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Air quality

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Tranquil, greener and cleaner places

We are giving funding to 14 projects that focus on improving air quality, environmental noise and tranquil green space in urban areas.

Air quality is a measure of how good our air is. It is measured by the type and amount of pollutants contained within it.

Air is polluted if it contains substances that may have a harmful effect on human health and the environment. Poor air quality can affect the health of people, animals and plants.

We work closely with local authorities, the Environment Agency, industry and other stakeholders to protect and improve air quality in Wales.

Useful links

Welsh Air Quality Forum

The following information can be found on the Welsh Air Quality Forum website:

  • about air quality;
  • the pollutants measured;
  • impacts on the environment; and 
  • how air quality is monitored

Visit: Welsh Air Quality Forum website (external link)

UK Air Quality Archive

The UK Air Quality Archive features information on the causes and effects of pollution. This includes a forecast bulletin, 24 hour summaries and articles.

Visit: UK Air Quality Archive website (external link)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) works to control and manage air quality across the UK.

There is further information on their website on:

  • UK Air Quality Strategy;
  • European Union (EU) and international legislation;
  • local air quality management;
  • industrial air pollution panels, groups and fora;
  • regulations;
  • publications; and
  • science and research.

Visit: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website - Air quality (external link)

Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales brings together the work of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, as well as some functions of Welsh Government. Their purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future.

Visit: Natural Resources Wales website (external link)

Air quality in England

The Environment Agency’s main aims are to protect and improve the environment and to promote sustainable development. They play a central role in delivering the environmental priorities of central government through their functions and roles.

You can find more information on the following on their website:

  • continuous monitoring of industrial chimneys, stacks and flues;
  • emissions monitoring from chimney stacks using accredited laboratories and certified staff;
  • monitoring ambient air quality;
  • portable equipment for emissions monitoring; and
  • Air Quality Modelling and Assessment Unit (AQMAU).

Visit: Environment Agency website (external link)

Air quality in Scotland

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) works to understand and improve air quality in Scotland.  They regulate and monitor certain industrial activities in Scotland that can generate local airborne pollution. Their work involves working with and directing local authorities and other partners to manage and improve air quality. They also provide policy and operational advice to government, industry and the public on pollution control and other environmental issues.

In addition, they work towards Scottish and UK objectives and targets set to address global climate change and the cross-border transfer of pollutants.

Visit: Air Quality in Scotland website (external link)

Air quality in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Air is the website for Air quality in Northern Ireland. It has information on the latest air quality, monitoring, levels of pollution and related air quality issues.

Visit: Air Quality in Northern Ireland website (external link)