3. Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Welsh Government Support for Forestry in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:27 pm on 12 March 2019.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 3:27, 12 March 2019

Thank you. Yes, I certainly had a very informative visit to Clifford Jones Timber in Ruthin, where they were particularly helpful in explaining the barriers that they certainly have, and clearly, the day I went there, their yard was probably half full, whereas normally, it would be 100 per cent storage. So, again, they were very helpful. I took along officials and people from NRW so, again, we could understand the very difficult concerns they had.

I think you make a very important point about recreation and health and social inclusion, and certainly, again, I visited Brenig forest to see the work that was being undertaken for the public to enjoy, but also, the people who were volunteering and working in the forest, you could see the benefits to their health and well-being too. And of course, Llandegla is very close to my home; I visit there very often, and I think that is an example where they have absolutely maximised the benefits from that forest. You couldn't even get into the car park, let alone anywhere else, because of the mountain biking, the walking and the cafe that serves the best bacon sandwich in the country, apparently.

In relation to your issue around felling, I think it is acknowledged that the Forestry Act is limited in the nature of conditions that it can apply to and subsequently enforce upon a felling licence. I am aware of the work being undertaken by Scotland, and I have asked officials to look at this for me. I mean, my briefing refers to grey squirrels and deer, but I'm sure that red squirrels are affected in the same way.