Marking National Tree Week with a £3.9million investment in Welsh woodlands

As we celebrate National Tree Week, 23 new projects have been awarded funds by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG). They will work to restore, enhance and improve accessibility to woodlands in Wales.

We are delivering the scheme in partnership with the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme – an initiative that aims to address biodiversity loss and support the health and wellbeing of communities through well-managed woodlands and forests.

These grants will enhance woodlands and protect our precious habitats, helping sites become more accessible and giving communities across Wales better access to nature.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change

TWIG was launched in 2022 and since then has awarded 64 projects across Wales over £11m. In this latest round, projects will receive a share of £3.9m. They include:

• Halkyn Castle Wood which is receiving £248,640 to restore and manage 12 acres of ancient woodland for the first time in 60 years. As part of the project, it 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.
• Down to Zero which is receiving £222,024 to improve access to Cwmbach Community Wetlands and Woodlands in Aberdare. The project will see the creation of a new nature trail that will connect to Aberdare Canal.
• Chris Brown who is receiving £210,387 to open up a privately owned woodland to the public. Hendre Ddu in Garndolbenmaen 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.

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"

Explore the full list of projects that have been funded in The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) Round Six.