Let there be no confusion about our position: Welsh Conservatives are not against wind energy. What we are opposed to is the imposition of large-scale windfarms against the wishes of local people, which have a devastating impact on communities and the local environment.

We do believe, however, that there are inconsistencies and competing interests in strategic priorities within the Assembly Government between the sustainability objectives in developing Wales' renewable energy generation capacity and the rural and environmental objectives in protecting and maintaining the landscape.

At the same time as the Assembly Government is talking about the
importance of maintaining Welsh forests because of their importance to the economy and in combating climate change, it is allowing significant areas of forestry land to be handed over to windfarm developers.

Fourteen per cent of Wales' land area is covered by woodland, equivalent to the size of Carmarthenshire.

Woodland is an important part of the Welsh landscape, an environmental resource that needs to be understood, managed and protected.

Welsh woodlands are a renewable natural resource which contribute to a successful economy, particularly through tourism and adventure sports, as well as to a better environment, healthy communities and improved quality of life.

Forest ecosystems play a key role in mitigating climate change.
Trees also reduce soil erosion by wind and water and provide shade that helps to moderate temperature, as well as providing valuable habitats for a variety of animals and plants.

That is why we are concerned at the Assembly Government's announcement last October, stating that Government owned land will be released for the development of wind farms, and believe it was highly provocative towards the many people who live in these areas.

I am concerned it will open the floodgates for more major windfarm developments in some of the most beautiful parts of Wales.

We need to ensure that the long-term future of our woodlands is protected and not hand them over for short-term development.

I do not support the obsession that others seem to have with a headlong rush to onshore windfarms.

I believe that a balanced approach should be taken to renewable energy which will create more opportunities for business and have a far less intrusive impact on our landscape.