8. What Welsh Government policies and legislation are in place to protect ancient woodlands? OQ58392

Thank you. Our planning policies set out a strong framework for the protection of trees, including ancient woodlands. We are amending the Forestry Act 1967 to provide better protection for the environment and a more effective deterrent for illegal felling. Our sustainable farm scheme will provide support to protect and manage ancient woodlands. 

Thank you for that answer. The issue I'm about to raise was raised at spokespersons' questions. It's always good to see party spokespeople involving themselves in the work, however fleetingly, of directly elected Members. Over the summer, residents of Llanbradach in my constituency were horrified to find that contractors had started digging up land on a site locally known as Bluebell wood. This area has been very important to the local community for generations and holds great sentimental value to many people. The excavation work started without planning permission, and following community campaigning has been stopped on the orders of Caerphilly County Borough Council. However, residents are fearful that without sufficient protections in place the work could start again at any time, especially as the land is privately owned. Can the Minister therefore advise on what options are available to the local community to try and ensure that these woods are protected for future generations?

Thank you. I know that there is concern right across the community in Llanbradach and Caerphilly about the destruction of the Bluebell woodlands, and it was distressing to see some of the pictures. I think, if there's any positive to come out of it, it is the fact that there has been such a strong community reaction, who understand the value that biodiversity has to their area. I think we've got a long way to go to make sure that developers also understand the value.

I think our policy framework is strong; it sets clearly out in 'Planning Policy Wales' that planning authorities should protect ancient woodlands, semi-natural woodlands, and individual veteran and ancient trees. NRW's standing advice to authorities also makes clear that planning permission should be refused if the development would result in a loss or deterioration of the ancient woodland, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons. I believe that, in this case, action was taken to clear the land before planning permission was applied for, and there is enforcement action being taken by the local authority. So, I think I should pay tribute to the leader and cabinet member of Caerphilly council and the community council for taking strong action when they became aware that this destruction had taken place. The community can request that tree preservation orders be made on trees that they consider to be of value, but I think this is an example of where it's important that we all come together to make sure that, if there are transgressions, they're dealt with severely and that we raise the level of appreciation for ancient woodlands so that action isn't taken in the first place.

I'd very much like to get Welsh Government's help in protecting the ancient woodland at Penrhos coastal park in Holyhead. Permission was given around a decade ago to build a holiday park there; I don't think that permission should have been given then, certainly now, in the context of our new understanding of the depth of the climate and biodiversity emergencies and the appreciation of green public spaces, it certainly feels wrong. Now, I'd like to congratulate the rural affairs Minister on her expanded role, which includes, and I quote: local environment quality; the protection and management of wildlife; allotment and urban green infrastructure; community green spaces; access to the countryside; coasts; rights of way; and areas of outstanding natural beauty. It sounds like a description of a minister for Penrhos. So, Deputy Minister—it would be easier if I was asking the Minister herself this question—but how can you work with her to make sure that this ancient woodland, the only woodland of its kind near Holyhead, can be protected?

Well, I think it is difficult when local authorities have given planning permission, and, as you said, it was some time ago. You'd like to think that, given the policy framework I've set out, that wouldn't happen if planning permission was given freshly today. What we can do retrospectively obviously is a more complex question, and certainly one I'd encourage him to engage in a conversation with his own council on Ynys Môn about. And we'd certainly be open to a conversation. These are delicate judgments, aren't they? But I think the problem that we all face is that developers can often make exceptional arguments in particular cases, but the cumulative impact is a considerable one, and we are facing not only a climate emergency but a nature emergency too. When it comes to individual decisions, these are often complex and sometimes opaque. So, I'm afraid I don't have a glib answer for him today, other than that I think he raises a set of reasonable points that we do need to reflect on with the local authority to see what the options might be.