Plans to plant over 7,000 trees in the Caia Park area have been given the go ahead by Wrexham’s Executive Board.
The project, the only one in North Wales, will be 100% funded by the Forestry Commission which will also ensure the trees become well established and maintain the area over a five year period. It is estimated to cost in the region of £130,000 over the five years. At the end of the 5 year period the woodlands will be eligible to enter into the Forestry commission woodland grant scheme for maintenance of the woods.
The trees will be spread over several areas in the area of the Dunks and behind St Anne’s RC Primary School. There will be a number of community tree planting sessions and it is hoped local schools and local community organisations will be involved to encourage as much local participation in the project as possible.
In his report to members Martin Howarth, Parks, Countryside and Rights of Way Officer, said:
“The creation of a community woodland will help deliver the Wrexham Strategy for Council Trees which aims to create a cleaner, greener, attractive and healthier environment whilst reducing our effect on climate change and the effect it has on Wrexham.”
In welcoming the report, Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said:
“This follows extensive consultation which has been undertaken with community groups and the police. It is a large undertaking and one which comes at no cost to the Council. I am sure the majority of Caia Park will welcome this fantastic opportunity to improve the green areas of their community.”
The project is part of PLANT, a Forestry Commission Wales woodland creation initiative that works with councils to establish woodlands to celebrate new life in Wales. The project’s overall objective is to plant a tree for every child born in Wales or adopted from 1 anuary 2008. The PLANT aim is to create a natural forest of native broadleaved trees. Three woodlands have already been created in the South Wales Valleys, Usk and Gwynedd.
