2. What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with Natural Resources Wales about the tree felling programme at Fforest Fawr in Tongwynlais? OAQ51376

Responsibility for the Welsh Government woodland estate rests with Natural Resources Wales. I'm aware that larch trees infected by phytophthora ramorum are being felled at Fforest Fawr and Natural Resources Wales is managing this essential work. P.ramorum is the most serious tree disease problem to have affected forests in Wales. 

Thanks, Minister, for your response. Fforest Fawr is a well-used local walking area next to Castell Coch. Many locals are worried that NRW doesn't have any plan to replant the area following the culling. There is a campaign, which has been launched, calling for a replanting programme. Could I ask you to consult with NRW to ascertain what more might be done about the replanting?

Thank you for your question. I'm aware that there is a campaign and that a petition has been launched. Natural Resources Wales are monitoring the situation and trying to go for the best option, which is natural regeneration. But, if this doesn't happen, they will look at other ways of restocking the tree population at Fforest Fawr. 

I know that a public meeting was held in Tongwynlais, which was well attended, and that NRW did make a convincing case for the natural regeneration of the woodland, and I believe that the people who attended the meeting were satisfied. But I think it's important, as the Minister has said, that if there fails to be natural regeneration, they should reconsider whether any trees should be planted. 

Thank you to the Member for Cardiff North for her question. I know that you work very diligently day in, day out on behalf of your constituents, and I am sure you will monitor this situation, as I will be doing too. After the harvesting has taken place, NRW will encourage native species such as beech, oak, birch, wild cherry, rowan and hazel in the forest to naturally regenerate. But it will also monitor the regeneration in the forest before considering if any replanting is necessary and will also keep the local community updated with any developments. 

Can I welcome the Minister to her new responsibilities and wish her well with them?

Can I echo what other Members have said? This is such an important site in south Wales. It's so popular, within its own right but also in its close proximity to Castell Coch. I think the key thing is that, after two or three years, there's a proper assessment, and all the people that have been concerned, all the community groups, are given that information, so that they can see it, and then we can all be assured that either natural regeneration has worked, or is working, or it needs to be supplemented, or a new approach has to be taken. 

Absolutely, and, as I said to Members in previous questions, Natural Resources Wales will monitor that, and I will expect them to keep us updated, and I expect Members to also do the same as well.