Powys Green Guide Blog
“Talks for Tomorrow” with Dr Rebecca Heaton, November 2025
In her interview with Steffan Powell Dr Rebecca Heaton, Senior Advisor on Sustainability, Climate and Nature, speaks of Wales’s opportunities in land use to save carbon emissions. This was part of the “Talks for Tomorrow” series, broadcasted as part of Wales Climate Week 2025.
The science is there to show how tree-planting is a powerful tool in the work of mitigating for climate change whilst increasing biodiversity. Trees also provide shelter for livestock and help with flood management as shown in the Neath area – curves made in the river there will slow down water loss. We import 80% of our timber currently – something which could be reversed. The conversation is still ongoing for contextual tree planting in respect of the basic requirements of land management with stakeholders. In the Sustainable Farming Scheme 2025 there are optional additional activities that go beyond a baseline requirement that are being consulted upon and discussed. Everyone needs to be a part of the conversation – all businesses, individuals etc - we must promote the benefits of decarbonisation. Governments need to bring people with them for decarbonisation.
To keep rural communities thriving we need multi-generational communities. How does land management help these communities? Welsh Government will be having more consultations soon on this.
How to get the balance right whilst acting now? We need to build resilience around biodiversity and nature to help adaptation. The keyways in agriculture are to: manage nutrients better, use tech to help by means of virtual fences and remote sensing, drone surveying and using AI to process data. Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities are doing good work in this field as well as researching how we can lower methane emittance.
The Nature Friendly Farming Network provides ideas and support in implementing biodiversity actions. For instance, we need more saltmarsh land which allows carbon in soil to run off more gently thus increasing biodiversity. https://www.nffn.org.uk/
The creation of the ‘UK Peatland Code’ guides landowners on the care of peatland as well as grants (https://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/news/natural-resources-wales-announces-new-funding-peatland-restoration). The ‘Hedgerow Creation Fund’ encourages planting for biodiversity too (https://www.gov.wales/small-grants-environment-hedgerow-creation-general-rules-booklet-html).
Rebecca speaks of wind farms being the most efficient and cheapest form of electricity, if done in right way with a benefit to all community – not just the landowner. Growth in this industry needs to be transparent and meaningful, taking into consideration any impact on businesses and gives the example of pylons and campsites.
An often-forgotten area is soil which is crucial. Around 80% of carbon stored is in our soil, not just the trees! Care of this precious resource looks after its long-term health for crop production. ‘Future Wales – The National Plan 2040’, the ‘Agriculture Wales Act 2023’ and the ‘Sustainable Farming Scheme 2025’ all address this vital part of nature. Soil science is now a career choice of many who wish to see a healthier planet in the future.
Electric cars are a big part of the solution of living in this area of Wales’s lowest population where we are often dependant on vehicles every day. Greater infrastructure is needed for this to succeed.
Wales is a country who is committed to decarbonisation as shown by its Future Generation Act and is small and nimble; making it able to adapt more easily. Wales has the best recycling in Europe made possible by it devolved powers and its world class innovation. Welsh Government needs to continue to be a supportive environment for its people to be able to contribute their ideas, for communities and culture to thrive and to meet its forward-thinking visions for the future. We have the building blocks; excellent resources and land available, to show the way.
The recent Wales Climate Week 2025 can be used as a catalyst for action; to share ideas, to listen and respond effectively to differing needs.
Check out more presentations and interviews on You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/@WelshGovernmentOfficial.
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