Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today
It has been one year since First Minister Mark Drakeford unveiled a memorial woodland in Cwmfelinfach to commemorate those who died during the pandemic.
To mark the anniversary last week, Welsh Government’s climate change minister, Julie James, planted a tree at the site.
Ms James said: “Today is a very sad day as we mark the third anniversary of the first lockdown and think of all those that have lost family and friends.
“I would like to thank Caerphilly Council for offering up this site as one of our commemorative woodlands in Wales to create a beautiful, safe and accessible woodland where people can visit, remember loved ones and spend time in nature.
“I would also like to thank the volunteers who’ve made time to attend today to plant a tree to help create this new woodland, which in time could become 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.
Cllr Chris Morgan, council cabinet member for green spaces, said: “The anniversary is a poignant reminder of the many lives that were sadly lost during the pandemic and the wider impact it had upon us as a nation.
“We’re proud to offer this space in the Caerphilly borough as a place for reflection and remembrance.”
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.
Become a member today