Thursday 12 Sep 2013 @ 10:20
Welsh Government
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

New survey shows Welsh Woodlands are seen as a community resource

Nearly 65% of people in Wales visit Welsh woodlands regularly and 94% believe they provide a definite benefit to the local community.
This is according to this year’s Public Opinion of Forestry Survey, which has been carried out every two years since 2003 to track people’s opinions on Welsh woodlands and to assist managers in deciding where improvements can be made.
This year’s survey, which was undertaken by the Welsh Government, shows that people in Wales are aware of the benefits of woodlands, with their environmental and recreation value topping the list.
However it also shows that people are less aware of the potential value of woodlands in terms of renewable energy and the boost they can add to the local economy.
The Welsh Government is committed to improving this understanding of the potential value of woodlands and has set out its strategy for achieving this in its  ‘Woodlands for Wales’ plan.
Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food said:  

“It is good to see that people in Wales are increasingly appreciating the value of their local woodlands.

“Woodlands and individual trees provide us with a range of goods and services including timber, fuel, water management and climate regulation. We also use them widely for recreation and education purposes and we know they can provide a real boost to our general health and well-being.

“This survey show’s that there is strong public support for services provided by our woodlands and that they are viewed as one of our most valuable natural resources. We will keep working hard to ensure that our woodlands deliver the best outcomes for the people of Wales.”

Since the survey began in 2003 the number of people visiting woodlands has remained fairly constant  at 64% in 2013 compared with 62% in 2003. Those visiting woodlands appear to enjoy the experience, with 81% saying they would visit again and would recommend it to their family and friends.

One of the most encouraging results of the survey is that people want to be more involved in decisions about managing their local woods.

There is also a dramatic increase in the public’s awareness of Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC ) certification for wood products that have been obtained from sustainably managed forests (up from 25% in 2003 to 49% in 2013).

81% of respondents thought that authorities and woodland managers should take action to protect trees from damaging pests and diseases, while 63% indicated a willingness to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases, if provided with information and advice.  

Exclusive offers, deals and discounts available to public sector staff, past and present!