National Forest for Wales Status Scheme

Overview

Progress update – 24 October

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We are in the process of reviewing the applications we received within the first window of the National Forest for Wales Status scheme.

Our team received some great applications from a wide variety of woodland managers, whose woodlands and forests exemplify the National Forest Outcomes in very different ways and show how diverse our National Forest for Wales network will be.

We look forward to announcing the first round of sites in due course.

Thank you to everyone who has applied to the scheme so far. There is a rolling window for applications, with submissions considered for status at quarterly intervals, the deadline for the next round is the 15 December.

If you’re considering applying for your woodland to become part of the National Forest for Wales in the next round, or you would like to find out more information about the scheme, we would love to hear from you. Find out details of how to apply below.

What is the National Forest Status Scheme?

The National Forest Status Scheme opened on the 23 June. The scheme enables exemplary woodlands to join the National Forest for Wales network.

Becoming part of the National Forest for Wales is all about being part of something unique for the people of Wales. Having National Forest for Wales status allows exemplary woodlands to be recognised, to become part of something nationwide and provide opportunities to connect woodlands in lots of different ways.

Applications are open to anyone who owns or has management control of woodland in Wales.

There will be no limit on the number of woodlands which can be awarded National Forest for Wales Status, and applications can be made at any time of year but will be considered at set times.

Woodlands will be recognised as National Forest for Wales sites by demonstrating how they meet the National Forest for Wales outcomes:

• Good Quality, well designed and managed resilient woodlands
• Woodlands accessible to people
• Community involvement in woodlands
• Connected woodlands
• Dynamic, multi culture woodlands and trees
• Woodlands that demonstrate  learning, research and innovation

National Forest Status is voluntary, and sites will have the option to leave the National Forest for Wales at any point.

What support is available?

A dedicated team of National Forest woodland liaison officers has been put in place to help facilitate and enable woodland owners with their ambitions to create and enhance woodlands and develop the National Forest for Wales network.

There are six liaison officers based across Wales.

The team will facilitate and enable woodland owners with their ambitions to create and enhance woodlands in accordance with the National Forest outcomes and help to bring woodlands into the National Forest for Wales Network via the status scheme.

Guidance has also been put in place to help support you with the application process.

Please note that applicants will need to meet with their National Forest for Wales liaison officer in advance of submitting an application form, who will be able to provide advice on the process.

Find out more about the scheme and how to apply here:

https://www.gov.wales/national-forest-wales-status

There is funding available via different options to help sites meet the National Forest for Wales Outcomes or enhance National Forest for Wales sites, the team can help advise you on the relevant schemes and support applications to the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) or Coetiroedd Bach.

How can I contact my National Forest for Wales liaison officer?

To get in touch with your liaison officer, or if you have any queries please contact:

Nationalforestwalesstatus@naturalresources.wales