Shoppers across Wales are being encouraged to go green this Black Friday by planting a tree - for free.

More than 50 collection hubs, including in Wrexham and Flintshire, have opened their doors as part of an ambitious Welsh Government tree giveaway.

While retailers get ready for the year's busiest weekend - from Black Friday to Cyber Monday - an army of dedicated My Tree Our Forest volunteers are preparing to hand out some of the 295,000 trees available.

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As well as sucking carbon from our atmosphere, improving our mental health and cleaning the air we breathe, broadleaf trees are a haven for birds and wildlife. That's why the Welsh Government is calling on everyone in Wales to make the most of the weekend by picking up and planting their free tree to help fight the climate and nature emergencies.

Bethan Ellis and her four-year-old daughter, Seren, have already taken advantage of the tree giveaway. Bethan said: "We've come to collect our tree, ready to take it home to plant in our garden and it's just really nice to know that we are doing our bit to help the planet and to help with climate change."

 

Bethan Ellis with daughter, Seren, collecting their tree sapling as part of My Tree Our Forest.

Bethan Ellis with daughter, Seren, collecting their tree sapling as part of My Tree Our Forest.

 

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, said: "Planting a tree is literally like breathing life into your space.

"It cleans the air we breathe, it provides a home for birds and wildlife and it sucks up harmful carbon dioxide, which helps fight against climate change. Toys and gadgets come and go but a tree provides invaluable benefits to us all for centuries.

"I'm calling on everyone to visit the website to find your nearest hub and get on down there this weekend, where you will be greeted by our expert volunteers who will be on hand to help you choose the right tree for the right space.

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"While you have the pleasure of watching your tree grow in your back garden for many years to come, you can be proud in the knowledge that you have given the best gift you can to our future generations."

Ten different species of native and broadleaf trees have been provided by the scheme's delivery partner - Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales. These are: Hazel, Rowan, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Crab Apple, Sessile Oak, Dogwood, Dog Rose, Field Maple and Elder.

Natalie Buttriss, director of Coed Cadw, said: "Trees offer a simple and cost-effective solution to the environmental challenges we face. This year, we have a unique opportunity for people to turn Black Friday into a Green Friday.

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"We want to encourage everyone from all walks of life to get involved, plant a tree, and connect first-hand with the many benefits they can bring."

For those unable to collect a tree in person, they can be ordered online and delivered to their door. Alternatively, a tree can be planted on their behalf, helping to grow a National Forest for Wales.

To find out where your local tree giveaway hub is please visit: woodlandtrust.org.uk/wales-giveaway

Hubs open this weekend, from Friday, November 25 to Monday, November 28:

• Wepre Park CH5 4HL: Mon 10am-noon, Sat 9.30am-10.30am

• Brymbo heritage orchard project, Wrexham LL11 5AX: Sunday 10am-2pm

• Erlas Victorian walled garden LL13 9TY: Mon 9.30am-12.30pm

• Ty Pawb, Wrexham LL138BY: Mon, Fri, Sat 10am-4pm

• Plas Newydd, Llangollen LL20 8AW: Mon & Fri 10am-4pm

• reSource Denbighshire LL16 4SU: Mon & Fri 10am-3pm

• Golygfa Gwydyr, Llanrwst LL26 0AG: Mon & Fri 10am-4pm

• Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clywd, Ruthin LL15 1UP: Sunday 10am-2pm