Wrexham awarded ‘Tree Cities of the World’ status for second year!

Wrexham has been awarded ‘Tree Cities of the World’ status for the second year in a row.

The accolade recognises the cities dedicated to fostering and promoting the best urban tree management practices.

Wrexham is joined by Cardiff and Newport with the status, which is help by only 200 cities in the world.

The announcement was made by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognise the growing, protection and maintenance of the urban forest here in Wrexham County Borough.

“Trees are important to people, no matter what country they are from or what language they speak, said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“We all want to live in a city that is healthy, resilient, and beautiful – trees serve as a common language to make that possible.

“Being recognised in the Tree Cities of the World programme means that your city is committing to go above and beyond to define trees as critical green infrastructure for your citizens.”

In Wrexham more than 5,000 trees were planted across the county borough during last autumn and winter.

The tree planting schemes aim to increase canopy cover in the county borough by 20 per cent.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection, said he is delighted to see Wrexham recognised as ‘Tree City of the World.

“We are proud to join a global network of towns and cities dedicated to protecting and enhancing their tree stock and promoting the values of trees through community engagement and good asset management,” said Cllr Jones.

“Our tree planting schemes throughout this previous autumn and winter have seen over 5,000 trees planted throughout the county.

“In locations such as Bradley, Coedpoeth and Wrexham and with the assistance of volunteers, we have planted a variety of tree species from native broadleaved whips to large standard trees, as well as several fruit orchards.

“This supports our ongoing and ambitious efforts to establish an increased canopy cover across Wrexham to 20 per cent.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for the Environment, added: “Receiving the title of Tree City of The world for a second time is again, recognition for the repeated hard work and efforts of council staff and the vital contribution of members of the public in various communities over the last twelve months.

“Planting, protecting and managing trees is vital for our health and well-being and for our local economy.

“As a council, we again gratefully accept this prestigious recognition and we will continue in our commitment to the planting, protection and enhancement of the individual trees and woodlands which collectively create Wrexham’s urban forest.”

To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, Wrexham had to demonstrate its commitment by meeting five standards:

• Establish responsibility for the care of trees
• Govern the assets and risk management of forests, woodlands and trees in accordance with an approved Tree & Woodland Strategy and Tree Management Policy
• Maintain an updated inventory of our local tree and woodland resources
• Allocate resources to achieve our tree strategy
• Hold annual events celebrating trees and their benefits to educate schools and communities