Montgomeryshire AM calls for an end to decline in broadleaf planting and restocking

During a recent comment in the chamber on the Forestry Facts & Figures 2009, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM, highlighted the importance of investment in forestry in Wales and called for an end to the decline in planting and restocking of broadleaf trees across the country.

Commenting Mick Bates stated: “Forestry is a very valuable resource for us in Wales which can help ensure economic growth in our rural areas.

“A programme of afforestation would aid green jobs and a green economy, as well as help to sequestrate carbon to benefit our environment and support the development of biomass.

“I am concerned to see that in the last figures presented by the Forestry Commission, that broad-leaf planting had reduced from 500 hectares in 2005 to 100 in 2009 and there was a similar reduction in restocking.

“It is crucial that we see more investment in our woodlands in Wales and that the Woodland Strategy ensures a reverse in the current declining trend in planting and restocking of our forestry in Wales.”