National Trust Cymru rangers have planted 8,500 native saplings at Hafod Garegog in Snowdonia, to store carbon, slow the flow of water and boost plants and wildlife.
As well as being fantastic carbon storage, by planting native thirty tree species like willow, aspen and hornbeam they should help slow the flow of water in an area susceptible to flooding.
The Trust also expects this to bring a much-needed wildlife boost to the reclaimed seabed, which was previously covered in rushes. Planting trees creates a home for wildlife such as warblers, moths, bats and nearby otter, as well as encouraging a diverse range of plants to grow.
David Smith, lead ranger for the National Trust said:
“Trees need a tremendous amount of water – and if you plant thirsty trees in boggy areas which are notorious for flooding you can purposefully slow the flow of water to protect habitats and housing downstream – and create the right sort of environment that animals such as many insects, birds and bats love”.
The tree planting at Hafod Garegog is part of the Trust’s commitment to plant and establish 20 million trees across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2030 to help tackle climate change and create new homes for nature.
