18 December 2007
Tree for every child scheme launched
The innovative scheme to plant a tree for every new baby and adopted child in Wales will begin in the New Year, forging a strong link between children and their environment, the Welsh Assembly Government’s First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced today.
The scheme, called Plant!, was originally announced in February this year and is a commitment in the One Wales programme as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s drive to have a sustainable environment. By planting up to 30 hectares of new woodland a year, the scheme will make a significant contribution to the creation of a Welsh National Forest of native trees.
Approximately 35,000 children are born or adopted in Wales each year, and when Plant! gets under way the families of every child born or adopted will receive a certificate telling them where their child’s tree is planted and how they can go and visit the site. The scheme has been set up on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government by Coed Cadw (Woodland Trust) and Forestry Commission Wales.
The original idea for the scheme came from Cardiff schoolgirl Natalie Vaughan and she joined the First Minister today at the Woodland Trust site, Cefn Ila near Usk, which is one of the first sites designated for Plant! Both planted a tree with the help of pupils from Ysgol Llanfair Kilgeddin.
The First Minister said: “This scheme is a win win for us all, as it not only contributes to regenerate our native woodlands but also links children with the natural environment. As they grow older they will be able to follow the progress of the site of their very own tree and appreciate the importance of protecting and supporting our native species of plant and wildlife.
“Plant! will connect young people with the world of nature, and will also show how they can take action themselves to make their local communities better places environmentally.”
Jerry Langford of the Woodland Trust said: “The symbolism of planting a tree to mark a child’s birth marks the beginning of their life with a positive environmental action. It will inspire further positive steps by all families involved in the project.”
The parents of all children born or adopted in Wales from 1 January, 2008 will receive a certificate stating that their tree has been planted for them. Further information about how to visit the site and how to get involved in the project will be published on the Welsh Assembly Government website: www.wales.gov.uk/plantatree Community and school planting events will be organised locally to help raise awareness for the project and its aims.
For media enquiries contact:
Rory Francis (Publicity and Public Affairs Officer for Wales) on 01766 832563 or 07760 171174
Afallon, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3RH
Email roryfrancis@woodland-trust.org.uk
Or Lea Hughes on 02920 232242
Or The Woodland Trust Press Office email media@woodland-trust.org.uk or Tel 01476 581121
Images
Medium resolution images of the launch event can be downloaded here:
Rhodri Morgan plants a tree with Natalie Vaughan (centre)
Rhodri Morgan with children from Ysgol Llanfair Kilgeddin
Rhodri Morgan with children from Ysgol Llanfair Kilgeddin
Notes for editors
A mixture of broadleaved trees native to Wales will be planted as part of the scheme.
Coed Cadw (Woodland Trust)
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 250,000 members and supporters. The Trust has four key aims:
No further loss of ancient woodland
Restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods
Increasing new native woodland
Increasing people’s awareness and enjoyment of woodland. www.coed-cadw.org.uk
Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission’s mission is to deliver ‘Better Woodlands for a Better Wales’. Their vision is that all woodland in Wales will be sustainably managed and valued by the people of Wales. They are the managers of the Welsh Assembly Government’s woodlands and outside the Assembly-owned woodlands they encourage sustainable woodland management through grant incentives and regulation including licensing for felling and replanting. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/wales
