Madam,

The people of Ceredigion have always been fond and proud of their woodlands. But sadly these alluring areas appear to be waning in number.

Anyone who is familiar with our countryside cannot help but notice the extensive loss of forestry over the last few years.

Well-established woodlands where local walkers and tourists once frequented are now to be found devastated and barren.

These large unsightly patches are visible across the county for all to see. Thousands of coniferous and deciduous trees have been felled for timber. Habitats where wildlife like Red Kites and Pine Martens were known to thrive. Wooded areas around Nant yr Arian, Mynydd March and Bont Goch are some of the most unabashed examples of this.

There are obviously legitimate reasons for felling some areas, like preventing the spread of larch disease, but this cannot be argued everywhere. Replanting must be made a priority to address the imbalance, before the task becomes too substantial to take on.

What is behind this extraordinary and rapid push can be speculated. But the long-term harm to the beauty of the Welsh countryside in the era of climate change is real and must not be underestimated.

Yours etc, Name and address supplied.

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