What mechanisms and safeguards exist within Welsh Government policy to ensure that the model of afforestation supported by public funds is farmer-led and locally owned?
Wales needs a step change increase in woodland creation to tackle the climate emergency. Delivering this will require an alliance for change involving many partners. We want farmers to be central to meeting our targets. We have established a working group to consider models to attract investment in woodland creation which enables farmers to create woodland.
The vast majority of woodland creation projects funded by Welsh Government are by farmers planting areas of woodland on their farm. However public funding is not restricted to farmers. There is also a role for funding other groups that must play a part in meeting our woodland creation targets, including local authorities, charities, businesses and community groups. We want to ensure all projects benefit local communities.