14.02.2022

Over 1,700 trees have been planted in Tremorfa Park for the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) at a special event to commemorate Cardiff's status as a Champion City.

More than 150 volunteers from the local community were invited to "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee", in partnership with Trees for Cities and the QGC, at Tremorfa Park on Saturday 12 February.

The tree planting event also contributes to Cardiff Council's ambitious Coed Caerdydd project which will see over 16,000 trees planted across the city this year, over 3x more trees than we planted in 2019.

Local schoolchildren from Moorland Primary and St Alban's RC Primary Schools launched the planting in the park ahead of the volunteer event, planting 250 trees on Friday 11 February.

The trees will help to significantly increase tree canopy cover in the city and support habitats and food for local wildlife.

David Elliott, Chief Executive of Trees for Citieshosted the event and was joined by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs. Morfudd Meredith who presented the Champion City shield to Cardiff Council's Leader and Councillor for Splott, Cllr Huw Thomas.

Other guests included local councillors, members of the Parks Department and local community members and businesses from the Splott area.

Cardiff Council's Leader and Councillorfor Splott, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "I'm delighted that Cardiff has been successful in achieving Champion City status under the Queen's Green Canopy. It's recognition of what we've achieved over the past few years and our future green plans for the city.

"It's very clear from the turn-out of volunteers today how important a thriving park and green space is to everyone; this has become really apparent over the last few years when we've come to rely on our outdoor public spaces. Volunteers play a crucial part in the success of any event like this, and I'd like to thank everyone for their huge contribution today, especially giving up their time on a Six Nations match day. It is very much appreciated.

"These 1,700 new trees will hugely increase tree canopy cover in Splott and isone of many initiatives carried out by the council to support tree planting. 16,000 trees across the city is an incredibly impressive amount and will bring massive benefits - boosting biodiversity, improving air quality and having a positive effect on the health and well-being of both our residents and visitors.

"Today has been a great example of how we can make a big difference, creating a greener, happier and healthier city for now and for future generations, while making huge strides in tackling the effects of climate change."

David Elliott, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with the Queens Green Canopy and Cardiff City Council to bring the multiple benefits of urban trees to local communities in Cardiff. We look forward to working alongside local residents who are getting 'stuck in' to help the largest city in Wales reach its city-wide target of 25% canopy cover over the next ten years!"

Through the partnership, we are encouraging local people to come together to plant a tree for the Jubilee as a legacy to Her Majesty's service to the nation, while also delivering urban greening as part of Cardiff's Coed Caerdydd initiative to make Cardiff a greener and healthier place to live!"

Trees for Cities is also working with ten local schools in Cardiff to connect young people with nature to inspire a new generation of urban tree planters.

The Council's One Planet Strategy includes an aim to increase tree canopy from 18.9% to 25% by 2030. In order to do this, Cardiff council have established a long-term tree planting programme for the city called Coed Caerdydd.

Coed Caerdydd, aims to not only increase Cardiff's canopy cover but also inspire residents through community work to protect trees and raise awareness of their importance.Find out more here:  www.outdoorcardiff.com/biodiversity/coed-caerdydd

The Queen's Green Canopy is a unique initiative which invites people across the United Kingdom to"Plant a Tree for the Jubilee".Champion City status recognises all the work partners across the city-region have been doing to plant even more trees where they will bring the most benefit for our communities and our environment.

Additional information

• Tree canopy covers around 2,658 hectares in Cardiff.
• In addition, the council owns 869 hectares of woodland.
• The city council owns around 1.4 million individual trees. This includes trees in parks and open spaces, on highway verges, on housing estates, within the grounds of schools, and around community facilities.
• Cardiff Council will plant 839 hectares of new trees by 2030.
• 371 new trees were planted between April 2019 and April 2021, including 65 street trees /51 Park trees 22 Housing sites. Also 2000 transplants were planted

• This planting season, Cardiff Council plans to plant more than 16,000 trees, supported by its tree wardens and community volunteers. This includes all trees from transplants through to semi mature trees.

• During National Tree Week, Cardiff's tree wardens, environmental volunteers and corporate groups helped to plant over 400 small trees atCeltic Park, Whitchurch; Kitchener Gardens, Riverside andParc Y Pentre,Rhiwbina.
• Cardiff Council's One Planet Strategy includes an aim to increase tree canopy from 18.9% to 25% by 2030. In order to do this, Cardiff council have established a long-term tree planting programme for the city called Coed Caerdydd. Find out more about Coed Caerdydd here:www.outdoorcardiff.com/biodiversity/coed-caerdydd

Related stories:

• Cardiff-wide tree-planting drive marks National Tree Week
• Cardiff's five-year plan to revitalise its city centre post pandemic
• Cardiff announced as Champion City by the Queen's Green Canopy