What steps is the Welsh Government taking to protect trees from vandalism?
It is vital that all people understand the diverse benefits our woodlands and trees can bring to Wales, and their role in fighting the climate emergency. Community involvement is a key part of the development of a National Forest for Wales, and Welsh Government is encouraging all involved to engage with their local communities to co-design projects and create a real sense of ownership for our beautiful landscape
Last year, we funded a National Tree Project, in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, to help 22 schools plant trees and create new green spaces. Our National Forest programme has also funded over 25 community projects to create or enhance woodlands for local communities. This includes the first Tiny Forests which were planted last year.
Local authorities across Wales work closely with their local communities to encourage involvement and further the understanding of the importance of trees and woodlands.
The recent incidents of vandalism of trees in Cardiff parks have shocked and saddened local communities. Site protections are considered in the design stage of tree planting schemes. Cardiff council works with partners through the Community Safety Partnership to ensure the city's publicly accessible green space remains safe. Potential measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, such as improved lighting, are currently being considered. Despite this vandalism, Cardiff remains one of the UK's safest cities, with the second lowest overall crime rate of the English and Welsh core cities.
In 2021 Cardiff received over £750,000 from Welsh Government for their Coed Caerdydd project, part of the One Plant Cardiff response to the Climate Emergency. This money will see thousands of trees planted across Cardiff.