How we manage the Welsh Government Woodland Estate
The Welsh Government Woodland Estate is land owned by the Welsh Government and managed by Natural Resources Wales. It represents 6% of land area in Wales.
We help to maintain, support, conserve and enhance the Welsh Government Woodland Estate.
The purpose and role of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate
The Welsh Government Woodland Estate is a woodland resource, and we manage it to generate environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being benefits for the people of Wales and beyond, now and for future generations.
The woodland estate helps to tackle climate change by locking up carbon. It also provides valuable habitats for plants and wildlife and offers space for recreation. It provides a good supply of timber, which supports employment and rural livelihoods.
Find out more about the purpose and role of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate.
The Woodlands for Wales strategy
We manage the Welsh Government Woodland Estate to make sure it supports the delivery of the Welsh Government’s Woodlands for Wales strategy.
This role is critical as the Welsh Government Woodland Estate represents around 40% of the Welsh Forest Resource, covering an area of 123,000 hectares. This makes us the largest land manager in Wales
Our management of the woodland also supports other Welsh Government priorities such as:
- making Wales net zero
- addressing the climate and nature emergency
How the Welsh Government Woodland Estate benefits Wales
We manage the Welsh Government Woodland Estate to the highest UK and International standards of sustainable forest management. It forms part of the longest continuously certified forest estate in the world.
Each woodland is unique, and we manage them individually to ensure they can provide the best possible balance for people, the environment, wildlife, and sustainable timber production.
Timber production
We aim to bring to market up to 835,000 cubic metres of timber each year.
We’re the largest supplier of certified timber in Wales – the independent ‘stamp of approval’ of our sustainable forestry practice.
Renewable energy
We're developing the wind and hydropower potential of the Woodland Government Woodland Estate, supporting Wales’ drive to net zero. Wind and hydropower provide clean and renewable sources of electricity, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Plants, animals and recreation
The Welsh Government Woodland Estate is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals, including some of the rarest in the UK. As responsible land managers we manage our operations to protect and enhance these habitats.
The land we manage and protect is a great place to visit, for adrenaline-pumping activities, outdoor learning, or quiet reflection.
Find out more
If you want to find out more about the value of woodlands, contact our Sustainable Forest Management Team.