Backing given to “Wrexham Woodland Pledge”

The National Trust Cymru has pledged it support to trees and local woodlands after signing the Wrexham Woodland Pledge.

The organisation, which operates Erddig Hall and Chirk Castle, has given its backing to the scheme and is a member of the Wrexham Forest Partnership; which is committed to working together to protect, enhance and further develop areas of woodland and tree planting locally.

Many key organisations that operate within Wrexham form the Wrexham Forests Partnership including Natural Resources Wales, Woodland Trust, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Keep Wales Tidy, Llais y Goedwig and the Dee Valley Trust as well as organisations that understand the health and wellbeing value of trees and woodlands such as AVOW, Glyndwr University, NHS health board and several more.

National Trust Cymru’s Director, Lhosa Daly said: “As Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust looks after nature, beauty and history for everyone.

“At Erddig in Wrexham, we care for a parkland brimming with woodland and trees that has been enjoyed by people for over 300 years.

“Erddig is also the location of one of Wales’ new commemorative woodlands, where we are creating a beautiful woodland space as a living memorial to those who sadly lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Its vision is that the communities across Wrexham acknowledge and celebrate its tree heritage; and works together to create a connected landscape where trees old and new, are at the heart of our communities now and for future generations.

“Trees are an essential part of our lives; they clean the air we breathe, lock up carbon as they grow and provide homes for wildlife.

“In supporting the Wrexham Woodland Pledge we are signing up to a shared vision to safeguard the future of the trees and woodlands of Wrexham for the benefit of nature, climate and people.”

Wrexham Council developed the Woodland Pledge to safeguard local trees and woodlands, which are integral to the wellbeing, health and quality of life for all who live, work and visit Wrexham.

Trees add considerable environmental, social economic and cultural value to the county borough.

However, their future cannot be taken for granted; climate change, pests and diseases, development, modern agricultural practices and misplaced perceptions of risk are just some of the problems that threaten our trees.

The Pledge considers four key elements:

Woodland creation
Tree planting to create new woodland or expand existing woodlands throughout Wrexham. Help us plant more trees by joining one of our tree planting schemes across the county.

Woodland conservation
Protect and enhance areas of existing woodland for biodiversity, climate change recovery and good quality habitat.

Woodland celebration
Allow nature connection within woodlands for health, wellbeing, play and education.

Woodland commendation
Understand how valuable trees and woodlands are to our everyday lives.

Other businesses and community groups that have signed up to the Wrexham Woodland Pledge since September include:

• Coed Cadw
• Coed Cadw /Woodland Trust
• Ellison Europe Ltd
• Fairways groundcare
• For Trees UK
• Gresford Community Council1
• Jones Family Funeral Directors1
• Llais y Goedwig
• Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru/ Natural Resources Wales
• North Wales Wildlife Trust
• Platts Agriculture Ltd
• The Salvation Army
• Woodland Classroom
• Woodswork CIC1
• Wrexham Litter Pickers

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: “We invite people to give us feedback regarding each of these four themes of what Woodland and Trees mean to them as well as nominate areas for tree planting or special recognition.

“We want the people of Wrexham to be a part of protecting and celebrating our rich tree heritage and the Wrexham Woodland Pledge will allow people to voice their support.

“By joining in with the pledge we want to give people a way to feel part of something bigger, to stay in touch with the council and other organisations and join in with events throughout the year.”