Plant! A tree for every child: second woodland announced

16 Feb 2009 05:10 PM

Woodland in the shadow of Cadair Idris has been chosen as the second site for the Welsh Assembly Government scheme to plant a tree for every child born or adopted in Wales.

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones recently visited Coed Ysgubor Wen, Llanegryn, near Tywyn, to mark the launch of the Coed Cadw (Woodland Trust) site as the second in the Plant! scheme.

At a launch event timed to celebrate St Valentine’s Day, local children decorated a large heart sculpture made by local artist Anna Evans. The children hung small hearts on the large heart, embellished with leaf shapes corresponding to the wood from which the hearts were carved.

The Plant! scheme was launched in December 2007, and is a commitment in the One Wales programme as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s drive to achieve a sustainable environment. By planting up to 30 hectares of new woodland a year, the scheme will make a significant contribution to the creation of a Welsh National Forest of native trees.

To date, 22,000 mixed native broadleaf trees have been planted at Cefn Ila, near Usk.

Elin Jones said:

Since the Plant! scheme was launched in December 2007, the new woodlands are thriving at the original site at Cefn Ila in Monmouthshire. Together with this new site at Ysgubor Wen, a tree will have been planted for every child born or adopted in Wales since the start of the initiative.

As those children grow older, they will be able to follow the progress of the site of their very own tree and appreciate the importance of protecting and supporting woodland plants and wildlife.

The expansion of our native woodlands echoes our commitment to One Wales and the environmental properties provided by trees and woodlands.

Jerry Langford, Director of the Woodland Trust, said:

The symbolism of planting a tree to celebrate a child’s birth marks the beginning of their life with a positive environmental action. It will inspire further positive steps by all families involved in the project.

The Plant! scheme is being delivered by Forestry Commission Wales in partnership with Coed Cadw on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.