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Science & environment
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The National Forest of Wales: regenerating woodland is a tall order

Wales wants to regenerate its woodland with The National Forest of Wales

In 2018 Mark Drakeford, now First Minister of Wales, promised to create the National Forest of Wales, a project that aims to see woodland span the “length and breadth” of Wales.

The project, now a reality, sees organisations such as Natural Resources Wales and the Woodlands Trust (Coed Cadw) working to maintain new and old woodlands across the country in order to readdress the impact of the timber industry and to tackle climate change. Grants are also available for woodlands which could enhance or add to the National Forest of Wales.

Whilst the target of planting 4,000 hectares of trees per year hasn’t yet been reached according to Government statistics, smaller initiatives such as #mytreeourforest, which is being piloted this March, are making progress in a different way – by changing attitudes towards climate change.

#mytreeourforest is operating five tree hubs across the country for the initial March pilot.

In offering one tree towards the National Forest to each householder in Wales, Natalie Buttriss, Director of the Woodland Trust says, “It is a way of inspiring the public to contribute a positive action towards reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

There is a saying that planting a tree is the most unselfish act a person can do as many trees live on beyond that person.”

Woodlands contribute towards the environment in many ways too, with trees acting as community spaces, soil improvers, and habitats for wildlife according to Natalie.

Working alongside the Woodland Trust is Natural Resources Wales, which manages  40% of the country’s forest resources.

These photographs show Forest Fawr, a Natural Resources Wales woodland in the north of Cardiff. A place that holds a history of mining and castles. And a visual indicator, perhaps, of what expanding woodlands could bring to Wales’ future.

Forest Fawr is the backdrop for Castell Coch (Red Castle) which is a C19th Gothic revival.
It’s a mixed woodland with bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic in the spring.
Forest Fawr is part of the 55 mile Taff Trail which runs between Cardiff and Brecon.
The natural resources were used by local smelting plants in previous centuries.

“Of strife in the strung woods, 
Vibrant with sped arrows. 
You cannot live in the present, 
At least not in Wales.” 

R. S. Thomas
There is a Sculpture Trail to encourage children to walk and create stories.
It’s often used as a film location, the TV show Merlin was filmed here.
The Three Bears Cave mine is too dangerous to enter but you can see it from a distance.
There are two circular walks including Sir Henry’s Trail and Burges’ Way.