National Forest for Wales Status

Being a part of the National Forest for Wales is about being part of something unique for the people of Wales. Building the National Forest for Wales network will:

• improve the environment
• create economic opportunity
• help communities to connect with and appreciate the woodlands that surround them

Having National Forest for Wales Status gives woodlands:

• recognition as an exemplary woodland
• an opportunity to be a long-lasting legacy for future generations
• the chance to be a member of the National Forest for Wales Network

On 23 June 2023, we opened the National Forest for Wales - Status Scheme. The scheme enables exemplary woodlands to join the National Forest for Wales network.

• applications are open to anyone who owns, or has management control of, woodland in Wales. This includes not-for-profit organisations and private owners
• there is no limit on the number of woodlands which can be awarded National Forest for Wales Status
• you can apply at any time of year, but we will consider your application at set times
• you must show how your project meets the relevant National Forest for Wales Outcomes
• the Status Scheme is not a funding opportunity. It is for woodland sites ready to join The National Forest for Wales
• funding is available through the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) for:
  • sites which don’t yet meet the Outcomes
  • further improvements to sites which have National Forest for Wales Status
• you can discuss prospective sites with National Forest for Wales Liaison Officers located throughout Wales
• status is voluntary and sites will have the option to leave the National Forest for Wales at any point

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• own or have management control of woodland in Wales
• show how your site meets National Forest for Wales outcomes
• have a woodland management plan in place

Before completing an application, you:

• must have spoken with National Forest for Wales Liaison Officers. You can contact them:
  • by e-mail:NationalForestWalesStatus@naturalresources.wales
  • by telephone on 0300 065 3000 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
• should familiarise yourself with National Forest for Wales – Status Scheme: guidance
• should read National Forest for Wales – Status Scheme: how to complete your application: guidance
• should ensure you have a good understanding of the National Forest for Wales outcomes

Apply for National Forest for Wales Status.

We will consider your application. We will make recommendations to Ministers on a quarterly basis.

If you have any problems completing or submitting your application, contact us:

• e-mail: NationalForestWalesStatus@naturalresources.wales
• telephone: 0300 065 3000 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Submit your applications to NationalForestWalesStatus@naturalresources.wales mailbox, or by post to:

National Forest for Wales Status Team 
Customer Hub 
Maes y Ffynnon 
Penrhosgarnedd 
Bangor 
Gwynedd 
LL57 2DW

This is a rolling scheme. The dates below cover the first year of the scheme.

• 23 June 2023: scheme opens
• September 2023: deadline for first application window
• October 2023: decisions announced
• December 2023: deadline for second application window
• January 2024: decisions announced
• March 2024: deadline for third application window
• April 2024: decisions announced
• June 2024: deadline for fourth application window
• July 2024: decisions announced