It is now almost two years since the Friends of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park launched two schemes for local schools and youth groups, providing money and practical assistance for environmental projects. The Friends’ Project Fund, provides small grants of up to £1,500 to local schools for projects and activities that further the charity’s aims – to conserve the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, or to enhance understanding of its special qualities. The Friends’ Tree Planting Scheme provides trees, planning advice and manpower to schools or other community groups wishing to plant a small woodland, hedge or orchard.

Friends’ Chairman, Steve Drinkwater, said: “Inspiring future generations to appreciate our amazing National Park is essential for its future development and security. We can provide financial help to local schools to develop projects and take pupils out into the park to experience at first hand its beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.”

Although the pandemic has meant schools have been closed for much of the time, several projects have been carried out successfully. These include tree/hedge planting at schools in Croes Goch, Puncheston, Fishguard, and Saundersfoot, the funding of outdoor seating for an open air classroom at Ysgol Bro Ingli in Newport, purchase of a polytunnel to grow food at Johnston CP School and the planting of trees and provision of woodcraft tools at Ysgol Harri Tudur in Pembroke.

Autumn and winter are the ideal seasons for tree planting so the Friends are again seeking applications for the Tree Planting Scheme, though applications for the Project Fund are also always welcome.

The Friends Tree Planting Coordinator said: “There’s never been a better moment to join the mission to plant the millions of trees required to hit the national target. Wales has committed to planting 86 million trees over the next decade and schools are being encouraged to be a part of that great effort. Planting trees, tending them and seeing them thrive is a wonderful and practical way for children to connect with nature, engage with the climate challenge and make a practical difference”.

Full details of the both schemes and application forms can be found at:

The Friends welcomes new members of all ages and runs a comprehensive series of events including visits, walks and talks as well as campaigning to protect the future of the park. A Friends work party carries out conservation and enhancement work within the National Park.