Regional AM Suzy Davies has called for the First Minister to commit funds to plant new trees in the Afan Valley.
The Welsh Conservative AM for South Wales West said: “It’s a sad fact that the phytophthera infection of larches in South Wales has spread beyond expectations. We can expect wholesale felling of larches across the three South Wales west local authority areas as well as to the east and west.”
She went on to say: “The Afan Valley, with its world class mountain biking routes, helps to contribute £3 million to the local economy and is therefore is of great value to the local community. Anyone can see the effect of the felling to date. My worry is that, because of the extent of the disease, Welsh government has underestimated the amount needed to replant
“I want to see Welsh Government to commit to planting mixed forestry as soon as possible, prioritising the Afan valley so that the momentum that local tourism has built up is not lost.”
