Aberystwyth University have announced their full schedule of events in the Royal Welsh Show this year. The schedule includes a public discussion regarding tree planting where agricultural and rural experts will debate the subject in light of recent announcements by the Welsh Government regarding the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
At 3pm on Monday 22 July NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, Teleri Fielden from the Welsh Farmers’ Union, Arfon Williams from RSPB Cymru and Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales Rachel Sharp will hold a discussion regarding the questions that have arisen I the wake of recent policy developments.
Professor Iain Donnison, Head of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University, who will be chairing the discussion, said:
‘There is an important debate to be had about the role of tree planting in our use of land here in Wales. I hope people who are interested in these important discussions will come and hear the different views on the subject. I am glad that we are able to facilitate the discussion between organisations that all have a big part to play in the future of the use of our land, and how we get the balance right.
There is a clear consensus across our society about the importance of reaching net zero targets, and research has an important part to play in these efforts. One example of this is the Biomass Connect project of which we are an important part, which is being carried out at sites across the UK including Aberystwyth. The potential of crops, like miscanthus, willow and poplar, is one part of the current debate that deserves more attention. They can have a number of different benefits, such as improving biodiversity, reduce flood risk, improve water quality, increase carbon sequestration in the soil and improve soil health. At the same time, growing and harvesting them can offer an additional and regular income for farmers. I’m really looking forward to a constructive discussion with a number of important stakeholders at the Royal Welsh.’
To see the full timetable of all of Aberystwyth University’s events at the show, follow this link to their website.
