We asked for your comments on the Forest Resource Plan for the Welsh Government Woodland Estate in the southern Wye Valley. The Forest Resource Plan is a high level plan that determines the overall management of the woodlands, setting out the long term objectives for each woodland (ancient woodland restoration, native woodland management, or standard forestry management, for example), and the general approach to any restocking, such as with native broadleaf or coniferous species. But the plan does not go into the specific day to day management of the estate, this is provided by our Land Management and Forest Operations Team whose work the plan informs.

We had a high level of responses to this consultation showing how much people value the woodlands in the Wye Valley. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.

There was broad support for aims to restore and manage ancient semi natural woodland on the estate, improve biodiversity, and increase the amount of native broadleaves within the woodlands.

Some responses were concerned about water run-off and the impact of felling operations on this, and soil erosion, and wanting to make sure this is factored in and managed accordingly.

There was some dissatisfaction about the classification of unauthorised mountain biking on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate as anti-social behaviour in the same objective as fly tipping and illegal 4x4 use.

We have taken the comments received on board and they have been shared with relevant teams within Natural Resources Wales. The level of interest in this FRP shows how much the woodlands are valued locally and by visitors for recreation and health and wellbeing which is something we want to support and encourage.

We realise putting mountain biking in the same sentence as fly tipping might not have been taken well, however this was focused on irresponsible trail building and use of mountain bikes that damage the woodland ecosystem, create conflicts with other woodland users, and prevents management activities, not mountain biking in general. We are keen to encourage responsible mountain biking where possible on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. In future we will be clearer in our language when discussing such issues.

We had several questions concerning forestry activities and their impact on water runoff and soil erosion. Forestry activities follow best practice to minimise impacts on the local environment, and although can sometimes look unsightly, is carried out in line with the UK Forestry Standard and UK Woodland Assurance Scheme. The UK Forestry Standard provides guidance to ensure water run off is managed appropriately, which is followed during all our operations. We have to carry out felling operations in winter months when it is wetter to comply with protected species legislation, so we do not disturb or affect species such as dormice or birds during nesting season.

We are working hard to balance the demands on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate and the three objectives as set out in the Woodlands for Wales: The Welsh Government’s Strategy for Woodlands and Trees (2018), that they provide benefits for communities, for biodiversity and the environment, and for the economy. We are also working hard to meet the challenges provided by diseases such as Phytophthora Ramorum, which has impacted larch, ash die back, and other diseases that are affecting the resilience of the woodlands.