National Forest for Wales mid-term evaluation: phase 1 report

Concept of National Forest for Wales

Overall, the concept of the National Forest was broadly understood and supported by landowners. They particularly supported the aim of establishing a network of woodlands.

However, there was some uncertainty of the National Forest’s primary focus for a small number of stakeholders. In particular the balance of the programme between environmental objectives and supporting the visitor economy.

Main funding and campaign findings

Many TWIG recipients engaged in fieldwork reported how it played a large role in supporting them to apply for National Forest Status. Feedback suggests TWIG funding can support the growth in the National Forest network.

Coetiroedd Bach delivered 24 Tiny Forest sites across Wales between April 2023 and April 2025. This delivery mechanism has helped establish a small number of new woodland sites within urban and peri-urban spaces that did not previously exist.

Role of Woodland Liaison Officers

Findings from landowners and site managers suggest the WLOs have played a key role in supporting sites to apply for TWIG, Coetiroedd Bach and be ready to apply for National Forest Status. In particular, landowners identified the approachability and knowledge of the WLO team and valued the in-person engagement at their woodland site.

National Forest Status Scheme / network

Less than two years since its introduction, the National Forest for Wales Status Scheme has supported the establishment of a Wales-wide network of sites, covering almost all local authorities and a range of landowner types.

The WLO team in NRW run a NFfW Network, for all sites to share knowledge, collaborate and overcome challenges. Landowners who had attended these meetings reported being happy with them.