One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade Chinese proverb.

Plant! is a scheme set up by the Welsh Government in 2008. For each and every child born or adopted in Wales, a tree is planted in celebration, creating new woodlands for future generations across Wales. Since 2014, the Plant! scheme committed to planting an additional tree in Uganda for every tree planted here in Wales.

As part of our Mbale Trees Programme, fruit trees will be planted in the gardens of family homes in the Mbale region of Uganda. These trees will help local communities by providing them with sustainable supplies of food and shelter, as well as a source of income. They will also protect local people from the effects of soil erosion caused by heavy deforestation in the area, which can lead to deadly landslips.

Trees are critical to the environment, both locally and globally. Tropical forests absorb nearly a fifth of all man-made CO₂ emissions, making them crucial in stabilising the world’s climate. Planting trees in Wales and Uganda is vital in helping to tackle climate change. With these trees the children of Wales can feel a personal connection with their environment.

Due to changes in data protection regulations the Welsh Government is currently reviewing its arrangements for sending certificates to new babies. This means that babies born since 1st September 2019 will not yet have received their Plant! certificate. We are working to address this issue and thank parents and guardians for their patience. New trees continue to be planted for every baby born and adopted in Wales during this time.

The Plant! scheme is also supported by Natural Resources Wales and Woodland Trust/Coed Cadw.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Wales

Over 300, 000 trees have been planted in Welsh woodlands

Over 140 hectares of new woodland created across 15 woods

In 2018 the Plant! scheme turned 10 years old!

Uganda

1,600 families in 30 villages have been supported by this scheme

5 Fairtrade coffee plantations supported

Bond between Wales and Uganda strengthened