A presentation to a local University of the Third Age highlighting the urgency of regreening the Welsh landscape fell on receptive ears in Crickhowell, leading to a the purchase of a hundred trees to be planted in the shade of the Sugar Loaf, reports Bob Rogers

The October meeting of Crickhowell and District U3A hosted a presentation by writer, Robert Penn who shared his enthusiasm for trees in the countryside and of his sadness at the nationwide loss from ash dieback.

He stated, ‘Trees absorb harmful pollutants from the air including CO2 and release oxygen, so the benefits to the environment are clear. There is great pleasure in being able to walk in the beautiful surroundings of native woodland and health advantages both physical and mental of being close to trees.’

Robert moved to the Black Mountains fifteen years ago with a plan to involve himself and his family in woodland management. His audio-visual presentation showed the remarkable range of uses to which wood can be put using his own ash trees as an example.

Shocked by the invasion of hillsides by bracken, he felt managed woodlands would provide a valuable amenity for the public. His friend local farmer Keith Powell had the idea of converting a large area of common land on Bryn Arw into woodland.

In 2015, the pair began contacting numerous interest groups and government agencies with a view to fencing, clearing and planting a 250 acre site. The plan was approved and progress has been rapid due to the hard work of volunteers. In the last year alone they have planted an estimated 60-80,000 saplings.

U3A chair, Gwen Axford told members, ‘We have purchased a copse of a hundred trees as part of the ‘Stump Up for Trees’ initiative”. This will be located at Bryn Arw - the hill just to the east of the Sugarloaf.

A year before appearing at the Clarence Hall meeting the speaker had asked if the local U3A would be prepared to fund the planting of a hundred trees at a cost of £500. Gwen Axford stated, ‘The response was a positive one. Not only did we pledge the requested amount but there were two additional anonymous donations amounting to a further £150’.

As a result the copse will be planted within the U3A 40th anniversary wood and will comprise a mix of native broadleaf trees including such species as oak, birch, rowan, hawthorn, cherry and maple.

Crickhowell and District University of the Third Age has a 400-strong membership and despite the long break during the Covid pandemic, many of its special interest groups have continued to communicate via Zoom conferencing.

The ability to hold our monthly meetings at the Clarence Hall again shows a welcome move towards a return to normality.