7.5.25

An urban forest project developed by Cardiff Council as part of its ‘One Planet Cardiff' response to climate change has planted 36,526 new trees in the last 7 months.

This season's planting, which included 280 new semi-mature trees on Cardiff's streets and another 1,144 semi-mature trees in green spaces around the city, means that over 118,500 trees have been planted since the Coed Caerdydd (Cardiff Forest) project began in late 2021.

Coed Caerdydd volunteers at Westfield Park in Ely.

Oak, Rowan, Hawthorn, Alder, Beech and other native species were some of the most planted trees this year, but the project also saw the reintroduction of rare ‘Gabalva' apple trees to the city for the first time in around 100 years.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke said: "Over time, these new trees will make a real contribution to our net-zero carbon ambitions, as well improving the quality of the air we all breathe, providing important habitats for wildlife, soaking up water in wet conditions, and providing welcome shade during hot weather.

"The community response to the project has been fantastic. Thanks to the help of residents, local community groups, schools and businesses, trees planted as part of the project now cover an area the size of almost 30 Principality Stadium pitches. That wouldn't have been possible without the 16,000 hours of time they have donated to making Cardiff a greener city."

A young volunteer getting involved in a community planting session.

Coed Caerdydd Project Manager, Chloe Thorn, said: "This year we had more than 2,100 volunteers working with us at 114 community planting sessions all over the city and another 800 volunteers helping out at the tree nursery where we look after all our trees until they're planted. It's been amazing, but even now the planting season has ended there are still loads of opportunities for volunteers to get involved.

"Looking after the newly-planted trees is really important - which is where the 300 volunteer tree guardians, who help us monitor the health of the new trees and provide additional water where possible, are so great. We're always looking for more volunteers - the more help we have, the quicker Cardiff's forest will grow."

Volunteers at work in the tree nursery.

To find out about volunteering opportunities with the project, visit: https://www.outdoorcardiff.com/biodiversity/coed-caerdydd/volunteering-opportunities/

To sign up to be a Tree Guardian and/or join the project mailing list, email: coedcaerdyddproject@cardiff.gov.uk

All street trees planted in hard surfaces are planted in tree pits which contain root barriers specially designed to force roots downwards, minimising the risk of potential damage to pavements and nearby properties.

Coed Caerdydd in numbers:

• 36,526 trees (including 1,424 semi-mature trees planted, 280 of which were street trees) planted at over 200 public sites this planting season.
• Over 118,500 trees planted since the start of the project.
• Approximately 3km of new hedgerows planted this season.
• 2,243 trees provided to 190 households at tree donations events.
• 5,980 volunteer hours this year - and over 16,000 since the start of the project in 2021.
• 114 community planting events held this planting season, supported by 2,166 new and returning volunteers.
• 50 tree nursery volunteer sessions held this year, attended by 800 volunteers.
• 12 community training events held this year and attended by around 200 people.