With world leaders coming together for the COP26 climate conference, a lot of focus has been on the environment and what can be done to tackle the climate crisis. Efforts have also been made closer to home.

In Caerphilly town’s Morgan Jones Park, 600 trees were planted as part of the ‘Tiny Forest’ project.

Around 700 people attended the tree-planting event, with pupils from schools across Caerphilly town taking part in the event.

The project is run by Climate Action Caerphilly – a local volunteer group committed to taking steps to build Caerphilly’s resilience to climate change and to work with the community on positive climate initiatives.

A 30ft gratitude tree, created with the help of local artist Kate Raggett, was created in the park for the event, while free activities such as face painting, music, dancing, storytelling, games and crafts were also held.

The project has been funded by the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposals Tax Scheme, and administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David was among those who took part in the event. He said: “I went along with my two daughters and we had a wonderful day, all in the name of tackling the climate crisis.

“The volunteers of Climate Action Caerphilly are brilliant and their commitment invaluable. I’ll continue to support them however I can and we will all continue to play our part in Caerphilly.”

Elsewhere in Caerphilly, South Wales East MS Delyth Jewell, visited Caerphilly Miners’ Centre recently, where she spoke with a group of primary school children about their views on the climate crisis.

Ms Jewell said she was “truly inspired” by the young environmentalists.

“The children have passion, understanding and knowledge of climate change, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to hear their ideas for the future,” she said.

Ms Jewell also spoke with the volunteers involved with the centre’s climate change garden – a National Lottery funded initiative.

Climate change garden volunteer Chris Meara said: “Everyone is welcome to visit our garden or to see the digital garden develop on our website. We also welcome any new gardeners that want to get involved.

“This is an important demonstration project and one that can give the local community tips and ideas that they can take home to their own gardens.”