For many people living, working and spending time outdoors in Wales, blue spaces, our rivers, coasts, lakes, canals and estuaries, are a vital part of daily life. They matter for recreation, wellbeing, tourism, biodiversity, climate resilience and local economies.

One of the most useful ways to understand where political parties stand on these issues is to read their manifestos. While not every manifesto uses the same language, they can reveal how different parties approach environmental protection, access to nature, water quality and the future management of Wales’s natural resources.

This blog provides:

• Direct links to party manifestos, and
• A high‑level summary of how blue spaces are referenced, where applicable

This is not an endorsement of any party. It is intended purely as a neutral, informative resource to help readers explore the detail for themselves.

Why blue spaces matter in a Senedd election

Environmental policy is largely devolved in Wales. Decisions made by the Senedd affect:

• River and coastal management
• Water quality and pollution controls
• Access to the outdoors and public rights
• Climate adaptation and flood resilience
• Nature recovery and biodiversity

How (or whether) parties talk about blue spaces in their manifestos can indicate the priority placed on water environments, even when those issues sit alongside wider commitments on climate, planning or economic development.

What the 2026 manifestos say about blue spaces

Plaid Cymru – For Wales

Plaid Cymru’s manifesto explicitly references Wales’s natural environment, including rivers and coastal areas, within its broader commitments on environmental protection, climate action and community wellbeing.

Blue spaces are positioned as part of:

• Nature recovery and environmental stewardship
• Community access to the outdoors
• Long‑term sustainability of Wales’s natural assets

Read the manifesto: https://www.partyof.wales/manifesto/

Welsh Labour – A New Chapter for Wales

Welsh Labour’s manifesto focuses heavily on:

• Climate change
• Environmental protection
• Public health and wellbeing

While blue spaces are not always singled out as a standalone theme, rivers, coasts and water environments are addressed through linked policies on environmental regulation, flooding, biodiversity and access to green and natural spaces. Read the manifesto: https://www.welshlabour.wales/manifesto-2026/

Wales Green Party – Senedd Manifesto 2026

The Wales Green Party manifesto most explicitly references water environments, including rivers and coastal ecosystems, as part of its environmental and climate policies.

Blue spaces are directly linked to:

• Ecological protection
• Water quality
• Climate resilience
• Public access to nature

Water environments are treated as a core part of the party’s approach rather than a secondary issue.

Read the manifesto: https://wales.greenparty.org.uk/manifesto/

Welsh Liberal Democrats – A Stronger Wales in a Stronger UK

The Welsh Liberal Democrats’ manifesto addresses environmental protection and sustainable development more broadly.

Blue spaces appear indirectly, particularly through:

• Environmental regulation
• Planning and infrastructure policy
• Flood management and climate adaptation

While rivers and coasts may not be a dominant theme, they sit within wider environmental commitments. Read the manifesto: https://www.libdems.wales/manifesto-2026

Welsh Conservatives – Fix Wales

The Welsh Conservatives’ manifesto focuses strongly on:

• Economic growth
• Public services
• Infrastructure and reform

Environmental and water‑related issues are present, but blue spaces are not a prominent focus. Where they appear, this is typically in the context of:

• Flooding
• Planning
• Infrastructure or land use

Read the manifesto: https://www.conservatives.wales/ourplan

Reform UK (Wales) – Reform Wales Senedd Manifesto 2026

Reform UK’s Welsh manifesto places emphasis on governance, public spending and structural reform.

References to blue spaces and water environments are limited, and where present are generally tied to:

• Regulation
• Infrastructure or land use
• Broader environmental policy positions

Read the manifesto (PDF): https://www.reformparty.uk/welsh-manifesto-english.pdf

Why wording (and silence) matters

Not every party uses terms like blue spaces, water access or river health, but the presence, depth or absence of references can still be informative.

Questions readers may want to consider include:

• Are rivers and coasts treated as protected ecosystems, economic assets, or both?
• Is public access to water environments discussed?
• How clearly are responsibilities for water quality and protection set out?
• Are blue spaces addressed directly, or only as part of wider climate policy?

Read, reflect, decide

Manifestos are long documents, and few people read them cover to cover. It’s perfectly reasonable to focus on the sections that matter most to you, whether that’s the environment, outdoor access, public health or local communities.

Many parties also provide:

• Welsh‑language versions
• Easy‑read summaries
• Accessible digital formats

Links are usually available from the same manifesto pages.

A final note

Voting is a personal decision. Whatever your views, taking time to engage with the original manifestos helps ensure choices are based on what parties have actually committed to, rather than headlines or summaries alone.

If you feel this information would be useful to others, sharing impartial resources like this can help support informed participation in democracy.