Welsh Labour’s Member of the Senedd for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney, Dawn Bowden MS, has welcomed the announcement from the Welsh Labour Government that every household in Wales will be offered a free tree to plant to help tackle climate change.

This bold new policy will give residents in Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney the chance to choose a tree of their own to plant or opt to have a tree planted on their behalf. The Deputy Minister also revealed that a consultation would launch early in 2022 on plans to create a National Forest for Wales.

Welsh Labour’s Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS, has confirmed that the Welsh Government has partnered with the Woodland Trust to deliver this campaign.

The first trees will be available to collect from March, from one of five regional community hubs that will be established. The Welsh Government aims to set up a further 20 hubs across Wales by October 2022.

Welcoming the announcement, Dawn Bowden MS said:

“Trees improve biodiversity, boost the quality of our air and can help us to tackle the climate and nature emergency. 

“Each and every one of us must do our bit if we are to tackle the climate change, so I am delighted that our Welsh Labour Government will be offering a free tree to every household in Wales. 

“The campaign will ensure that all can benefit, with the recognition that not every household will be able to plant a tree themselves and the commitment to offering the option of having a tree planted on their behalf. “