How the Woodland Estate benefits Wales

Your forests - the Welsh Government’s Woodland Estate - are a national treasure. In managing these public woodlands we aim to balance the needs of people, the environment and the forest economy in Wales, and it’s our privilege to be looking after them on behalf of the Welsh Government.

How big is the Woodland Estate?

The estate covers more than 126,000 hectares - that's nearly 6% of the country’s total land area - and around 40% of the Welsh forest resource, making us the largest land manager in Wales. We deliver an important range of goods and services.

Timber production

Around 850,000 tonnes of timber, sustainably sourced from your forests, is produced each year. This directly supports thousands of jobs and contributes to the Welsh economy, as well as helping us combat climate change by locking up carbon.

We’re the largest supplier of certified timber in Wales – the independent ‘stamp of approval’ of our sustainable forestry practice.

Renewable energy

We're also working to develop the wind and hydro power potential of the Woodland Estate. Wind and hydro power provide clean and renewable sources of electricity, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The many benefits of your forests

Welsh forests are also home to an amazing variety of plants and animals, including some of the rarest in the UK, while man’s historic footprint can be explored at hundreds of archaeological sites.

Above all, the land we manage and protect for the nation is quite simply a great place to visit, for adrenaline-pumping activities, outdoor learning or quiet reflection – and pretty much everything else in between.

Find out more

If you want to find out more about the value of woodlands and what your forests do for you, explore the links on this page.

If you would like to contact the Sustainable Forest Management Team in Natural Resources Wales you can send your enquiry to sfmt@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk