On Monday 13 November, Cefin Campbell MS joined members of staff from National Trust Cymru to plant a blossom tree at Myrddin Community Primary, Carmarthen, to bring more people closer to nature on their doorstep
The planting is part of National Trust Cymru’s #GwleddYGwanwyn #BlossomWatch campaign and commitment to provide opportunities for more people to connect with nature, beauty and history, wherever they are in Wales.
As part of the campaign, the conservation charity is working with Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd across Wales to plant blossom trees in locations of their choice within their constituency or region – helping to develop blossom spaces that respect local setting, spirit of place and bring people and nature together.
Once established, the trees will bloom each spring, bringing the joyful sight of blush-tinted blooms to the nation’s community spaces and encourage a beneficial everyday connection with nature, culture and each other.
Cefin Campbell MS for Mid and West Wales said: “I was delighted to join the National Trust and Myrddin Community Primary school in planting this beautiful blossom tree, and I look forward to seeing it flower and grow from strength to strength over the coming years.
Delivering the right tree, in the right place, for the right reason, is so important both in contributing towards both our decarbonisation and biodiversity targets, but also in nurturing a connection between people and nature – something that is all too often overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle of our twenty-first century lives.”
Meg Anthony, National Trust Cymru’s General Manager for Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion added: “Planting blossom trees at schools across Wales is just one way we are bringing people together to experience the joy of blossom and nature. National Trust Cymru’s #BlossomWatch campaign will leave a legacy that will benefit both wildlife and future generations and we hope that the pupils and staff enjoy watching the tree grow and flower each year.”
Odette Nicholas, Acting Head at Myrddin Community Primary said: “We are so grateful and would like to say thank you again to Cefin Cambell for choosing our school for the planting of this blossom tree. The School Council chose a position that can be enjoyed by pupils from both the mainstream school and special unit and as it will become our memory tree for all pupils leaving to leave their message.
Being involved in the #GwleddYGwanwyn #BlossomWatch campaign has already motivated our pupils to discuss plans for further tree planting and developing our outdoor space for taking our learning experiences into nature. We look forward to collaborating further with the National Trust.”
