Ex-ref’s support for tree-mendous scheme

FORMER international rugby union referee Nigel Owens has hailed the importance of trees for well-being as Cardiff becomes the latest Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) “Champion City”.

More than 1,000 trees were being planted in Splott this weekend to mark its new status as a Champion City, a programme celebrating places which have made trees a central part of their plans for green spaces.

Owens said: “In my work and on my farm, I am fortunate to benefit from the calming influence of trees and nature, which always offer a welcome place to reflect on the important things in life.”

The QGC was established to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign, with the public invited to “plant a tree for the Jubilee”.

The former referee added: “On this Six Nations weekend, I am proud to be an ambassador for the Queen’s Green Canopy, who are hosting a special Jubilee tree planting event to celebrate

Cardiff as a QGC ‘ Champion City’. I would like to wish everyone well and can’t wait to see the result of your efforts.”

The QGC, together with the charity Trees for Cities and Cardiff council, is bringing together members of the local community to plant 1,200 Jubilee trees at Tremorfa Park in the ward of Splott, which has a low number of trees compared with other areas of the Welsh capital.

The trees will contribute to Cardiff council’s Coed Caerdydd initiative, which aims to increase the city’s tree canopy cover to 25% by 2030, by planting 839 hectares of new trees.

Peter Bradbury, the council’s spokesman for culture and leisure, said: “We’ve come to rely on our parks and green spaces over the past few years and it’s very clear how important our outdoor spaces are. These new trees will bring massive benefits to residents – boosting biodiversity, improving air quality and having a positive effect on health and well-being.”