WELSH FORESTRY: Experts have slammed government attempts to plant more trees across Wales.

The Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor) said 640 hectares of new woodland were created last year, but this was barely 12 per cent of the yearly target of 5,000 hectares.

Confor’s Elaine Harrison said: “These are dismal figures. Both Scotland and England planted far more woodland.”

The Welsh government said it was working to produce a timber industrial strategy to support and develop the industry.

SELF HARM: Official figures have shown self-harming incidents at Parc Prison, Bridgend, have more than doubled in the last year.

The latest Ministry of Justice figures showed 2,330 incidents in the year ending in March — up from 1,088 in 2022-23. Berwyn and Cardiff prisons also saw more self-harm incidents, though there was a fall at Swansea prison.

An HMP Parc spokesperson said self-harm incidents “have been reducing significantly” since April.

MUSIC CUTS: The Senedd culture committee has slammed the closure of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s young music and acting weekend programmes. 

The scrutiny committee called on the Welsh government today to generate alternative opportunities in music and drama.

Senedd member Delyth Jewell said: “We’re calling on the Welsh government to do all it can to generate alternative opportunities and to secure sustainable pathways into professional training within Wales.”

The Welsh government was asked to comment.

BIG RIDE: Newport Palestine supporters have announced a fundraising cycle ride from Newport to Bristol on August 3 to raise money for the Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA), a charity supporting children in Gaza. 

Newport PSC’s David Selway said: “Join us to send off the cyclists. Let’s show our support and raise funds for the children of Gaza.”

Meet by the pedestrian footbridge and in front of the University of South Wales, NP20 2BP, from 10am-noon.