Islwyn's Natural Environment

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:20 pm on 22 June 2021.

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Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour 2:20, 22 June 2021

Thank you, First Minister. Yesterday, as you stated, the Cwmcarn forest drive reopened for the first time since 2014 after undergoing a multimillion pound investment. First Minister, there is a newly improved campsite, lake, several new all-ability trails with access for all, three new play areas, a woodland sculpture trail and a wooden cabin with panoramic—truly, actually—panoramic views of the communities of Islwyn, and that will act as a place for outdoor learning and a catalyst and hopefully, a forest school in the future.

First Minister, can I, on behalf of the people of Islwyn, thank you and the Welsh Labour Government, who saw the potential of the natural, stunning environment of the Gwent valleys, and prioritised Cwmcarn forest when initiating the Valleys taskforce project? And will you, First Minister, join me in thanking the friends of Cwmcarn forest drive—the Cymdeithas Twmbarlwm Society, the Oxford House Industrial History Society in Risca and the people in Islwyn—who championed and fought over seven long years with me for one of the crown jewels in Wales's natural environment to be made accessible to all again? First Minister, how, then, can the Welsh Government ensure that the legacy of the Valleys taskforce is safeguarded and also protected and nurtured for future generations?