Wentwood Forest: "Ancient woodlands just hanging on"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Jun 2005

The threat of commercial logging in the Wentwood Forest has very serious implications for the remaining pockets of ancient woodland in the area, said Michael German, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales East, after visiting the area.

Mr. German visited the area with officers form the Woodland Trust-Coed Cadw who are running a public appeal to purchase lots of the Wentwood Forest presently on the market for sale.

"The last remaining pockets of ancient woodlands in Wentwood are just about hanging on," said Mr German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly. "Previous commercial logging and planting of conifer cash crops in Wentwood since the First World War has driven out indigenous broadleaves such as Oak and Maple. Today three quarters of Wentwood is conifer plantation, managed for commercial production.

"After reading the particulars for sale from the selling agents, I am convinced of the need to secure Wentwood for future environmental and community use through the woodland Trust. The plots for sale are being marketing in a way that is very attractive to commercial operators; indeed some of the most attractive plots and timber resource on the market in the UK at the moment."

Mr. German viewed the plots for sale: "We spent some time touring the forest. It is of great concern that the plots for sale could eventually see Wentwood cut into by commercial activity.

"Surviving Ancient Woodlands like Wentwood are one of our great treasures of our country's natural heritage; they are banks of biodiversity and habitats for a vast range of species."

Mr. German is a former minister who was responsible for Wales' woodlands. When Minister for Rural Development, Mr. German purchased Caerphilly Woodlands and handed over the land to a local community action group. The former Welsh Assembly Government Minister Michael German AM has called for an urgent statement from his successor on the serious threat to the future of the Wentwood Forest between Newport and Chepstow.

He said, "The Assembly Government should step in and provide the cash assistance to enable these woodlands to be purchased for the benefit of the public and to return their ancient woodland status. Here is a fantastic opportunity to restore ancient woodlands in South Wales close to 750,000 people."

The Woodland Trust-Coed Cadw campaign to purchase Wentwood Forest can be contacted at: http://www.savewentwoodforest.org.uk or by calling 0117 927 2337.