The Friends of Castle Meadows are excited to announce that the woodland area in Castle Copse, located in Castle Meadows, has recently been awarded National Forest for Wales status.
The dedicated team of volunteers from the Friends has put in a lot of effort and hard work to maintain and develop a woodland space within the meadows, and they are thrilled that their efforts have been acknowledged by the Welsh Government.
The National Forest for Wales is an initiative aimed at encouraging the people of Wales to reconnect with trees, woodlands and nature. The Welsh Government’s long-term goal is to create a National Forest by planting new woodlands and improving existing ones. The resulting benefits will be a lasting asset, similar to the Wales Coastal Path, that will provide advantages to current and future generations.
In a letter addressed to the Friends of Castle Meadows, First Minister Vaughan Gethin extended his congratulations to the team for joining the National Forest for Wales and expressed gratitude for their contribution towards realising this important vision for the country’s future.
Chairperson of The Friends committee, Anthea Fairey, also received a letter from Holly McLellen, the National Forest for Wales Liaison Officer (South East) in which she praised Anthea’s submission for the award: “The quality of your woodland speaks for itself and I truly think your Status was earned and well deserved.” In fact, she has asked Anthea to be a consultant for other woodland guardians to guide them through the application process!
The Friends look forward to receiving the plaque which will be displayed in The Copse.
Friends of Castle Meadows
