Working together with the Woodland Trust, the Welsh Government has launched an initiative to offer every household in Wales the chance to plant a native tree in their garden, or have a tree planted on their behalf.

The ambition is to establish a National Forest for Wales that benefits us all – through education, recreation, health and wellbeing - as well as providing many environmental benefits. The National Forest will be developed over time for generations to enjoy. Similarly, offering trees in this way will give every household in Wales the chance to see their own tree develop for generations to enjoy.

It is hoped this initiative will inspire many individuals and local community groups to become involved in the National Forest Programme.

The first trees will be available to collect from March 2022, from one of five regional community hubs. In time up to 20 further hubs across Wales will be established by October 2022.

Speaking on at a visit to a major Coed Cadw woodland creation project on December 6, Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said:

“Trees are amazing - they save lives by keeping our air clean, they improve people’s physical and mental health, they are essential for tackling our nature emergency, improving biodiversity and, of course, in tackling climate change.

“Everyone will have a part to play if we are to be successful in tackling climate change and realising our ambitions to create a National Forest for Wales.

“We understand that not all households will be able to plant a tree themselves, but will still be keen to get involved,” he explained.

“That is why we will make an option available to ‘plant a tree for me’, which will allow for people to opt to have a free tree planted on their behalf at locations across Wales via the community hubs and volunteers.

Instructions and guidance will be given to anyone wishing to plant a tree via a network of volunteers in every area. Volunteers will also help to plant trees for those who choose to have a tree planted on their behalf, at locations across Wales.

More information can be found at https://gov.wales/national-forest