Written question WQ86178

There are a number of safeguards in place to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right place and that tree planting does not have a negative impact on species, including curlews.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 requires a screening assessment to determine whether proposals for new woodland creation are likely to have a significant effect on the environment. This is subject to thresholds within the regulations. If the screening assessment indicates that a significant effect is likely, the applicant must apply to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as the competent authority for consent to carry out the work. Applications for consent must include an Environmental Statement.

Our Woodland Opportunity Map is an on-line interactive web-map tool that is available to all landowners and foresters planning woodland creation in Wales. It aims to identify areas of Wales which are most suited to new woodland creation for maximum benefit. It also highlights a range of sensitivities which need to be taken into account when planting trees. These include priority habitat, SSSI’s, red squirrel focal areas, as well as potential habitat for water vole, great crested newts and open-ground dependent birds such as curlew. The map is used in conjunction with NRW’s guidance note GN002 which includes stakeholder contact details for further information when designing new woodland where these sensitivities are present.

All applications for Welsh Government funding must be compliant with the UK Forestry Standard, which is the Welsh Government’s standard for sustainable forestry.