FC Wales appoints forensics expert

Gareth Herbert has joined Forestry Commission Wales’ grants and regulations team as a regulatory administrative officer.

Mr Herbert, who has an HNC in computer forensics, joined FC Wales a year ago as a switchboard operator in the Commission’s contact centre, fielding calls from people seeking advice on forestry issues.

In his new role he is responsible for processing applications for felling licences.

FC Wales receives around 200 felling licence applications every year and Mr Herbert has three days to acknowledge each application and put the process in motion.

Failure to request a licence can, in some circumstances, result in prosecution and a heavy fine.