Park authorities grow anniversary gifts forYoung Farmers

WALES’ three National Park authorities have given an oak sapling to every member of the Wales Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Wales YFC) to mark the organisation’s 80th anniversary.

The oak traditionally symbolises an 80th anniversary and, as it provides a habitat rich in biodiversity, it was seen as the ideal gift to mark this milestone in the history of Wales’ largest rural youth organisation.

Rhys Owen, head of conservation, woodlands and agriculture for Snowdonia National Park Authority, said Wales YFC plays “an important and leading role in the lives of many young people across the country.

He added: “Oak trees are important to the Welsh landscape and habitat, and this donation will see the enhancement of both for many years to come.”

The saplings, donated by Tilhill Forestry, are all native trees from regional stock suitable to Wales.

A ceremonial oak tree was planted at the Royal Agricultural Show Ground in Llanelwedd during the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Iwan Lloyd-Williams, Tilhill’s regional manager said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to support the organisation by planting trees and promoting forestry as a viable option for diversification which also enhances biodiversity.”

RWAS assistant chief executive Aled Jones said: “Many of us owe a great debt of gratitude for our personal development to the Young Farmers movement and we are confident it will continue for a further 80 years and more.”