Looking Back on Our Year 2025-26: The People Behind the Progress
When people think about an annual report, they often think about statistics, targets and performance measures.
But behind every number is a story.
Our latest Annual Report goes beyond the headline figures to show the practical difference environmental action is making across Wales. From restoring habitats for endangered species and improving river health, to protecting communities from flooding and tackling climate change, it tells the story of people, places and partnerships working together to build a more resilient Wales.
More than a reflection on our achievements over the past year, the report shines a spotlight on the people behind them. Through real stories, case studies and examples from across the organisation, it showcases the breadth of our day-to-day work and demonstrates how individual contributions add up to meaningful change for nature, people and places across Wales.
The figures are encouraging. During 2025-26, we improved 404 kilometres of rivers, restored more than 600 hectares of peatland, maintained flood defences protecting more than 90,000 properties, generated £54.5 million through commercial activity and ensured that 98% of bathing waters met environmental standards.
Yet the report is equally honest about the challenges Wales continues to face. Species decline, pressures on water quality and increasing climate risks all highlight the scale of the task ahead.
Bringing wildlife back from the brink
Nature recovery remains one of Wales' greatest environmental challenges, but targeted action is creating opportunities for wildlife to recover.
One of the strongest examples is the Natur am Byth programme. Working with partners across Wales, it supports 67 priority species, manages 598 hectares of habitat and has engaged more than 45,000 people through activities in over 1,000 locations.
The programme demonstrates the power of partnership, bringing together conservationists, communities, volunteers and environmental organisations to restore habitats and protect vulnerable species. While the challenges facing nature remain significant, it shows what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal.
Restoring landscapes that help tackle climate change
Peatlands cover only a small proportion of Wales, yet they play a vital role in storing carbon, supporting biodiversity and improving water quality.
During 2025-26, we exceeded its annual restoration target, restoring more than our target of 600 hectares of peatland through the National Peatland Action Programme, supported by £3.8 million of Welsh Government investment.
This work reflects the expertise and collaboration of specialists, contractors, land managers and partners working to restore landscapes that help tackle climate change, improve habitats and strengthen water management. It is a powerful example of how nature-based solutions can deliver multiple benefits at once.
Assessing compliance to protect the environment
Protecting the environment is not only about improving habitats and tackling pollution. It also depends on ensuring environmental standards are met in practice.
During 2025-26, NRW carried out 2,062 site visits and 1,432 desk-based assessments to identify risks early and check compliance with permit and consent conditions.
Behind this work are regulatory specialists and technical experts who help businesses and operators understand their responsibilities while taking action where standards are not met. During the year, enforcement action was taken against 619 organisations and 636 individuals, including around 80 prosecutions covering more than 112 offences.
Managing Wales' forests for people, nature and the economy
The Welsh Government Woodland Estate is one of Wales' most valuable national assets. It provides timber, supports jobs, stores carbon, creates habitats for wildlife and offers opportunities for recreation and wellbeing.
During the year, we supplied more than 559,000 tonnes of certified timber, generating £31.3 million of income reinvested into managing the estate. We also accounts for around 53% of Wales' timber production, supporting a sector worth £614 million to the Welsh economy and more than 10,000 jobs.
Managing the estate requires balancing economic, environmental and social priorities. The report shows how well-managed natural resources can deliver benefits for people, nature and the economy at the same time.
Honest about progress. Honest about challenges.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this year's Annual Report is its balance.
Alongside examples of progress, it includes insights from the State of Natural Resources Report 2025, highlighting species decline, pressures on water quality and growing climate risks. It presents a clear picture of both the achievements made and the challenges that remain.
A common thread runs throughout the report. Whether restoring peatlands, recovering wildlife, protecting communities, responding to incidents or managing forests, progress is being delivered through people and partnerships.
The report therefore tells two stories. One is of progress, demonstrated through healthier rivers, restored landscapes and protected communities. The other is of challenge, highlighting the scale of environmental recovery still required across Wales.
Ultimately, our Annual Report is as much about people as it is performance. It celebrates the expertise, dedication and collaboration that underpin our work every day, while recognising that no single organisation can deliver environmental recovery alone.
The message is clear: environmental action is making a real difference across Wales, but achieving the scale of change needed for future generations will require continued partnership, investment and collective action.