Flood Damage

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:38 pm on 25 January 2022.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 1:38, 25 January 2022

I thank Ken Skates for that, Llywydd. He makes an important point—that tree planting is part of the natural flood defences that we are keen to promote as a Welsh Government. I thank him for drawing attention to our scheme to encourage tree planting by every citizen here in Wales. Ken Skates will know, Llywydd, that the scheme has two components: households will be able to choose a tree themselves and plant it in their own garden, or they will be able to make their tree part of a communal effort. That part of the scheme will be led by the Woodland Trust. I think it's great to hear that there are communities in touch with their local Senedd Member asking how they can act together through this scheme to make a difference of the sort that Ken outlined. In February, a dedicated page will be published by the Woodland Trust—a web page—and then those groups will be able to be in touch with the Woodland Trust and see how that great opportunity for more tree planting can be put to use in that collective way and make a difference in flooding and in other community amenities.