Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, are urging people to take advantage of the final weekend of the Welsh Government’s tree giveaway, My Tree Our Forest, to help tackle the effects of climate change.
Over the past year, households across Wales have been collecting trees, free of charge, as part of the giveaway, with each tree contributing towards a National Forest for Wales. So far, the project has allocated tens of thousands of trees to Welsh households.
As part of the popular My Tree Our Forest initiative, over 60 collection hubs facilitated by Coed Cadw will close for the final time on 31st March 2023.
With each phase of the giveaway, more collection hubs were introduced across Wales to keep up with demand, including new hubs in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Conwy, Risca and more.
Ten different species of native and broadleaf trees are available to choose from and take home. These are: Hazel; Rowan; Hawthorn; Silver Birch; Crab Apple; Sessile Oak; Dogwood; Dog Rose; Field Maple; and Elder.
As well as cleaning the air and improving our mental health and wellbeing, broadleaf trees are a haven for birds and wildlife. Planting a tree in your garden can improve the biodiversity of your space by providing food and shelter for a range of different species.
Natalie Buttriss, Director of Coed Cadw said: “Tree planting season comes to an end this month, so this is the final window to collect a tree from your local hub and plant it at home to help fight the effects of climate change.
“Trees have always offered simple and cost-effective solutions to the challenges we all face and through the My Tree Our Forest initiative, we hope to inspire people from all backgrounds, regions and walks of life to play their part, and make the most of the multiple benefits trees can bring. Visit a local hub and plant a tree in ’23!”
Members of the Welsh public are encouraged to collect a tree, free of charge, from a local collection hub near them. On collection they will receive advice from trained volunteers on the best tree for their space, as well as how to plant and care for their new tree.
Those unable to attend a hub, can take part in the Plant a Tree for Me element of the campaign where a tree can be planted on their behalf by landowners providing green spaces as part of the scheme, helping to create a National Forest for Wales.
For more information, please visit: woodlandtrust.org.uk/wales-giveaway