The Welsh Government has today launched the first section of a
new 80km forest trail - a significant milestone for the National
Forest for Wales.
The ambitious pilot section, stretching from Porthkerry Park in
the Vale of Glamorgan to Pont Walby viaduct near Glynneath will
link National Forest sites. People will be able to visit 12
National Forest sites and 24 woodlands in total.
People enjoying the trail will never be far from trees, with the
trail being under 50 per cent tree canopy cover.
The Trail is just under a 24 hour walk in total but, for those
wanting to experience it more gently, has been split into
manageable sections.
The trail follows existing rights of way network, so will have
areas that are suitable for a range of users, walkers, wheelchair
users, cyclists and horse riders.
Deputy First Minister , who officially opened the new trail, said:
“This is the beginning of an exciting journey. Wales will be
amongst the first nations to have a national forest trail.
“We have been hard at work, growing our National Forest which is
now over 114,000has.
“As the number of sites continue to grow, with 82 sites outside
of the Welsh Government Woodland estate, we are now in a position
to begin a National Forest Trail – the Llwybr Coedwig Cymru
Trail.
“The trail will stretch the length and breadth of Wales and
showcase our National Forest sites and woodlands, for everyone to
enjoy.”
The trail has been delivered in partnership with Natural
Resources Wales (NRW), Local Authority Rights of Way teams in the
Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Neath Port
Talbot, and a wide range of stakeholder groups.
Over the coming months, further work will be undertaken to
enhance the pilot section, including additional signage and
waymarking, improvements to trail furniture such as gates,
benches and information boards, and events with local communities
to enable as many people as possible to enjoy and benefit from
it.
The aim is to develop the route into a high-quality
‘Demonstrator' section by the end of the year, setting a
benchmark for future phases of development of the trail.
, Cabinet Secretary for
Finance and Welsh Language, added: “It is great to already be
using the trail in this early stage in its development and this
is a significant and long-term project.
“The trail will be a similar scale and project as the Wales Coast
Path, with a deliberate plan to deliver it in sections.
“The trail will showcase the wide variety of our National Forest
for Wales sites and improve connectivity between them.
“Connecting people to woodlands and nature will help improve
physical and mental health and educate people on the importance
of our woodland habitats.
“It will also provide economic benefit for local businesses
through increased tourism opportunities.”
The pilot section was shaped by extensive engagement with
stakeholders, including forestry and access groups, farming
unions, recreational organisations and community representatives
with further engagement planned over the coming months.
