A new scheme aimed at putting the squeeze on criminals and making the south Wales forest a safer place for everyone to enjoy was launched at the Forestry Commission Wales outdoor theatre in Afan Forest Park on Tuesday, July 17.
First there was Neighbourhood Watch, then came Pub Watch. Now, FC Wales is launching Forest Watch - a community crime prevention initiative targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in the woods of South Wales.

Already, FC Wales has appointed a serving policeman - PC 3753 Andrew Scourfield - on a three-year secondment from South Wales Police as the Commission's first Forest Crime Officer to bolster its war on people who break the law in our woods.
Andrew, who will co-ordinate the Forest Watch scheme, will be one of the key speakers during the launch at Theatr Tymaen, which starts at 2pm. He will also introduce guests to a Crimewatch-style "rogues' gallery" of crimes which take place in our woods, including a burnt-out car, a pile of fly-tipping, a forest barrier cut in half and a drugs stash hidden under some turf.
A scrambler bike will be heard roaring in the background and smoke grenades will simulate a forest fire.
Andrew, who took up his role in January following a six-month stint to examine the extent of crime in the south Wales forest, said, "The criminals have had it their own way for too long.
Adrew egy hathónaps megbízatást követően már januárban vállalkozott a feladatra.
"I want to see a noticeable reduction in forest crime. I want the south Wales forest to become a much safer environment for people and I want the criminals to know the forest is no longer a safe haven for them."
The scheme has been piloted in the Neath and Port Talbot area for more than a year before today's official launch, and it has already provided information and intelligence from Watch members that has led to the arrests of offenders and a reduction of offences in certain areas, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Notices, similar to Neighbourhood Watch signs visible in streets throughout the country, will be erected in areas of the forest notifying people that the scheme is in operation and to act as a deterrent to criminals.
The Forest Watch signs bear a logo designed by 14-year-old Laura Thomas of Dyffryn Comprehensive School in Margam, who will be presented with a plaque - along with the headmaster of her school - after winning a competition to design a logo for the scheme.
The scheme, which will involve members of the local community who have an interest in protecting their local woodlands and forests, Forestry Commission Wales, South Wales Police and local authorities, will operate in much the same way as other "Watch" schemes.
People who witness or become suspicious about any illegal or anti-social activity in the woods will be able to dial a confidential hotline or write to an email address.
It's hoped the increasing level of information will contribute to a safer forest environment for everybody to enjoy by introducing early warning systems in and around the forest and reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour.
It will also improve the flow of intelligence between the police and local communities, and improve the relationship between key agencies involved in tracking down offenders, such as the Environment Agency and local authorities.
Antony Wallis, the FC Wales manager in charge of the south Wales forest, said, "The forest has been regarded by some selfish, anti-social people as a place for them to commit crime with impunity.
"This will no longer be the case. Forest Watch is our response to this behaviour and shows our determination to ensure that our wonderful woodlands can remain places for everyone to enjoy."
Members of the public can pass any information in strict confidence to Andrew Scourfield on 0845 604 0845 or email him on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Andrew Scourfield's Top 10 criminal or anti-social activities in the woods are:
1. Off-road trespass on motorcycles and 4x4s etc. “A number of safety issues. A risk to themselves as well as others.”
2. Criminal damage. Some linked to 1. above, but also to gates, fences, picnic sites etc.
3. Fly-tipping. Damages the environment and spoils the forest for visitors. “A big problem which costs us thousands of pounds to clear every year.”
4. Auto crime. “The forests are often used as a dumping ground.”
5. Drug dealers hiding their supplies in the forest.
6. Organised deer poaching by gangs who sell the meat.
7. Theft from contractor vehicles. “A target at night.”
8. Car park theft — cars and possessions left in them.
9. Sexual activity sites. Three major problem sites in South Wales, publicised on the web.
10. Arson.
Forestry Commission Wales is the government department responsible for forestry policy and looks after the 320,000 acres (130,000ha) of public forests owned by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Wales's forests cover 14% of the country's land area - equivalent to the size of Carmarthenshire. The Welsh Assembly Government owns 40% of Wales's woodlands, with the remained either privately owned or in the voluntary sector.
The south Wales valleys forest is the largest urban forest in western Europe, with 1.5 million people - 60 per cent of the population of Wales – living in or around it.
To get to Theatr Tymaen heading from the south, take exit at J off the M4,
Media enquiries to Forestry Commission Wales Information Officer, Clive Davies, on 0845 604 0845, mobile 07788 190922.
Further information on the woodlands of Wales can be found on the Forestry Commission Wales website, www.forestry.gov.uk