Category Archives: Wales
Caring for God’s trees
Ancient yews, of which there are many in Wales, are often associated with ancient, pre-Christian burial grounds. They hold a particular fascination as a legacy from distant ancestors. Recently Ancient Tree Hunt volunteer verifier, Rob McBride, called by Pennant Melangell, … Continue reading
Pontbren farmers – a beacon for upland livestock farming
Demands on the land The traditional view of nature conservation, forestry and farming is basically one in which all three are seen as competing and conflicting land uses. This view is unhelpful. Farming not only dominates in terms of land … Continue reading
5,320 reasons to protect Wales’ ancient and heritage trees
After months of gathering your support for our ‘gnarled and wrinkly’ campaign, yesterday (Wednesday 28 November) our Wales Director, Jerry Langford, our Communications Officer, Rory Francis, and I presented to the Welsh Assembly’s Petitions Committee a 5,320 signature-strong petition about … Continue reading
Natural Resources Wales – How does woodland fit in?
As the new Wales environmental body winds a tortuous way towards its launch next April its name has been confirmed: Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru. The membership of its Board has also been announced. What exactly are its duties … Continue reading
Horses for woodland courses
Horse logging is now very professional with its own association – British Horse Loggers - its own training scheme and with a professional register of approved contractors across the UK. I recently enjoyed a demonstration hosted by the association’s Patron, HRH Prince Charles, … Continue reading
Wales Woodland Creation conference – not seeing the wood for the trees
Some reflections on the recent Institute of Welsh Affairs woodland creation conference On the surface this conference appeared a cacophony of vested interests and established agendas and not much evidence of a lot of listening. Into this the Minister John … Continue reading
6% native woodland is not enough!
Big welcome to Plantlife’s report, Forestry Recommissioned, on revitalising the woodlands of Wales. There is a lot we can agree with, especially all their collection of targeted solutions, ranging from more productive management of some native woods; some non-intervention woods, more open … Continue reading
Wales’ gnarled and wrinkly need you
Imagine that you are like Nerys Jones who is lucky enough to own or manage an ancient tree. Nerys is the proud owner of the Rhandirmwyn oak, Carmarthenshire, a majestic hollow tree that must be many hundreds of years old. She … Continue reading
WuT you like to identify unmapped ancient woodland?
A common question that we get in the Woods under Threat Team is “how can you identify if a wood is ancient?” The Ancient Woodland Inventory was created in the 1980′s and it shows most ancient woodland that is over two … Continue reading
