A FARMER in Powys has told how he planted 58,000 trees on his land as he sought to diversify his operations, as the Welsh Government announced a major new fund to help landowners plant new trees.
The Minister for Climate Change Julie James has announced £32 million for farmers and landowners to help Wales plant 86 million trees by the end of the decade.
The funding comes in the form of two woodland creation schemes that will provide grants to farmers for them to plant trees and woodland on their land.
Derek Morgan from Llangurig, Llanidloes, planted about 58,000 trees after wanting to diversify his holding from being primarily a sheep farm.
Mr Morgan said: “I had a rethink on my strategy for the farm just a few years ago, deciding to plant on 17.5 hectares to create woodland that sits comfortably into the local landscape.
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“I am very proud of what we’ve achieved because it will allow me to produce sustainable timber to supply local markets and means there will always be a business here. It is also lovely to see the wildlife and new habitats it has brought to the land.”
The announcement follows a short, intensive review carried out by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change which looked at removing barriers to woodland creation.
According to the Welsh Government’s goal of making the country net zero by 2050, Wales needs to plant 43,000 hectares of new woodland by the end of this decade.
Minister for Climate Change Julie James said: “Planting more trees will play a fundamental role in helping Wales to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change. Woodland creation can also provide a wealth of benefits to local communities from green jobs to places for nature.
“We want farmers in Wales to be central to our plans. They know their land better than anybody else so, to ensure the sustainability of their business, we will leave decisions around where trees should be planted entirely with them.
“As long as they meet the UK Forestry Standard, we are on hand to offer the support they may need.”
All woodland creation supported by the Welsh Government’s Woodland Creation Grant must be verified by Natural Resources Wales to ensure it meets the UK Forestry Standard.
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