CLWYD South MP Simon Baynes has taken on more responsibility at Parliament after he was elected chairman of an environmental parliamentary group.

Mr Baynes was elected chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Woods and Trees on Tuesday, December 20, which is a cross-party group of MPs and members of the House of Lords.

It meets regularly to discuss the important role of woods and trees in tackling the nature and climate crises, as well as the importance of woods and trees to communities across the UK.

The APPG is supported by the Woodland Trust – the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity – who were celebrating their 50-year anniversary during 2022.

Mr Baynes said it was 'an honour' to be elected chairman for the group having already given it his support previously.

He added: “I am delighted to have been elected as chairman of the APPG on Woods and Trees.

"I have supported the group and the Woodland Trust for many years in championing the role of woods and trees in society, and particularly the importance of protecting our oldest and most precious ancient woods and trees.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in Parliament, the Woodland Trust and other stakeholders to continue to improve protections for our most precious habitats, support our farmers to make best use of trees on farms to support food security and nature.

"And emphasise the vital role of access to nature near to where people live.”

Dr James Cooper of the Woodland Trust welcomed Mr Baynes as the new chairman of the cross-Parliament group.

He said: "We warmly welcome Simon as chairman.

"He takes over at a time of increasing political awareness of the vital importance of woods and trees in delivering on some of the great policy challenges of our age.

"We look forward to working with Simon to help ensure that we have the best policies possible in place."