In Glasgow, at the beginning of November 2021, World leaders discussed the current climate emergency. In Blaenau Gwent at the beginning of November, Kelvyn Miller, of Victoria Garden Centre, Tredegar was so motivated by these events that he was compelled to contact the Natural Environment Team in Blaenau Gwent to make a difference and create a legacy for the next generation of children across the county borough.
Kelvyn has donated a total of 1,020 native trees which have been offered to schools across Blaenau Gwent, with many already taking up the kind offer.
Trees have so many benefits in combatting the effects of climate change as well as the day-to-day benefits they have, providing habitats (oak and beech leaves are favoured by hedgehogs for nest building) and improving our mental health. The trees are all native species and will be planted with children from each school.
The ones donate are a mixture of native British trees; English Oak, Beech, Hornbeam, Rowan, Field Maple, Silver Birch and Downy Birch.
Kelvyn is donating the trees, and transporting them to schools throughout Blaenau Gwent, for free. Working alongside Biodiversity Officer, Becky Ward, they felt that it would be important for the schools to make a commitment to the trees maybe by creating a diary for the trees and recording the growth. The aim being for the children to observe the progress of the trees through the seasons and not for the trees to be planted and forgotten.
Miss Hadley at Glyncoed, Mrs Rowe- Jones at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg and Headteacher Mrs Cairns of Coed Y Garn, have already agreed to allocate at least one tree to each class for pupils to nurture and monitor.
Councillor Joanne Collins, Executive Member for Education in Blaenau Gwent, says:
鈥淚'd like to express a huge thank you to Kelvyn for very kindly providing trees to our schools in Blaenau Gwent. This is a great initiative that will be of great benefit to our communities and pupils for years to come.鈥�
Cllr Lee Parsons, of the Llanhilleth ward, says:
鈥淭his is an excellent initiative and the engagement with all pupils across Blaenau Gwent will be priceless. The trees will provide habitat for many of our native species and the planting of Hornbeam may see birds such as Hawfinch re-colonise in the Borough, whilst Rowan trees will provide much needed berries for winter visitors such as Fieldfare, Redwing and rarer migrants like Waxwing!鈥�
Becky Ward says:
鈥淜elvyn is an inspiration to us all showing what a difference one person can make. I am privileged to be a part of this project and support in sharing a passion and dream to make positive change for us all in Blaenau Gwent and beyond.鈥�