Preserve, Protect and Plant

Posted by Alexandra Bentz on 30 May 2019.

Since September 2017, NFWI-Wales has been engaging members in taking action to address the decline in urban trees. Currently, 200 WIs throughout Wales are involved in activities such as surveying, observing, protecting and planting trees and are spreading the word about the value of trees to the wider public.

Urban trees are among the most versatile natural assets that can be used to effectively raise the quality of Welsh towns and cities. Research shows us that trees in Wales’ towns and cities deliver many social benefits as well as mitigating the effects of climate change. Urban trees make a key contribution to our health and wellbeing by reducing air pollution and creating green spaces as well as reducing the risk of flooding, capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate excessive warming.

Yet urban trees are under continuous threat from factors such as pests and diseases, an ageing tree population, climate change, the demand for new building development and a lack of understanding on the benefits that trees bring to society. Most recent studies show that 73% of urban areas in Wales have lost trees since 2010 and 7,000 trees were lost between 2006 and 2013.

The WI has a proud and rich history of standing up for the natural environment which has been a key theme for many WI campaigns and projects, with members dedicated to protecting and promoting the countryside, limiting their own environmental footprints and taking action on climate change.

Through this project, WI members have been using their passion for improving the environment to conserve trees for future generations. Many WIs have been involved in local tree planting. Some have been holding woodland walks to identify, measure and survey trees whilst others have been in contact with their local authority about tree issues in their local community. Members have also been inspired to create craft items to promote the value of trees.

Below are some project highlights:

Over 1000 trees have been planted by members from Sir Gâr/Carmarthenshire Federation. The Federation has held two competitions where members crafted birds and animals. WIs all over the county have engaged in guided walks to identify, measure and survey trees.

Members from WIs in Gwent have been surveying trees in the grounds of Caldicot Castle. Using the OPAL Tree surveys they have been measuring the height, girth and general condition of the trees. Members have also surveyed trees at Cwmbran Boating Lake. The group will revisit the lake during the summer to record visual changes and wildlife on or near the trees.

In Powys Radnor Federation, members have been surveying and yarn bombing trees in their local community. Some have written to their local authority in relation to tree issues whilst others have been involved in creating a blanket to promote trees.

Ysbyty Ifan WI in Clwyd Denbigh Federation has been involved planting trees in the community in partnership with the National Trust and a local school.

WIs with an interest in getting involved can find out more here.
To find out about the federation activities taking place across Wales, please visit our website.