Aberystwyth University

Woodland Creation Project

Supporting the University’s ambition to become Net Zero by 2030, we are increasing the carbon sequestration potential of our green spaces through our Woodland Creation Project.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s NRW grant, our tree planting project is expected to run for two winters, with 10 years of maintenance. We have planted around 17,000 trees so far, with plans to increase this to 90,000 trees by the end of next winter.

The saplings were chosen specifically to enhance the natural biodiversity of the 4 sites chosen, with a range of primarily broadleaf trees native to the UK. Species include Alder, Rowan, Scots Pine, Sycamore, Goat Willow, Hazel, Sessile Oak, Crab apple and multiple species of cherry and birch trees.

By the end of the project, it is estimated that our tree planting project across the 36 hectares of land will reduce our emissions by approximately 150 tonnes per annum.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Maintenance is much more intensive than we originally thought.
2. The approval process for ensuring land is right for planting is incredibly detailed, drawn out and time intensive.
3. Balancing different environmental requirements can be quite difficult, e.g., the use of herbicides and plastic guards balanced with the success of sapling growth.