Newport’s tree work recognised with major international status

Newport City Council’s tree work has been recognised with a major international award.

Newport has received tree city of the world status, a programme run by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

The programme is an international effort to recognise cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and duly celebrated.

A total of 168 cities and towns from 21 countries were recognised in 2022, with Newport one of over 50 cities earning the recognition for the first time.

The council was recognised for its management of the city’s tree stock. This includes having policies in place for maintaining trees, as well as its work managing the impact of ash dieback disease, which has impacted trees at a number of sites in the city.

Any tree affected by ash dieback has been removed by the council, with at least two new trees planted in replacement for each tree removed.

The council was also recognised for its green canopy planting ceremonies back in March 2022. All schools in the city were invited to plant a tree as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II, with special ceremonies taking place at five schools.

An avenue of trees was also planted in Tredegar Park, with 80 trees being installed alongside the active travel route which runs through the park.

Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “I’m delighted that our tree work has been recognised on an international level.

“We recognise the benefits that trees can bring to Newport, in terms of improved environmental quality and carbon reduction and capture.

“Having access to a global network of similar cities, who can share knowledge and best practice, will be a great asset in helping us to sustainably manage and increase our trees and woodland, one of the priorities set out in our organisational climate change plan.”

Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of the council, said: “It is important that we celebrate the benefits that trees and green spaces bring to our city.

“Our jubilee celebrations were a great opportunity to do this. It was particularly great to see so many school children get involved with the tree planting.

“I’m very pleased that we have been recognised with this status, which will allow us to build on the good work we have done so far in building a greener, healthier Newport for everyone.”