Carmarthenshire County Council have announced that they have committed to increase tree and woodland cover on council land to 17% by 2050. The announcement comes as part of the Council’s new Tree and Woodland Strategy 2024-2029. The target, which is aimed at improving biodiversity and limiting the worst effects of climate change follows recommendations by a variety of climate institutions such as the UK Climate Change Panel.
The strategy concentrates on several different elements, including the role that trees play in reducing carbon emissions and how they function as flood protection by retaining, restricting, and slowing the flow of water. Also discussed is the need to integrate the work of planting trees with the council’s Green and Blue Infrastructure initiatives.
There are various tree planting schemes underway in the county, with community woodlands in Ffairfach and Llandybïe examples of the work done already. There are further plans to plant in Bynea and Llanarthne over the winter as well as efforts to improve already existing woodlands also underway. As well as these plans, the council intends to plant an additional 9.5 hectares or more of woodland every year. An Office Delivery Group will monitor the progress of the strategy to ensure that all targets are met and that the planting is in line with the council’s agenda.
In a statement, Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability said:
‘Our commitment to increasing tree cover and managing our woodlands sustainably is a direct response to the climate and nature emergencies we face. By working together with communities and local stakeholders, we can build a greener, more resilient Carmarthenshire for future generations.’
For more information about Carmarthenshire County Council’s environmental work, follow this link to their biodiversity page.
