The simple act of planting trees can have many spin-off benefits, from tourism to a nascent woodland economy, from flood management to thriving wildlife, from improved health and well-being to house building and jobs. Many of us do not realise the positive impact that forests and woodlands in Wales can have on our lives. As a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, I would like to stress the social benefits of woodland—the second main theme explored in the 'Branching out' report.

As our Chair, Mike Hedges said, on our visit to the fantastic Spirit of Llynfi woodland in Maesteg we all saw for ourselves just how beneficial woodlands can be to the local community. Natural Resources Wales is working with the communities in the upper Llynfi valley to restore the former Coegnant colliery and Maesteg washery sites into community woodland. Local residents, community groups and schools have all been involved, from tree planting, community orchards, cycling tracks and designing dog trails. On our visit to Maesteg, one of the contributors suggested that we needed to make woodlands cool. Engaging with young people and encouraging them to visit a woodland with family or through school can ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors. As well as incorporating woodland education into our schools, as the report suggests, it would be good to explore ways that the Welsh baccalaureate could work with community woodland groups in the future.

We all know that we don't take enough advantage of the things on our doorstep, but having access to green spaces and woodland, particularly in urban areas, is so beneficial to the health and well-being of people, and I agree with other Members on the importance of increasing our canopy cover, particularly in those urban areas. The potential benefits to our communities are significant. On discussing the issue with representatives of the Woodland Trust on my visit to Wentwood forest, they told me of their Wandering in the Woods project. This project took place in Essex, East Sussex and Wiltshire and looked to reconnect people living with dementia in care homes with nature and, in particular, with woodlands. The project showed that there were potentially very significant physical, emotional and social benefits to people living with dementia and their carers from visiting woodlands, and I'd urge the Cabinet Secretary to look at that project.

In my own constituency of Newport West, the Bassaleg Community Woodland Trust are working hard to safeguard their local natural woodland environment. The dedicated group of volunteers aim to create a woodland park that is accessible, well managed and attractive for all to enjoy. Sharing information and good practice around Wales is crucial. Llais y Goedwig supports all community groups across Wales. Bringing these groups together and sharing practical advice is an important way to help volunteers come together to look after and manage community woodlands.

I welcome the Welsh Government's intention to increase funding for small community woodland groups across the country. Community woodlands are valuable spaces that enable visitors to make the most of the outdoors and contribute to the health and well-being of local residents. We must strive to support local community woodland groups, making it easier for people to manage and preserve woodlands for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.