Forestry in South Wales

The physiography of the study area is described. Forestry developmentis described against the historical background. Emphasis isplaced on the great challenge of redesigning first rotationplantations to bring about the transition to environmentallyrich forests. Those of the Valleys in particular offer a uniqueopportunity to deliver a range of benefits to the huge populationsliving close by. The special role of trees in land reclamationis described. As in much of Britain wood production from existingplantations is set to rise substantially over the next decade,offering possibilities for increased activity in the whole wood-usingsector.