Pressure mounts for commemorative woodland

Calls for Mid Wales to have its own Covid Commemorative Woodland are mounting with the First Minister being urged to confirm one for the area.

MyNewtown reported how north Powys and the rest of Mid Wales has been left out of plans for commemorative woodlands, with just two due to be planted in South and North Wales.

There was no mention of Mid Wales in the announcement on Tuesday by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Now, Montgomeryshire's Member of the Senedd, Russell George, has voiced his support for the region to have such a woodland, and said he would help identify an area in Powys.

The sites are due to be announced by Natural Resources Wales.

The MyNewtown Facebook page was full of comments agreeing that the area should have a commemorative woodland where family, friends and others of those who have died of coronavirus can go.

Mr George said: "I understand that the Government's scheme will provide places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones but I would have also liked to see a similar scheme in Mid Wales where we would also be able to reflect on the pandemic and the huge impact it has had on all our lives.

"It is now one year since the first person in Wales sadly died from Covid-19 and the people of Mid Wales haven't been immune from the devastating effects of the virus.

"I believe that it would have been appropriate for communities in Mid Wales to also have been included to ensure that we have a natural space for quiet reflection and where families and friends can come together to remember loved ones.

"Therefore, I have written to the First Minister to suggest that he also considers a location in Mid Wales and have offered to assist him in suggesting appropriate sites for a commemorative woodland in Powys."