Wrexham Council has been successful in securing nearly £160k of funding to create Tiny Forests at four sites across the county borough.
Tiny Forests are dense, fast-growing native woodlands, usually about the size of a tennis court. These 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.
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.
£159,930 in total has been awarded and we will now be working 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 started on the first of the sites at Ysgol Bro Alun and 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. We will also look 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 our 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. We will engage 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.”
More information on the Coetiroedd Bach: Tiny Forests in Wales scheme can be found on the Welsh Government site.
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