists of three steps. Steps 1 and 2 should be completed before moving to Step 3.

Step 1. Screening

Identify whether your site is likely to meet Naturfa criteria. This stage is for your own use and should only be submitted if the site progresses to full assessment.

Step 2. Consent for Full Assessment

Confirm that the governing authority and relevant rights holders have provided Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and agree the boundary to be assessed. Once consent is in place, the site becomes a candidate Naturfa.

Step 3. Full Assessment

Use the guiding questions to assess whether your site meets the Naturfa criteria. Sites that do not yet meet all criteria remain candidates and can follow the Naturfa pathway to work towards full status.

Your submission will be reviewed by Welsh Government, with input from the Biodiversity Strategic Implementation Group. This may include verification of your information and a baseline assessment of site management.

If your site fulfils the Naturfa criteria, it will be recognised as a Naturfa site. Sites that are actively progressing towards the criteria may be recognised through the Naturfa pathway, celebrating their commitment to nature recovery and supporting their continued journey.

Recognised sites will contribute to Wales’ national 30by30 reporting and wider global biodiversity commitments.

If you think your site may be suitable for Naturfa recognition, download and complete the Naturfa assessment tool to get started, and use the guidance and resources below to support your self-assessment.

Submissions are now open and considered on an ongoing basis. If you would like to discuss a potential site or learn more about Naturfa recognition, please contact 30x30inWales@gov.wales