Wrexham Council’s work to protect, plant and plan for trees across the county borough has been highlighted as a good-practice example in a new Future Generations Wales asset management case study.
The case study looks at how the council, and the Wrexham Forest Partnership are using evidence, partnership working and targeted investment to improve tree cover and green infrastructure for communities.
It references Wrexham’s much-loved sweet chestnut tree in Acton Park, which was voted UK Tree of the Year in 2023, and highlights the council’s wider commitment to trees and woodland across the county borough.
Through its Tree and Woodland Strategy, the council has committed to a target of at least 20% urban canopy cover across Wrexham. The case study also highlights the council’s Green Infrastructure Audit, which looked at council-owned land to identify suitable locations for tree planting and areas where better habitat connections could be created.
The Wrexham Forest Partnership brings together organisations including Natural Resource Wales, the Woodland Trust, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Keep Wales Tidy, Llais y Goedwig, Welsh Dee Trust, AVOW and Wrexham University, coordinated by the council.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council and Biodiversity and Ecology champion said, “This recognition is a strong endorsement of Wrexham’s commitment to biodiversity, ecology and green infrastructure.”
“Trees and woodland play a vital role in creating habitats, supporting wildlife and connecting green spaces across the county borough. By taking an evidence led approach, we can make sure this work benefits the communities that need it most, while protecting and enhancing nature for future generations.”
Last winter, Wrexham Council, with the support of the Wrexham Forest Partnership, planted over 9,000 trees across the county borough. Supported by funding from the Woodland Trust Emergency Tree Fund, Trees for Cities, Local Places for Nature and the Shared Prosperity Fund, the planting programme focused on priority areas with low tree canopy cover and poor Tree Equity Scores.
Councillor Mark Pritchard added, “It’s fantastic to see Wrexham’s work recognised as an example of good practice. Trees and green spaces play such an important role in supporting nature, improving air quality, reducing flood risk and creating healthier places for our communities.”
“The work of the Wrexham Forest Partnership shows what can be achieved when organisations work together, using evidence to make sure tree planting takes place where it will have the greatest benefit.”
Wrexham Council has been awarded Tree City of the World for three consecutive years, an international designation that requires demonstrable commitment to planning, planting, maintaining and celebrating the urban forest.
