Gas distribution network, Wales & West Utilities (WWU), will work with the community-based charity, Stump Up For Trees (SUFT), to deliver an ecological boost to the Usk River catchment area through tree planting and upland restoration.
The £10,000 project will fund tree planting in, and around, the area south of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, slowing the flow of water through the upper catchment areas of the Usk River and helping to reduce flood risk. As the project evolves, WWU’s contribution will also support planting that improves the ecological function of former industrial land.
The ecological restoration works are part of both organisations’ wider ambition to support rural communities in Wales. WWU is already working with agricultural customers to increase the use of biomethane produced from agricultural waste, as well as pioneering the use of hydrogen as industrial fuel, which could be pivotal for farmers as they move to decarbonise their vehicles.
WWU owns and maintains over 35,000km of gas pipes across Wales and the south west of England. The company does not sell gas but uses its extensive network to keep 7.5 million people safe and warm year-round. The company recently launched its updated Sustainability Strategy, reporting on activity that has helped deliver a greener energy system and reduce its own carbon footprint.
Speaking on behalf of WWU, Sustainability & Environment Manager Rhodri Thomas said:
“As a gas distribution network, we recognise our responsibility to protect and enhance the environment across our operating area. We’re delighted to support this project, acknowledging that when people have access to sustainably managed natural landscapes, as well as reliable green energy, we see positive societal and economic returns.
“Working with SUFT will help us go above and beyond our 'five for one' replanting policy, where we plant five trees for every one we have to take down during our essential works, and our contribution will enable our partners to deliver sustainable management of natural resources in line with national strategy and our company’s values.”
Stump Up For Trees is an ambitious, community based, farmer-facing charity. They’ve planted 338,000 trees so far, with the aim of reaching one million trees.
Robert Penn, founder and Project Director at SUFT, added:
“At SUFT, we are always looking to work with partners who are genuinely engaged in the transition to Net Zero emissions. “Our work provides natural flood management, carbon sequestration and new native woodlands, hedgerows and wood pasture. We use a highly targeted approach to enhance biodiversity, wildlife corridors and habitat, as well as improve air, soil and water quality, along with amenity benefits for communities across south Wales.“We are delighted to have the continued support of WWU, a great company who have been keen supporters of our community tree nursery and have supported our long-term tree maintenance projects.”