Tree planting project helping tackle climate change and protect future generations

The lasting legacy of a ground-breaking, tree-planting initiative has been praised by Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths.

Plant! – the Welsh word for children – was set up by the Welsh Government in 2008.  It pledges that for every child born or adopted in Wales, a tree is planted in celebration, creating new woodlands for future generations across the country.

In 2014, the scheme expanded as the Welsh Government began working with the charity, Size of Wales to plant trees in Mbale, Uganda as part of their Wales for Africa programme.

Since then, two trees have been planted to mark the birth or adoption of a child in Wales – one in Wales and one in the Ugandan region.

In addition to fighting climate change – one of the biggest issues of our time – the trees grown in Uganda protect local people from the effects of soil erosion, which can cause deadly landslides.

The trees also provide local communities with fresh fruit and shelter and an important source of income.

In October last year, the ten millionth tree was planted, with a special joint ceremony taking place in Mbale and Cardiff to mark the milestone.

The Welsh Government aim to plant 25 million trees by 2025.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “For a number of years, the Welsh Government’s Plant! and Size of Wales projects have been helping people tackle climate change by encouraging them to take simple positive actions.”

“Both are relatively unsung initiatives aiming to leave a lasting legacy and protect future generations, both at home and abroad.”

“As well as supporting the Mbale community in Uganda, Plant! woodland sites are located across Wales, including the Caia Community Woods in Caia Park.”