No commemorative Covid woodland for the area

Two commemorative woodlands are to be created in Wales in memory of those who have died from Coronavirus, but Mid Wales won't get one.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has today announced plans for the two woodlands, one in South Wales and another in North Wales. They will be created by Natural Resources Wales.

Despite north Powys hosting large amounts of land with potential for a woodland, including those managed by organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust, it has not been included.

Previously, there have been calls for more trees to be planted close to the Newtown bypass, near to the home of the Brimmon Oak Tree, the 500-year-old tree that won Wales, UK and European Tree of the Year.

The First Minister said: “Today, we mark a deeply sad anniversary as we remember the first person in Wales to die from coronavirus.

“Since that day too many people have been taken too soon. We remember them today and keep them in our hearts and our minds.

“Today I am announcing the creation of two commemorative woodlands - one in north Wales and one in south Wales – as permanent living memorials to all those who have died.

“These woodlands will grow into natural spaces of reflection, where families and others can come to remember all those we have lost. 

“The pandemic has cast a long shadow on all our lives over the last year, but we can also look to the future with hope.”

The locations of the two sites in North and South Wales will be announced shortly and Natural Resources Wales will engage with local communities to plan and design the woodlands.