§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action is being undertaken by his Department to protect Welsh oak woods from grazing sheep.
§ Mr. David HuntGood management of all woodlands, which includes protection from grazing animals, is encouraged by grants available under the woodland grant scheme, which also offers grants for the establishment of new woodlands, including oak woods. The Forestry Commission and ADAS give advice to farmers on the management of their woods, and specific grants for protecting farm woodlands from livestock are also available under the farm and conservation grant scheme. Further support for the protection of woodlands in Wales is provided by Coed Cymru, a Government backed initiative to encourage landowners, particularly farmers, to improve the management of existing broadleaved woodlands, particularly ancient and semi-natural oak woods.