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Households across Wales will be able to collect a tree, free of charge, as part of a Welsh Government initiative to tackle the climate emergency.
The trees will be able to be picked up from Saturday, November 19, with 50 collection hubs open across Wales as part of the My Tree Our Forest scheme.
Three of these hubs, which are run by Coed Cadw, are in Caerphilly County Borough.
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.”
They can be found at Parc Penallta’s main car park and Cwmcarn Forest Drive’s visitor centre, as well as Ty Mynyddislwyn on Bryn Road, Pontllanfraith.
When are the hubs open?
Cwmcarn Forest Drive – Tuesdays between 2pm and 2.30pm.
Parc Penallta – Thursdays between 2pm and 2.30pm.
Ty Mynyddislwyn – Mondays to Thursdays between 10am and 3.30pm, and Fridays between 10am to 3pm.
Nearly 300,000 trees are up for grabs, with trained volunteers on hand at the collection hubs to offer advice on choosing the right tree for the right space.
Ten different species of native and broadleaf trees are available, including: Hazel; Rowan; Hawthorn; Silver Birch; Crab Apple; Sessile Oak; Dogwood; Dog Rose; Field Maple; and Elder.
Once planted, the trees will form part of the National Forest for Wales.
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.
Wales’ Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, said: “Trees are a lifeline to us and all of the amazing life that they support. Where would our birds, insects and animals be without them? Where would we be without them?
“As COP27 draws to a close in Egypt, our continued Team Wales effort in fronting up to the climate and nature emergencies is essential.
“By growing a beautiful tree in your own backyard, you can kickstart your contribution and help grow a healthy and happy Wales for us and our future generations to benefit from.”
According to the Welsh Government, experts have advised that Wales must plant 86 million trees over the next decade to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Natalie Buttriss, Director of Coed Cadw said he hopes the scheme will “inspire people from all backgrounds, regions and walks of life to get involved, and as a result, feel more connected to the multiple benefits that trees can bring.”
From November 21, trees can be ordered online and delivered.
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