Farmland tree planting initiative aims to combat climate change

Through the Green Space Enhancement Project, Bridgend County Borough Council and Sker Farm have worked collaboratively to plant a diverse selection of native trees in a bid to promote biodiversity and tackle climate change.

Supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the tree planting scheme aims to expand forested areas and reduce carbon gases, with the growing trees capturing carbon and mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Green Space Enhancement Project at Sker Farm runs alongside other tree planting initiatives.  These include the new community woodland at Aberfields in the Ogmore Valley, funded by the council’s core tree management budget, and a community wildlife space in Heol y Cyw, developed through the Local Places for Nature Project, supported by Welsh Government.

Sker farmer, Tony Evans, has allocated a portion of land to support biodiversity, illustrating how farmers can manage their land with some autonomy, whilst still adhering to the Welsh Government guidelines offered to farmers.

Central to the partnership between the council and Tony Evans is a shared commitment to the environment and community engagement.  Bridgend Countryside Volunteers have helped to plant the trees, including Hazel, Rowan, Crab Apple, and Hawthorn varieties, whilst also receiving a host of wellbeing benefits from the project.  Social, physical work outdoors has a number of positive effects on mental and physical health.  One volunteer said: “This is a vigorous work out!  And so good for my mental health!”

Farmer, Tony Evans, said: "Partnering with the council throughout the Green Space Enhancement Project has been a good experience.  I fully welcome the opportunity for tree planting on this land and have long been an advocate for proactive conservation efforts, wanting to make a contribution to a greener, more sustainable future."

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, Councillor John Spanswick, said:

Initiatives like the Green Space Enhancement Project are not only beneficial to promoting biodiversity, but also ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices, thereby positively affecting livestock, ecology and climate resilience.

We very much appreciate the collaboration with Sker Farm. Our relationships with farmers are pivotal in paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Images: From left to right in image in front of the field - Council Leader, Huw David, farmer, Tony Evans and wife, Lesley Evans, Cllr John Spanswick; pedigree, organic Welsh Black Cows grazing