Written by Coed Lleol People living near Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil are being invited to tell Forestry Commission Wales what they feel about plans for the future of their local woodlands.

The Commission has arranged a couple of consultation events this month where staff based at its district office in Llandovery will share the proposals for Talybont and Taf Fechan woodlands, located between the two towns.

The woods provide many opportunities for public enjoyment as well as producing high quality timber and protecting important water catchments, so FC Wales is keen to hear what residents have to say about the plans.

FC Wales manages the Assembly-owned woodlands to bring a variety of benefits to society, including improving environmental quality and in a way which can help to fight the effects of climate change.

In doing so, FC Wales values the feedback from community consultation which is an important requirement of maintaining accreditation for the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), which independently assesses forest management systems. The accreditation also allows FC Wales to sell timber with Forest Stewardship Council accreditation.

The consultation events will be held at the Henderson Hall, Talybont on Usk between 3pm and 7pm on Monday 12 October and at the Memorial Hall, Pontsticill, between 3pm and 7pm on Friday 16 October.

Paul Dann, FC Wales Local Area Manager, said, “These consultation events provide an ideal opportunity for local residents to meet local Forestry Commission Wales staff as well as providing an opportunity for them to influence the future management of their woodlands.”