Coed Cadw Cymru (The Woodland Trust) has announced the launch of its new manifesto - Growing Wales' future - ahead of the National Assembly elections on 5 May.

The document calls on residents across Wales to ask their local candidates about their plans to promote the creation and protection of the country's native woodland. Among the main plans set out in the manifesto is the adoption of a target to double the cover of native woodland in Wales over the next 50 years.

The trust also calls for the creation of a National Forest Park in the South Wales valleys and the protection of ancient woods and trees. Woodland Trust president Clive Anderson said: "Wales will be missing a trick if it fails to make the most of the many benefits native woodland and trees have to offer."