Flintshire woodland gains National Forest status
A Flintshire woodland has been named as one of ten new sites joining the National Forest for Wales.
Halkyn Castle Wood, which already runs educational and wellbeing programmes, will now be part of the growing national network of woodlands designed to improve public access to nature and promote biodiversity.
The announcement was made this week by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
Halkyn Castle Wood is used as an educational and wellbeing centre for vulnerable people through socially prescribed courses. Working with local authorities and community groups, it provides safe spaces for people to reconnect with themselves, others and the natural environment.
Recent work at the site includes management of the woodland and streams to UK Forestry Standard guidelines, improving access via public rights of way and enhancing biodiversity.
Vanessa Warrington, representing Halkyn Castle Wood, said: “We’re excited to become part of the National Forest for Wales. As a landowner this has been an opportunity for me to realise the vision for our woodland and we are well on our way to becoming a sustainable, healthy, vibrant woodland with a rich biodiversity, through mindful management, education, wellbeing programmes and training.
“Reconnecting people with forests not only helps their holistic wellbeing but also fosters a sense of connection, ownership and citizenship which will be crucial in the years to come.”
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “It’s wonderful to see the continued expansion of the National Forest for Wales and to be able to welcome this next group of woodlands to the network.
“This is a very strong round with all the sites meeting all six of the National Forest outcomes, and shining a real light on the diversity of National Forest sites and the breadth of impacts and activities they undertake.”
Across Wales, the latest round of additions brings 389 more hectares of woodland into the National Forest. The total network now includes 70 woodland sites beyond the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, covering more than 4,000 hectares.
The National Forest for Wales was launched in 2020 and aims to create a connected network of high-quality woodlands across the country, benefiting communities, the environment and wildlife.
The ten sites are as follows:
- Llys y Fran, Pembrokeshire
- Coed Parc y Moch, Gwynedd
- Penpont, Powys
- Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire
- Halkyn Castle Wood, Flintshire
- Lower Lliedi Reservoir, Carmarthenshire
- Coed Uno, Pembrokeshire
- Pontyclun Woodlands (Ivor Woods, Riverside Walk and land at Hollies), Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Denmark Farm, Ceredigion
- Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Gwent
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