Four “dense and fast growing” Tiny Forests to be created across Wrexham

Four ‘Tiny Forests’ will be created across Wrexham as part of a new scheme to boost biodiversity.

Tiny Forests are dense, fast-growing native woodlands, usually about the size of a tennis court.

The forests are not only great homes for butterflies, birds, bees and other wildlife but also a place for people to connect with, and learn about, nature.

Wrexham Council has secured nearly £160,000 of funding to create Tiny Forests at four sites across the county borough.

This project is funded by the Coetiroedd Bach: Tiny Forests in Wales scheme. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, on behalf of Welsh Government.

Wrexham Council will now work in partnership with WoodsWork CIC, who are known for their work with local communities to provide and protect green spaces for future generations, to establish the four sites.

Work has also started on the first of the sites at Ysgol Bro Alun with work to the other three proposed sites will follow with planting to these planned for next autumn.

The sites will have information boards and signpost to other local woodlands and spaces for nature.

Work will also take place to create a community learning environment and involve interested people as ‘citizen scientists’ to increase community capacity to look after the trees.

WoodsWork CIC will work closely with communities to develop the local community skills base, engage volunteers and ensure sustainability into the future, as well as run citizen’s science sessions throughout the creation and development of the sites.

Through engagement, a schools pack will be developed so that local schools can continue the citizen’s science sessions and incorporate them into the curriculum.

All materials and information will be bilingual with Wrexham Council engaging with Welsh medium schools to aid the development of the education packs so that we can offer these in both Welsh and English.

Cllr David A Bithell, Climate Champion, said: “We’re delighted that funding has been secured for the four sites which will benefit many people in Wrexham.

“As part of the wider Low Carbon Communities projects, we can share our learning and show how these small woodlands can reconnect people with nature and provide all the benefits to nature of larger spaces.”

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Environment, said: “We’re excited to show what can be achieved with smaller and limited areas of land.

“We have some fantastic country parks in Wrexham, but the Tiny Forests will bring something new and different.

“People will get to enjoy the spaces, as well as learn about wildlife and woodland heritage.”

WoodsWork CIC said: “WoodsWork CIC are pleased to be working in partnership with WCBC to plant four Tiny Forests, each of which will include a forest school area.

“As well as the planting and nurturing of the trees, the Tiny Forest concept focuses on education about the natural world, climate change and the importance of green spaces for wellbeing, all of which align with the aims and objectives of our organisation.

“The Tiny Forests will be a valuable asset for local schools and communities and we would welcome anyone interested in getting involved to contact us for further information.”