KEEP WALES TIDY has announced a £777,628 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the Urban Long Forest project, raising awareness and involving urban communities in looking after hedgerows and ancient trees.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the Urban Long Forest project will run from April 2026 to June 2029 and will focus on raising awareness of the importance of hedgerows and ancient trees, while actively involving communities in their care and conservation.
The project will deliver targeted work in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Neath Port Talbot, and Wrexham, helping to protect and restore hedgerows that are critical to Wales’ natural heritage.
Hedgerows are a defining feature of the Welsh landscape, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife and acting as essential corridors that connect fragmented habitats. However, they are under increasing threat, particularly in built-up areas, due to inappropriate management, neglect, and loss. According to the Welsh Government’s Protection of Hedgerows in Wales report, approximately 25% of Welsh hedgerows were lost between 1984 and 1990, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said: “This funding is a huge step forward for urban nature in Wales.
“Hedgerows have been overlooked for too long, but they are one of our most powerful tools in responding to the climate and nature emergencies.
“Urban Long Forest will help communities rediscover their value and take action to protect them. We’re excited to be working with partners and local people across Cardiff, Caerphilly, Neath Port Talbot and Wrexham to make this vision a reality.”
Through this project, Keep Wales Tidy will work in partnership with Coed Cadw, Adult Learning Wales, Llais y Goedwig, and local authorities to deliver a programme of education, training, and hands-on conservation activities.
Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Urban Long Forest puts communities at the heart of caring for Wales’s urban natural heritage.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will help protect hedgerows and ancient trees while creating new opportunities for people to connect with these important features of our landscape.”
Kylie Jones Mattock, Coed Cadw Director said: “Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales is proud to support Keep Wales Tidy’s Urban Long Forest Project, which strengthens our call for tree equity and the recognition of ancient and veteran trees in urban neighbourhoods.
“Its strong focus on community engagement empowers people to connect with nature and advocate for fair and equitable access to the multiple health, wellbeing and environmental benefits that trees provide.”
Karina Scott, Adult Learning Wales Contracts Manager said: “Adult Learning Wales is delighted to be part of the new Urban Long Forest Project.
“We will be delivering a series of accredited courses in Traditional and Heritage Crafts, focusing on sustainable textile and paper techniques, including weaving, patchwork, and bookbinding.
“These courses, shaped by learner voice and feedback, have been inspired by nature, hedgerows and the green spaces in the urban areas of Wrexham, Cardiff, Caerphilly and Neath Port Talbot.
“Learners across Wales will have the opportunity to learn new skills, explore green spaces and use these experiences as inspiration for their final projects with the option of progressing onto further Urban Long Forest activities.”
Maria Wilding from Llais y Goedwig said: “Llais y Goedwig is excited to be part of such a welcome initiative – linking existing woodlands and communities with hedgerows and involving people in urban areas in their creation and care will pay a vital role in creating and maintaining our connections with the natural world and ensure their lasting stewardship.”
To find out more about the Urban Long Forest project and how to get involved, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website.
