10 woodland sites join National Forest for Wales
The new sites include Wales' first agroforestry National Forest location and woodlands delivering green prescription programmes through local health boards.
Ten new woodland sites are joining the National Forest for Wales.
The Welsh Government says 'communities and wildlife are set to benefit as 389 hectares of woodland are added to the growing forest network'.
The sites include Wales' first agroforestry National Forest location and woodlands delivering green prescription programmes through local health boards.
The ten sites are:
• Llys y Fran, Pembrokeshire
• Coed Parc y Moch, Gwynedd
• Penpont, Powys
• Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire
• Halkyn Castle Wood, Flintshire
• Lower Lliedi Reservoir, Carmarthenshire
• Coed Uno, Pembrokeshire
• Pontyclun Woodlands (Ivor Woods, Riverside Walk and land at Hollies), Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Denmark Farm, Ceredigion
• Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Gwent
Among the new additions is Coed Uno, the first agroforestry site to join the network.
The woodland hosts workshops through the Hwb Dysgu'r Tir project, offering visitors opportunities to learn about integrating trees with agricultural production.
Halkyn Castle Wood serves as an educational and wellbeing centre for vulnerable people through socially prescribed courses.
Working with local authorities and community organisations, it provides 'safe spaces that help reconnect people with themselves, others and nature'.
Vanessa Warrington, Halkyn Castle Wood, says:
“We’re excited to become part of the National Forest for Wales. As a landowner this has been an opportunity for me to realise the vision for our woodland and we are well on our way to becoming a sustainable, healthy, vibrant woodland with a rich biodiversity, through mindful management, education, wellbeing programmes and training.
"Reconnecting people with forests not only helps their holistic wellbeing but also fosters a sense of connection, ownership and citizenship which will be crucial in the years to come.”
The expansion marks the seventh round of site additions since the National Forest was launched in 2020.
These additions bring the total National Forest for Wales network to 70 woodland sites beyond the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, covering more than 4,056 hectares across the country.