A CORWEN speaker will be highlighting carbon management this week.

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 came to an end, the CLA is hosting a major event for Wales this week.

It will examine the outputs of this landmark international conference and the implications for rural landowners and businesses and how they can respond to the challenges and opportunities.

Amongst the keynote speakers at the ‘Rural Wales - an excellent climate for green growth’ Conference, to be held in Cardiff on Wednesday, November 17, is Rhug Estate’s low carbon project manager Mared Williams, who will be giving a presentation on her research into carbon management on the estate.

Other speakers include the Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS.

Caryl Jones from Wales YFC will speak about the expectations and commitment of the next generation, while Dai Jones, chartered forester and managing director of H W Forestry Ltd, will discuss whether growing trees or producing food is the priority for climate proofing Wales.

This free event will be of particular interest to stakeholders, not only focused on the climate change portfolio, but the wider economy, rural affairs and Wales’ place in the wider UK and international community.

Rhug Estate is leading the way by investing in measuring and monitoring its carbon footprint so that improvements can be made to make the entire farm business reach the Government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The aim of Rhug’s low carbon project is to measure and monitor the carbon footprint of the whole estate, including the main in-hand and let farms and forestry, green energy, retail, wholesale and skincare.

It is part of Mared’s remit to create a bespoke action plan to mitigate emissions and enhance carbon sequestration on the estate.

Rhug has taken its first steps and has measured the carbon footprint of Rhug Organic Farm, and as a result they have discovered that due to the work already done on the estate, it is very fortunate to be in a carbon negative position.

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “We feel that it is crucially important that we set out to create a clear road map for the future.

"Climate change is our biggest threat and we owe it to the next generation to do everything we can to mitigate its effects.

"At Rhug we really care about sustainability in everything we do, organic farming, organic skin care, green energy and caring for the environment.

"We are investing in measuring and monitoring our carbon footprint so that we can improve what we do.”

As part of the national CLA Towards Net Zero Conference in London next month, a booklet is being produced.

Rhug Estate’s work on becoming carbon neutral will feature as one of three case studies in the booklet which will be available on the CLA website: www.cla.org.uk