Treegeneration
Background/context Many people now enjoy the benefits woodlands can bring in terms of health and well-being. Awareness of the value of trees in helping to reduce climate change is also increasing - it is well known that trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the process of photosynthesis. But these benefits do not belong solely in the realm of the countryside forest. Trees and woodlands also have a vital role to play in urban regeneration, providing social, economic and environmental benefits to our towns and cities. Description/why "Treegeneration is an urban forestry project set up to help improve urban areas in Wales by providing advice and support, including funding, for urban tree planting. The project was first established in 2003, when representatives from Forestry Commission Wales approached a number of organisations in the north east Wales region to create a partnership. Treegeneration now supports a wide range of urban tree planting projects. From community-based projects such as school planting schemes, to individual businesses looking to enhance their premises and town centre improvement schemes, where thoughtful tree planting can help define urban areas, creating a sense of place. Given the trend for hot, dry summers and winter flooding, increasing tree cover also provides shade and helps to reduce water run-off. One of the projects that Treegeneration has supported is Central Park, the second largest area of urban green space in Connah’s Quay. A local partnership was formed with Connah’s Quay Town Council and local group North East Wales Wildlife (NEWW). In total, over 1000 native trees of various sizes were planted in various locations with help from over 200 people including local residents, 5 local schools, a young offenders team, Airbus senior management team, local county councilor Aaron Shotton, Welsh Assembly Member Carl Sargeant and local MP Mark Tami. This project is helping to improve the biodiversity of the area - a single oak tree can, in fact, support over 280 different species of wildlife – and has made it more appealing to the local community by engaging everyone in the actual planting of their trees." Future projects "We hope to extend this valuable partnership project into other areas in Wales and help everyone enjoy the benefits of more trees and woodlands in our urban areas. This coming season, we are supporting another community woodland project and hoping to be involved with a paper mill site helping them to develop plans to screen off the site from local residents through a sustainable and attractive urban tree planting scheme. "
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