A TREE planting ceremony was recently hosted at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 8, celebrated more than 100 trees being planted in the space, with a mountain ash tree also being planted to mark a century of Soroptimist International - a worldwide organisation of volunteers working to improve the lives and status of women.

The tree planting ceremony was attended by members of Barry & District Soroptimists, along with representatives of the town council – including Mayor Cllr Steffan Wiliam, Cllr Nic Hodges, facilities and cemeteries manager Amanda Evans, and cemetery team leader Paul Duggan.

President of Barry & District Soroptimists, Val Simpson, said: “It is particularly appropriate that we are planting our tree on International Women’s Day since we are a voluntary organisation which aims to educate, empower, and enable women and girls to achieve their full potential.

“During our centenary Soroptimists have planted trees throughout the world in countries such as Peru, Brazil, Spain, France, Mozambique, India and of course Wales.

“These will not only be a lasting tribute to our organisation but also assist in enhancing our environment at a time when we are all conscious of the need to address the issue of climate change.”

Barry And District News:

The ceremony also celebrated 135 trees being planted at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, which is a Green Flag awarded space.

In November 2021, on Tree Charter Day; The Woodland Trust offered their Charter Branches – individuals or organisations that take action to embed Tree Charter principles into their area, which included Barry Town council – free trees to plant.

The Tree Charter principles are:

  1. Sustain landscapes rich in wildlife
  2. Plant for the future
  3. Celebrate the power of trees to inspire
  4. Grow forests of opportunity and innovation
  5. Protect irreplaceable trees and woods
  6. Plan greener local landscapes
  7. Recover health, hope and wellbeing with the help of trees
  8. Make trees accessible to all
  9. Combat the threats to our habitats
  10. Strengthen our landscapes with trees.

Barry And District News:

The trees planted at the cemetery are all native broadleaf trees, including:

  • Silver birch;
  • Rowan;
  • Wild cherry;
  • Hazel;
  • Crab apple;
  • Downy birch;
  • Hawthorn;
  • Goat willow.