Our commitment to create a network of woodland running the length and breadth of Wales.
Contents
Introduction
The National Forest programme began in 2020. The First Minister announced our commitment to create a network of woodlands across Wales.
The network will:
- provide spaces for leisure and nature
- help to capture and store carbon
- provide timber - a sustainable resource for construction
Creating a National Forest in Wales is a long-term commitment, spanning many decades.
The National Forest is made up of woodlands which demonstrate the following outcomes:
- good quality, well designed and managed resilient woodlands (essential)
- woodlands accessible to people
- community involvement in woodlands
- connected woodlands
- dynamic, multi-purpose woodlands and trees
- woodlands that demonstrate learning, research and innovation
Why join the National Forest
Together we can create a national legacy for future generations.
If you become part of the National Forest, you will get:
- ongoing support from a dedicated regional liaison officer
- a welcome pack
- National Forest signage
- access to the National Forest for Wales network; and
- access to learning and expertise
- National Forest site visits hosted across Wales to network and share knowledge
- regular online webinars with other National Forest sites to share learning and collaborate
- promotion of your woodland site, for example through gov.wales and Visit Wales
- access to professional images and videos of the National Forest
- support to increase woodland connectivity, biodiversity and nature corridors
- the opportunity to be part of the National Forest for Wales Trail (if appropriate for you and your site)
How do I become part of the National Forest
The National Forest welcomes anyone who owns or has management control of woodland in Wales. This includes not-for-profit organisations and private owners.
To be eligible to apply you must show how your site meets the National Forest for Wales outcomes.
You can apply through the National Forest for Wales Status Scheme. Please speak to one of our National Forest Liaison Officers before you apply.
National Forest sites to date
The National Forest for Wales is growing. It includes a variety of diverse woodlands with a range of ages, sizes, settings and benefits.
All National Forest sites address the nature and climate emergencies and provide a long-lasting woodland resource for Wales.
To date the network consists of over 100 woodland sites. This is made up of 26 Welsh Government Woodland Estate blocks (with over 70 individual sites) and 28 non-Government woodland sites.
The latest sites to join the National Forest:
- Castle Copse
- Cwm George and Casehill Woods
- Chirk Castle
- Warren Wood
- Coed Rhyal
- Penllergare Valley Woods