Natural Resources Wales is introducing a new automatic number plate recognition parking system at two popular Welsh forest attractions with all-day parking fees increasing sharply from the end of this month
The Bwlch Nant yr Arian site near Aberystwyth(Image: NRW)
A fresh parking scheme is being rolled out at a well-loved forest destination in Gwynedd. Barrier-free entry at Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau will witness a substantial increase in charges with full-day parking jumping from £7 to £12.
The scheme will employ automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to track vehicles at the location, which is known for its mountain biking routes. Installation is scheduled for the week commencing March 16 with the new arrangement becoming operational on March 30.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is also implementing the parking scheme at Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth, reports NorthWalesLive. Famous for its red kite feeding, full-day charges here are experiencing an even steeper increase from £5 to £12.
What’s taking place at these two sites reflects the strategy adopted by NRW at Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey. ANPR parking was scheduled to commence there in November 2025 with full-day parking rising from £7 to £15.
Technical difficulties meant the Newborough scheme will also become operational on March 30. Meanwhile the main beach car park will be shut on March 16-17 for “emergency works”. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter.
Neil Stoddart, NRW’s head of sustainable commercial development, said: “As well as providing a better service to visitors the new system will provide CCTV. This will assist with reporting and investigating anti-social behaviour and will allow us to monitor and issue penalty charge notices for those parking overnight in our car parks.
“Income generated will be reinvested into our recreation and environmental assets in the area to help us support communities and visitors to connect with the outdoors and nature.”
All three locations will be operated in partnership with First Parking and RingGo. Payment can be made online, through an app, or by card at parking machines on site.
Visitors can extend their parking duration online or through the app.
Visitors have until midnight on their day of arrival to settle their parking fee. NRW has permitted a 30-minute grace period following arrival during which drivers will not incur charges.
Overnight parking is prohibited at all NRW locations. The environment body has cautioned it will take firm action against violations with offenders facing potential fines.
Blue Badge holders will continue receiving free parking privileges. Residents who qualify for complimentary parking will retain free access to the locations.
The new parking tariffs at Coed y Brenin and Bwlch Nant yr Arian are detailed below – these are effective from 6am to 11.59pm daily.
Coed y Brenin
- First 30 minutes or drop off: Free
- Up to 1 hour: £1
- Up to 2 hours: £3
- Up to 4 hours: £7
- All day: £12
Bwlch Nant yr Arian
- First 30 minutes or drop off: Free
- Up to 1 hour: £1
- Up to 2 hours: £3
- Up to 4 hours: £7
- All day: £12
New parking tariffs were implemented at Newborough Forest and beach in May 2025 (and at the Airman’s and Cwningar car parks on the access road). These will stay unchanged once the APNR cameras become operational.
Newborough Forest
- First 30 minutes or drop off: Free
- Up to 2 hours: £5
- After 2 hours: £0.70 for every additional 20 minutes
- All day: £15
Two varieties of annual season tickets are on offer. The more affordable option, priced at £40, provides access to both Coed y Brenin and Bwlch Nant yr Arian.
The pricier alternative, costing £70, additionally grants holders admission to Newborough (Llanddwyn Beach).
NRW stated it collaborated with the two parking management companies following a procurement process. First Parking is an enforcement firm regulated by the British Parking Association.
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