Strong roots give further growth for National Forest

Today, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, has announced a further 18 sites have been given National Forest for Wales status through the latest Status Scheme round.

The National Forest programme is a commitment to create a network of woodlands across Wales. It will provide interconnected ecosystems and create a national legacy for future generations.

The Deputy First Minister, said: “I'm delighted that during Wales Climate Week we're able to announce further growth for the National Forest for Wales, in what was the largest round of applications we've had to date. This means we now have 55 Status Scheme Sites as part of the National Forest for Wales.

“Expansion of the National Forest is a key step towards creating, restoring, and connecting valuable habitats – where resilient forest ecosystems allow wildlife to thrive. The National Forest network is central to our natural and cultural heritage, enabling communities to connect with nature and experience its benefits.”

“We have a great ambition to have more sites throughout Wales – which can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Two sites from Eryri National Park have been successful in joining the network - Coed Bryn Berthynau and Coed Hafod. 

Jonathan Cawley, Chief Executive of the Eryri National Park Authority said:

“We feel honoured that two woodlands owned by the Eryri National Park Authority have secured a National Forest for Wales status. These woodlands are valuable recreational resources to both local residents and visitors as places where they can spend time surrounded by nature, and reap the benefits of doing so to health and wellbeing.”

On joining the National Forest, woodland sites become part of a network– which supports sites and helps share knowledge and good practice.

The new sites also receive National Forest Signage which has been made by Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind, who have made the signs from Welsh wood which was felled and processed in Wales.

Notes to editors

• The status scheme is the process woodlands outside of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate apply to become part of the National Forest.
• In addition to the 55 sites which have joined the National Forest through the status scheme, the sites from the Welsh Government Woodland Estate means that that there are a 100 sites in the National Forest

Coed Bryn Brethynnau

Coed Bryn Brethynau stands on the mostly south-west facing slopes of the Llugwy valley. It is mainly a sessile oak woodland characteristic of the western coast of Britain, mixed with a diversity of semi-natural native trees. The woodland is regularly used by local residents who enjoy its network of public and permissive paths. The woodland is also used as an access point to the Gwydir Forest and the Slate Trail.

Coed Hafod

Coed Hafod is an ancient, semi-natural woodland on the eastern slopes of the Conwy valley near Llanrwst. The site is mainly occupied by sessile oak, mixed with a range of other semi-natural trees. The woodland is accessible along a network of public and permissive paths that begin near a layby on the A470.

The 18 new sites are as follows:

Further information on all sites can be found here: National Forest for Wales: woodland sites | GOV.WALES