Every household in Wales being offered a free tree to collect from tomorrow | UK News
Every household in Wales is being offered a tree, free of charge, as part of a plan to help fight climate change.
The Welsh Government and Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, gave away 5,000 trees in the first part of the My Tree Our Forest initiative in March.
Now, another 295,000 trees will be available on a first-come-first-served basis from Saturday 19 November until Monday 19 December, with take-up of the offer to be monitored in case they run out.
They can be collected from more than 50 locations across Wales. Find your nearest hub on the map below:
A total of 10 different species of tree will be available: Hazel, Rowan, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Crab Apple, Sessile Oak, Dogwood, Dog Rose, Field Maple, Elder.
People not able to collect a tree can have one posted to them from Monday – or have a tree planted on their behalf – with details on how to choose either option available on the Coed Cadw website.
Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “Trees are a lifeline to us and all of the amazing life that they support. Where would our birds, insects and animals be without them? Where would we be without them?
“I want everyone in Wales to check out our website to find your nearest tree giveaway hub and pick up your free broadleaf tree from tomorrow.”
She said “wonderful volunteers” would be able to provide expert advice to help people “choose the right tree for your space and situation”.
“As COP27 draws to a close in Egypt, our continued Team Wales effort in fronting up to the climate and nature emergencies is essential,” she said.
Wales’ Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters gives a sapling to one family during the first part of the scheme in March
“By growing a beautiful tree in your own backyard, you can kickstart your contribution and help grow a healthy and happy Wales for us and our future generations to benefit from.”
Those behind the project point out that as well as removing carbon from the air and improving mental health, broadleaf trees are a haven for birds and wildlife.
Natalie Buttriss, Director of Coed Cadw said: “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 get involved, and as a result, feel more connected to the multiple benefits that trees can bring”