Cardiff Council’s ambitious Coed Caerdydd project is gearing up for a major push to make the capital city even greener. Plans are underway to plant a further 30,000 new trees across the city’s green spaces, streets, schools and community areas by Spring 2026. This initiative isn’t just about numbers; it’s a significant step toward creating a more resilient, healthier and carbon-neutral Cardiff, aligning with the Council’s One Planet Cardiff commitment.
This new season builds on four years of impressive success:
- Over 118,500 trees have already been planted across hundreds of locations.
- The newly forested area is the equivalent of almost 30 Principality Stadium pitches.
- Local communities, schools, and businesses have collectively contributed over 16,000 volunteer hours to planting and nurturing the growing forest.
For the first time, this planting season will feature trees, including Oak and Rowan, that were grown from seeds collected right here in Cardiff. The project established its own tree nursery to provide a sustainable, long-term source of saplings. Trees grown from local seed are inherently better adapted to local conditions, making them more resilient to pests, diseases and the impacts of climate change.
The upcoming planting will be highly diverse, covering over 200 sites. Look out for:
- Semi-mature street trees.
- New orchards in parks and schools, including heritage varieties like the rare “Gabalva” apple, areboosting biodiversity.
- New hedgerows along public rights of way and on farms surrounding the city.
The success of the urban forest is rooted in community spirit. Last season alone saw 2,166 volunteers participate in planting events. Additionally, a growing network of over 300 dedicated Tree Guardians provides crucial care for the newly planted saplings, helping ensure their survival.
You can also support the future growth of the forest through a new tree donation scheme. Individuals, groups and businesses can make a financial contribution:
- A donation of just £1 buys one sapling.
- A £500 business donation can fund 500 saplings, which, after 20 years, would grow to capture between 12 and 15 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
- Donations can be made as gifts, in memory of a loved one or by businesses contributing to their Community Wellbeing Benefits goals.
Interested in joining a community planting event can find a full list of opportunities here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/coed-caerdydd-46791623513.
Photography by Cardiff Council
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