A WOODLAND site in Llandeilo could be given a boost if the group behind it wins a special grant.

9Trees had planted 2,000 trees in the woodland at Llandeilo already and is planning on planting 3,000 more which will help in the fight against climate change and benefit the local community.

9Trees has been chosen as a finalist for the Matthew Good Foundation Grant which, if successful, will see the group given a funding boost.

Micheal Cunningham leads 9Trees and hopes that the ongoing woodland sites will create new jobs and educational opportunities including free woodland practical days for the local community.

Micheal and the 9Trees team will steward the land for 50 years, with the growing trees assisting in carbon dioxide sequestration and provide a beneficial haven for wildlife. 

Micheal Cunningham, director of 9Trees, said:

"We are delighted to be shortlisted to receive this funding. We are creating employment in the countryside sector, enabling local schools and community members to engage with activities in regards to helping to tackle climate change. 

“This funding will ultimately help us to reach more landowners with this free service and create more habitat corridors, plant more nature reserves and shelter belts for farmers. The more trees that we plant, the more carbon dioxide will be sequestered from the atmosphere. 

“In addition to this, the native woodlands that will be created will help support a nature-rich biodiverse habitat for wildlife to thrive."

9Trees is a community interest company which was launched in 2019. The team has 10 woodland sites across the UK and is looking to expand further, providing a tangible action that individuals can take to help tackle climate change.

The Matthew Good Foundation is a charity that supports grassroots movements working towards social, economic and environmental justice. It was set up in memory of environmental activist Matthew Good who died at the age of 33 in 2002.