Written question WQ88138

The Welsh Government has partnered with the National Trust, Caerphilly Council and Natural Resources Wales to create three new woodlands which will be a fitting tribute to remember family and friends lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022/2023 they planted around 56 acres of woodland, with another 18 acres expected in 2023/2024. We have allocated £1.86m to the three woodland projects with the funding covering three to five years depending on their requirements. The money is being used to fund the design and planting of the woodlands along with associated costs such as ground preparation and maintenance to ensure the trees establish. We are also funding the creation of supporting infrastructure to enable the sites to be accessible to all, such as good footpaths, signage and seating, which will also help to make them exemplar National Forest sites.