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An apple tree donated by the Wales Green Party earlier this year has now been planted in Caerphilly’s Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard.
Party leader Anthony Slaughter and Caerphilly by-election candidate Gareth Hughes joined members of the local Ukrainian community at Morgan Jones Park for the ceremony on Monday October 6.
The orchard was first established in January 2024 by Ukrainian refugees living in Caerphilly to thank residents for their hospitality since Russia’s invasion. It was expanded in March with further tree plantings, and has since been named the Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard.
Speaking at the latest ceremony, Mr Slaughter said: “This tree symbolises hope, peace, and the enduring friendship between our communities. The orchard is an inspiring example of communities working together and supporting each other in the face of many challenges.”
Gareth Hughes added: “It was an honour to stand alongside our Ukrainian friends in this garden of friendship. Wales has a proud tradition of welcome and kindness, and the Green Party will always stand for compassion and solidarity.”
Yuliia Bond, who represents the Ukrainian community in Caerphilly, spoke of the importance of the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary programme – a policy opposed by Reform UK and the Welsh Conservatives, but supported by the Greens, Labour, and Plaid Cymru.
She said: “Thank you to the Wales Green Party for standing with the Ukrainian refugee community – your support truly matters in these challenging times.
“The Nation of Sanctuary programme is a lifeline for us, with 85% of its funding helping Ukrainians integrate, learn language, and find jobs. Amid growing misinformation and far-rights narratives, it’s vital to remember this scheme builds inclusion, not division. We’re deeply grateful for your compassion and solidarity Diolch. Дякуємо.”
Around 6,000 Ukrainians have resettled in Wales since 2022, with about 120 now living in Caerphilly County Borough.
Caerphilly’s by-election candidates for October 23
- Welsh Liberal Democrats – Steve Aicheler
- Gwlad – Anthony Cook
- Wales Green Party – Gareth Hughes
- Welsh Conservatives – Gareth Potter
- Reform UK – Llŷr Powell
- UKIP – Roger Quilliam
- Richard Tunnicliffe – Labour
- Lindsay Whittle – Plaid Cymru
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