Welsh grant to plant more woodland

The Welsh Assembly Government has launched an initiative to encourage farmers to plant more native trees in Wales.

The principality is the one of the least wooded regions of Europe. Only 14% of the land area is covered by trees and the Welsh Assembly wants that to change.

Through Woodlands For Wales, part of Wales’ Glastir land management scheme, landowners will be offered grants to create woodlands on their land.

These grants will help support establishment costs and will compensate for the income foregone from taking land out of agriculture.

Rural affairs minister, Elin Jones, who launched the scheme this week, said that woodlands played an important role in tackling climate change, biodiversity and water management.

“The Glastir woodland creation grants will assist the assembly government in fulfilling its promises to the people of Wales while also bringing a range of real benefits to the landowners managing their land and providing a financial return.”

The woodland creation grants have been developed by Forestry Commission Wales which will deliver them on behalf of the assembly government until 1 January 2013. Responsibility for delivery will then transfer to the Glastir team. Further information can be found on www.forestry.gov.uk or by contacting bww.ts@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.