Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 2:09 pm on 14 September 2016.
We’re all very aware of the benefits of woodland creation in terms of biodiversity, ecosystem services, flood alleviation, carbon capture and so many other of our important natural systems for this and future generations, but I wonder if she’s had time to reflect on her visit to the Spirit of Llynfi Woodland—30 hectares of reclaimed land from the former Maesteg washeries and Coegnant colliery, and an active woodland with tremendous engagement with the local community. What defines it is not just the deciduous woodland planting and the orchards and the natural beauty, but the fact that it is in one of the areas where the most targeted interventions in health and education and other matters are going on. Isn’t it right that the woodland action plan, together with the well-being of future generations Act, means that we need to see the right trees in the right place, and that means close to communities like this?