Sites in Flintshire, Gwynedd and Rhondda Cynon Taf are among those set to benefit from over £3.9 million in grants, forming part of a Wales-wide network of woodlands.
This latest round of The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) has awarded funding to 23 projects that aim to restore, enhance and improve accessibility to woodlands in Wales.
The news comes during National Tree Week, an annual UK-wide celebration marking the traditional start of the winter tree planting season, now in its 50th year.
The TWIG programme was launched in 2022 and is now in its sixth round of funding. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme. To date, a total of 64 projects have been awarded a share of £11 million (£11,091,448).
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, said:
“Woodlands are crucial to people’s health and wellbeing, as well as supporting our fight against climate change. These grants will enhance woodlands and protect our precious habitats, helping sites become more accessible and giving communities across Wales better access to nature.
“The National Forest for Wales is helping ensure everyone can benefit from our natural heritage, and I'm proud to see this programme supporting local projects that will make a real difference to people and planet alike.”
Halkyn Castle Wood in Holywell, Flintshire, is receiving £248,640 to restore and manage 12 acres of ancient woodland for the first time in 60 years. As part of their project, they will develop WildEnhanceBelong (WEB), a learning and wellbeing hub to connect young people to the holistic wellbeing benefits of nature. This will include workshops in the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku or forest bathing.
Accessibility to Cwmbach Wetlands and Woodlands in Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, will be improved by local organisation Down to Zero, in partnership with Cwmbach Community Wetlands, thanks to a £222,024 grant. The project will provide training and volunteering opportunities to help improve skills and wellbeing. It will also see the creation of a new nature trail that will connect to Aberdare Canal.
Another project will benefit from £210,387 in funding to open up a privately owned woodland to the public. Hendre Ddu in Garndolbenmaen, Gwynedd, has a rich history dating back to the neolithic period with evidence of farming, housing, a bloomery and an abandoned slate mine. The project will establish a new path network and install interpretation boards for visitors to learn more about the woodland’s heritage.
Andrew White, Director of Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“Funding natural heritage projects which help tackle the effects of climate change and support nature’s recovery is a key priority for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales. The Woodland Investment Grant in partnership with the Welsh Government is just one of the ways that we are meeting this objective.
“From the creation of new woodlands and the restoration of others, these grants will also contribute to the National Forest for Wales programme, enhance capacity to adapt to the climate crisis and bring direct health benefits to the people and communities involved.”
