Carmarthenshire County Council has set a goal to increase tree and woodland cover to 17 per cent by 2050.

This target is part of their new Tree and Woodland Strategy 2024-2029, aligning with recommendations from environmental bodies, including the UK Climate Change Panel.

The strategy aims to help tackle climate change and boost biodiversity.

The council plans to reach a smaller, yet significant, target over the next five years as part of their broader environmental aims.

The importance of trees and woodlands in fighting climate change, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing air quality is highlighted in the strategy.

Woodlands, by increasing biodiversity and serving as natural flood defences, add to the strength of communities and ecosystems in Carmarthenshire.

A key aspect of the strategy is tying tree planting into the council's Green and Blue Infrastructure projects.

This matches the guiding principles of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the Environment Act (Wales) 2016, and Planning Policy Wales, stressing the need for sustainable environmental practices.

The council is already leading many successful tree planting schemes, with community woodlands established in Ffairfach and Llandybie.

Further tree planting projects are slated for this winter in Bynea and Llanarthne.

The management of existing woodlands, including the introduction of coppicing in Ynys Dawela and replacing windblown conifers with native broadleaf trees at Llyn Llech Owain, has also been undertaken to boost biodiversity.

The council plans to plant at least 9.5 hectares of new woodland each year, addressing climate change and challenges such as Ash Dieback.

The strategy also seeks to improve air quality in urban areas by strategically planting trees, in collaboration with public health bodies and schools.

Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, cabinet member for climate change, decarbonisation, and sustainability, said: "Our commitment to increasing tree cover and managing our woodlands sustainably is a direct response to the climate and nature emergencies we face.

"By working together with communities and local stakeholders, we can build a greener, more resilient Carmarthenshire for future generations."

For more information and guidance on boosting biodiversity in Carmarthenshire, including links to resources such as Coed Cymru and Local Places for Nature, visit the council's Biodiversity webpage.