NRW announces priorities for Welsh Government woodlands

Credit: Simon Rees

Enlarging the Welsh Government’s woodlands and improving their condition and diversity are among the priorities announced in a report.

The report has ben launched by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

NRW manages the woodlands in Wales that are owned by Welsh Ministers on behalf of the nation. They cover an area of 126,000 hectares – that’s 6% of Wales - which supplies approximately 50% of all timber in Wales.

As well as timber, they are used to develop renewable energy schemes, create and maintain trails and visitor facilities, and conserve habitats, wildlife and archaeological sites.

NRW has identified ten key priorities for the Welsh Government woodland estate to help deliver this strategy in the next 25 years.

Amongst the priorities are:

  • Increasing the size of the woodland area on the estate.

  • Improving its condition and diversity, allowing it to adapt to extreme weather events and climate change and be more resilient to pests and diseases.

  • Providing renewable energy.

  • Developing access and recreation opportunities.

  • Working with a wider range of partners on projects that deliver positive environmental, economic, health and wellbeing outcomes.

  • Supporting research and development and test innovative approaches, including nature-based solutions.