D1) Tree Planting Initiative
Rewilding is a word we are encountering more and more these days. So what does it mean? Essentially rewilding is a growing worldwide conservation movement whose aim is to reverse the environmental damage wreaked upon the world in the name of progress.
Whilst there are many different rewilding projects currently active throughout the country and indeed the world, the one that struck a cord with our Group was the one concerned with deforestation and the adverse impact it is having on our climate. To counter this, a massive reforestation movement is currently in operation, with most of the large land management organisation currently involved.
To do our bit, not just for now, but also for future generations, the suggestion we should setup a tree planting initiative was proposed and well received by the members our U3A. The idea was working together during the year to raise the necessary funds.
The money raised enabled us to contribute to two initiatives namely:
1. The renovation of the old orchard located at Alltyryn Nature Reserve. To assist in this project, some of the donated funds were used to purchase Welsh Heritage fruit trees. The trees were purchased and planted in March 2021.
2. In support of the central body of the U3A’s plan to plant a woodland copse of 10,000 trees to mark it’s 40th Anniversary, our u3a purchased a copse of 100 trees. We were notified that our trees were planted this spring (2022). The trees – two-year old saplings - a mix of native species deciduous trees, which are appropriate to the chosen site. Our copse has a plaque specially dedicated our u3a. The purchase price included planting the trees plus 12 years of maintenance to ensure the trees becomes established. The woodland is located on the English/Welsh border in the Brecon Beacons National Park on the eastern slopes of the Sugar Loaf Mountain.