Trees, Hedges and Forestry Policy in Wales: Connecting Evidence and Research with Policy and Practice
How can research help shape the future of Wales’ trees, hedges and forestry sector? This presentation explores the policies driving tree planting, woodland creation, restoration and sustainable management, and examines the evidence needed to inform decisions on trees and forestry in the context of climate, nature and delivering economic outcomes. It will highlight current research and data initiatives, emerging evidence priorities, and opportunities for greater collaboration between government, academia and practitioners to support the delivery of Wales’ long-term environmental ambitions on trees and woodland.
About the Speakers
Caryl Williams
A Social Science Adviser by background, Caryl has have across UK Government departments leading environmental social and behavioural science programmes and cross-cutting strategic evidence initiatives. She currently leads Research and Strategy for the Welsh Government’s Trees, Hedges and Forestry Branch, with responsibility for ensuring the evidence needs of the branch are met through collaboration with Forest Research, academic institutions and delivery partners. Her role includes overseeing the branch’s research and evidence portfolio, identifying priority evidence needs, supporting the use of evidence in policy development, and providing strategic coordination across tree and woodland policy and delivery to support Wales’ climate, nature recovery and sustainable forestry ambitions.
Melanie Meaden
Melanie Meaden is a Lead Specialist Forestry Advisor at Natural Resources Wales, working in an integrated Sustainable Land Management team as part of the Strategy, Policy and Evidence Directorate. She represents Wales on cross-border work programmes to maintain the UK Forestry Standard and associated practitioner guides and works closely to support delivery of the Science and Innovation Strategy for Forestry in GB. She is also lead author of the Woodlands chapter of the State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR). She has over three decades of experience working in sustainable forest management, sustainable procurement and environmental management and is a Member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (MCIWEM).
Phos Hayes | Cardiff University & UWE (Welsh Gov Placement)
Phos is a second-year PhD student affiliated with Cardiff University and UWE Bristol through the SWBio DTP. Their research investigates the interactions between fungi and bacteria associated with wetwood in broadleaf trees, drawing on interests in microbial ecology and taxonomy. They are currently on placement with the Welsh Government’s forestry policy team, contributing to work that will help shape future forestry research priorities in Wales.