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More than 60,000 tree saplings have been given away as part of a Welsh Government climate initiative which has seen 300,000 trees planted across the country.
The saplings were given away over February half-term, as well as back in November.
The giveaway is part of the Welsh Government’s My Tree Our Forest initiative to tackle the climate emergency and create a ‘National Forest for Wales’.
They could be collected free of charge from a variety of ‘hubs’ across Wales, run by Coed Cadw and Llais y Goedwig.
What is the National Forest for Wales?
The National Forest for Wales was announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford back in 2020.
The idea was to create new areas of woodland across Wales, as well as maintaining ancient woodlands across the country, as part of an effort to protect nature and counter the loss of biodiversity.
When it was announced, it was supported with £5m of Welsh Government funding.
What is Coed Cadw?
Coed Cadw is the Woodland Trust in Wales.
On it’s website, it states: “We plant trees and campaign for better protection for woodlands and trees across the country.
“We also look after more than 100 woods which are yours to explore whenever you like. Together, we can stand up for trees in Wales.
“For wildlife. For people.”
In Caerphilly County Borough, hubs were set up at Parc Penallta, Cwmcarn Forest Drive, Ty Mynyddislwyn on Bryn Road, Pontllanfraith and Lawn Industrial Estate in Rhymney.
Ten different species of native and broadleaf trees were available, including: Hazel; Rowan; Hawthorn; Silver Birch; Crab Apple; Sessile Oak; Dogwood; Dog Rose; Field Maple; and Elder.
In total, almost 30,000 saplings were given away from collection hubs across Wales, with a further 33,000 given away in the post.
People also had the option to have a tree planted on their behalf, with 17,000 taking up this option.
A further 225,000 trees were given out to a variety of projects, community groups, councils, charities and private landowners with space to plant the trees.
An extra 9,000 trees had been planted by schools across the country alongside Keep Wales Tidy – bringing the total number of trees planted through the scheme to around 300,000.
The Welsh Government’s climate change minister, Julie James, hailed the “incredible campaign” and said: “I want to thank everyone who planted a tree for themselves, their families and friends, and our future generations in Wales.
“I want to thank Coed Cadw and Llais Y Goedwig’s army of volunteers who distributed the trees – sharing advice, knowledge and smiles to everyone who took part.”
Ms James said “positive meetings” had been held with the organisations involved in the project to “continue building on the success” of the project.
Natalie Buttriss, director of Coed Cadw said: “People from every corner of the country came together to play their part in My Tree Our Forest and we want to thank everyone who stepped up to claim their tree.”
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