Urban Long Forest

Hedgerows form a vital part of the Welsh landscape, supporting an enormous variety of species and acting as corridors for wildlife by connecting pockets of precious green space.

Sadly, hedgerows across the country are at risk from inappropriate management, destruction and neglect, particularly in built up areas.

The Urban Long Forest Project is working to change that.

Our funders and partners

About the project

The project is focused on protecting, restoring and celebrating hedgerows and ancient trees in urban communities across Wales. It aims to bring nature closer to where people live, strengthening local green spaces while supporting biodiversity, wellbeing and community pride.

Made possible thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, the project is delivered in partnership with Coed Cadw, Adult Learning Wales, Llais y Goedwig and local authorities. Together, we are co-designing and delivering a programme of education, training and hands-on conservation action.

A key focus of the project is working directly with local communities, schools, volunteers and community groups to build skills, share knowledge and empower people to take an active role in caring for their local environment. Through practical workshops, training sessions and volunteering opportunities, we are supporting people to restore hedgerows, care for trees and develop confidence in environmental action that lasts beyond the project itself.

Activity is taking place in:

Cardiff
Caerphilly
Neath Port Talbot
Wrexham

Together, we’re working with communities to restore hedgerows, build skills, and help people reconnect with nature on their doorstep.

Explore how the Long Forest project has grown over time and led to the development of the Urban Long Forest Project.

Long Forest over the years

Why hedgerows need our attention

0of hedgerows in Wales are now in ‘unfavourable condition’

This reflects a wider pattern of fragmentation and degradation, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where development pressure, lack of management, and reduced awareness can all weaken hedgerow networks over time.

Without intervention, these green corridors become increasingly isolated, reducing their value for wildlife and limiting the benefits they provide to people and places.