Replanting Trees in the Afan Valley

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 2:14 pm on 9 October 2019.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:14, 9 October 2019

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.