10. Diolch, Llywydd. Will the Minister provide an update on plans to replant trees in the Afan valley following tree felling in the area? OAQ54499

Thank you. Natural Resources Wales are working diligently to continue felling phytophthora ramorum-infected trees in the Afan valley. They are replanting this area with a more diverse mixture of conifer and broadleaf tree species, and restoring open habitats to these upland areas. This will achieve a more varied, biodiverse and resilient structure. 

Thank you for that answer, Minister. I think it’s important that we understand what plans we have. If we could have a timeline for those works, it would be interesting. Because at the beginning of the decade we saw the deforestation because of the disease. We’ve seen also damage being done to the forestation because of windfarms being built in the Afan valley. The consequences of those are loss of tourism in walking and cycling in the area, and we’re trying to attract that back in. We’re now seeing more tree felling in the area, as a consequence of NRW’s decision to chop more trees down—again impacting upon the tourism offer. We need that offer because it does evolve and develop the economy of those areas. So, a timeline of the plans to replant, and the schedule of where they’re going to be doing it, so that we can understand how we can build upon that local economy would be helpful. If you can get NRW to give us that, it would be nice.

As I said, the felling that’s been undertaken by NRW is not normal commercial harvesting or timber extraction; it is essential work to control the spread of P. ramorum. I can give you an update. Obviously, replanting is under way, as you know, and to date, a total of 745 hectares have been felled, of which 720 hectares have been restocked between 2011 and 2019 in the Afan valley. So, what I will do is I will ask NRW if they are able to provide you with a timeline and schedule as to exactly where they will be restocking, so that you have that information. You make a very important point about tourism, and I do appreciate that forests are inherently part of people's lives as a place to live and work or relax and exercise, so I think it's really important. And I know that NRW are beginning to look at increasing their engagement with local communities and businesses, and encouraging people to share their ideas, views and input on the future of their local forest. 

Finally, Suzy Davies.

Thank you, Llywydd. It may be helpful if you were to share the timetable with regional Members too on the point that David Rees just raised.

I'm sure you'll recall, arising from a previous question, I asked about the possibility of Natural Resources Wales and schools working together in order to plant some saplings and trees, so that our children can learn about science, nature, the history of Wales and the environment around them of course. It’s perfect preparation for the new curriculum. At the time, you weren't sure whether NRW's work with schools related specifically to tree planting and you said that you would speak to the education Minister on that point. Has there been any progress made in this regard?

I'd be very happy to share that information with regional Members, if NRW are happy to do so. 

I can't remember if I've had the specific discussion with the education Minister, but I've certainly had that discussion with NRW, and it's something they are very keen to look at and said they would take forward. 

I thank the Minister.