Wales’ first ‘Tiny Forests’ are being planted

We’re excited to be planting the first official Tiny Forests in Wales!

Around 1,000 trees will be planted at each site, creating dense, native forests the size of tennis courts in five urban areas.

Locations in Bridgend, Conwy, Gwynedd, the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff have been carefully selected to provide maximum impact for nature and urban communities. Work to prepare the soil has already been completed, with planting of 25 native species due to take place by the end of February.

The creation of Tiny Forests in Wales is being funded by Welsh Government as part of the National Forest for Wales.

Keep Wales Tidy will be following a special method of planting that is proven to grow faster, denser and more biodiverse than a standard newly planted woodland. The aim is to attract wildlife, improve air quality, remove harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and help reduce localised flooding.

The forests will include pathways and outdoor classrooms, providing a space for people to relax, enjoy some fresh air and reconnect with nature.

Where are the Tiny Forests in Wales?

The locations of the first Tiny Forests in Wales are:

Nantymoel, Bridgend
The Playing Field, St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Conwy
Coed Bach Pendalar/ Ysgol Pendalar, Gwynedd
Pencoedtre, Gibbonsdown, Vale of Glamorgan
Cardiff Bay

Why are Tiny Forests important?

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said:

Our green spaces have played a huge role in improving our well-being throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am thrilled that through our National Forest programme, Keep Wales Tidy have started planting our first Tiny Forests in Wales. I am keen that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from woodlands, and these areas have been chosen to offer this in places which otherwise have limited access to green space.

The Minister added:

I would encourage those interested in the development of the National Forest to attend our free online event from March 10 to 12, which will explore the benefits of woodlands and trees for all. Those interested may register their interest at nationalforestwales@gov.wales.

Louise Tambini, Keep Wales Tidy Deputy Chief Executive, said:

It’s exciting to see the first five Tiny Forests taking shape in Wales. Although they might be small in size, we’re sure they will have a big impact on biodiversity and people’s well-being for generations to come. We’d like to thank Welsh Government our partners at Earthwatch and the Woodland Trust for making this possible. We look forward to working with them to extend the scheme to other towns and cities across Wales.

Visit our Tiny Forest page for more information.