The chief executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has this week announced his intention to retire, after 35 years at the helm.

Nic Wheeler was appointed national park officer in 1974. He is the longest serving chief executive within the family of national parks in the UK and plans to retire next spring, shortly after his 65th birthday.

Under Mr Wheeler’s direction, the National Park has evolved from a department of the former Dyfed County Council with 29 employees to become a free-standing authority and planning authority in its own right with a staff of 150, including part-time and seasonal workers.

"Mr Wheeler leads his staff in working to the Welsh Assembly Government in delivering the Authority’s purposes: to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the National Park and to provide opportunities for people to access and enjoy it," said a national park spokesman.

"In more recent years, Mr Wheeler has seen the role of the organisation expand, with a duty to look after the social and economic needs of park communities in delivering its purposes.

"The authority has also become an exemplar in the delivery of climate change initiatives, helping the Welsh Assembly Government in this important work."

Speaking about his planned retirement, Mr Wheeler said: “I have been honoured to lead this authority over a long period of time and to see it develop in so many ways.

“For those who live and work here, as well as those who visit, we all share the vision to keep Pembrokeshire special and to work with local communities to enhance our quality of life and culture, not only for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children.

“I certainly intend to continue to serve Pembrokeshire and participate in environmental issues in other ways over the years to come – and I will surely keep an interest in the park from the outside.”

Chairman of the National Park Authority Richard Howells said that Mr Wheeler would be difficult to replace.

“Nic has been at the forefront of the National Park movement for well over 30 years and has a truly enviable reputation on environmental issues, not only in Wales but throughout the UK," he said.

“His will be a hard act to follow and I am sure many people within the National Park family and beyond will want to wish Mr Wheeler well as he nears retirement.”