What people want from woodlands

Wales's forests began their journey into the future this week when the public debate into what people want from their woodlands got under way.

National Assembly Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Christine Gwyther, officially launched a public consultation paper into the Wales Woodland Strategy, a major public consultation exercise undertaken by the Assembly to determine the way forward for Wales's woodlands in the new millennium.

People throughout Wales will be asked to help develop a woodland strategy for the nation over the next few months, and what they say could have a significant impact on the shape of the countryside. The Commission is holding a series of five workshops throughout this month and in December, when it wants representatives from countryside organisations, the forestry industry, local authorities and members of the public to tell it exactly how they want the woods to evolve over the next 10 to 20 years and beyond.

Launching the public consultation paper at the privately-owned Talygarn Woodlands, Ms Gwyther said, "The woodlands of Wales are a unique national asset and we must use them wisely to deliver sustainable benefits for future generations. This consultation paper gives the public an opportunity to help shape the future of the Welsh countryside. Following devolution there is a real opportunity to be imaginative and set out a vision for woodlands that focuses entirely on the needs of Wales, and the consultation exercise is a vital part of our inclusive approach to forest development."

The first workshop takes place on Tuesday, November 16, in Carmarthen, and others will be held in Mold (November 18), Bangor (November 19), Builth Wells (November 24) and Cardiff (December 3). The geographical spread of the workshops recognises the fact that, while trees and woodlands are important features in most Welsh landscapes, the vision of what woodlands we want to see may not be the same in different areas of the country.

Among the important questions posed by the consultation paper are:
+ what sort of woodlands and forestry industry do we want for the future in Wales?
+ should communities in Wales be involved in the management of local forests,and how can such interest be stimulated?
+ how can we protect jobs in Wales's woodlands and timber-related industries while at the same time meet community and environmental aspirations for forests?
+ how can we use wood as an efficient renewable fuel as part of the need to meet our international energy commitments?
+ how can the effects of global warming be taken into account in planning Wales's woodlands of the future?
+ what mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure that Wales meets its international commitments to protect habitats and improve biodiversity?

"Woodlands can deliver many environmental, social and economic benefits to the people of Wales, but we want to ensure that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the nation's different areas and communities," said the forestry Commission's Chief Conservator for Wales, Simon Hewitt. forestry supports thousands of jobs in Wales, and Mr Hewitt said the development of the rural economy was an important priority.

Welsh forests are among the most productive in Europe, and Welsh timber production is set to increase by 30% over the next 10 years. "However, the opportunity exists to add value to wood much closer to its source of production, and this has important implications for increased employment in some of the rural areas in Wales. These jobs can be vital to the continued existence of small rural communities through their use of schools, shops and services," said Mr Hewitt. "As agricultural incomes decline, woodlands are increasingly making an important contribution to many farmers' returns. Woodlands also have many indirect economic benefits. They make a significant contribution to tourism, one of Wales's most important industries - over 11 million visits are made to forestry Commission woodlands in Wales every year. Welsh woodlands are part of the image of Wales that attracts visitors. Also, urban life can be enhanced by the creation of attractive woods for recreation, and the landscapes marred by generations of mining and 'restoration' can be repaired."

Since devolution forestry is largely the responsibility of the National Assembly. The Assembly wants to increase the involvement of local people in decisions affecting the environment, and the Wales Woodland Strategy is part of this process. forests and woodlands make up more than 12% of the land area in Wales. Put together as one forest block, this is comparable to the size of Carmarthenshire.

The forestry Commission is the government department responsible for forestry policy. It sets an example of sustainable management in its own forests and encourages other woodland owners to do likewise, through grants, regulation, research and advice.