Woodlands join new National Forest for Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that 27 woodland sites will join the National Forest for Wales network.

15 of the sites are the first to join the network since the National Forest Status Scheme launched in June, which has made it possible a wider range of woodlands to become part of the National Forest.

These could be small urban or community woodlands, private land or farms, or large areas of land owned by local authorities, charities or timber-producing woodlands.

The 15 sites cover an area of nearly 800 hectares, varying in size from the Erlas Walled Garden in Wrexham to larger woodlands like Wentwood in south east Wales.

Natural Resources Wales has also proposed 12 areas of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate which will join the network, adding nearly 24,000 hectares. These join the 14 sites that are already part of the National Forest.

In 2020, the First Minister announced plans for the National Forest for Wales, to create areas of new woodland and help restore and maintain some of Wales’ ancient woodlands.

Enduring asset 

Mark Drakeford said: “I’m really pleased to see how so many communities are getting involved with the National Forest. The expansion will contribute towards creating a continuous woodland stretching from north to south, west to east, bringing long-term environmental, health and well-being benefits to all corners of Wales.

“The National Forest will create an enduring asset, similar to our Wales Coast Path, which provides many benefits, not just for our population today, but for generations to come.

“Congratulations to the new woodlands on becoming part of the National Forest and helping us deliver this important ambition, which will change Wales’s landscape for the better.”

Julie James, the Minister for Climate Change, added: “As the National Forest for Wales expands, so will its network and community. Granting National Forest status recognises the hard work so many people and organisations, including many volunteers, have invested in creating exemplar woodland spaces.

“I’m pleased to welcome the new woodlands to the National Forest, which will help to support biodiversity and fight climate change, while creating real opportunities for people in Wales to re-engage with trees, woodlands and nature.”