Cyngor Gwynedd supports planting project by Porthmadog youngsters

Local school children have planted more than 150 trees on a playing field in Porthmadog, to the benefit of the environment and wildlife habitats.

Thanks to a partnership between Cyngor Gwynedd and Porthmadog Town Council, the young generation of the area has been able to do something tangible to try to tackle the climate crisis. The event was timely – taking place during Welsh Climate Week and straight after the COP27 meeting in Egypt.

Porthmadog Town Council has earmarked a large part of the Bodawen field for the scheme. It is in a prominent place for people traveling into and past the town, as it lays near the roundabout where the Gorsedd stones still stand following the 1987 National Eisteddfod.

The spot will be managed for the benefit of nature into the future – in addition to the 150 indigenous trees that have been planted there are plans for a community orchard with around 40 fruit trees and a large meadow of wild flowers.

Hywyn Williams, Cyngor Gwynedd Biodiversity Officer, said: "A big thank you to the pupils and staff of Ysgol Eifion Wyn, Ysgol Borth-y-Gest and Ysgol y Gorlan for being so willing to show their support and contributing so much to the project.

"This has been a worthwhile activity, I hope the children have enjoyed it and learned about the importance of protecting and promoting habitats and diversity in wildlife."

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for the Environment, added: "It's great to see the young generation having the opportunity to learn and contribute in this way, and I'm very grateful to the Town Council for their vision and their enthusiasm towards the scheme on the Bodawen field.

"Many of us may feel frustrated by all the talk at COP27, so action like this is important as we all consider our responsibilities as we fight of climate change."

PHOTOS: Children from the Porthmadog area busy planting with the help of Cyngor Gwynedd biodiversity officers.