Let's Talk Trees

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About a third of Rhondda Cynon Taf is tree covered - this is very unusual for a County Borough where 240,000 people live. Even our built up areas have a lot of tree cover (average 18.5%), and that is something to celebrate.

Let's Look After Our Trees

Trees are long-lived, they provide continuity, give our landscapes their character and add beauty to our lives. They bring us closer to nature, change with the seasons and provide homes for wildlife.

In a changing climate our trees become even more valuable, providing shade, soaking up the downpours, keeping soil in place, storing carbon. Veteran trees and Ancient Woodland are irreplaceable and we need to take care of them. Larger trees provide more climate benefits but all trees will eventually die so we need to allow space for their replacements to grow and develop.

The changing climate and globalisation also brings new tree diseases, threats from increased storminess and from drought, all of which means our trees need more care.

Get Involved!

On this page you can tell us about your favourite wood or tree, send us photos telling us your thoughts about our wonderful woodlands and you can also find out so much more about trees and biodiversity in Rhondda Cynon Taf through our picture galleries on the right ranging from Fantastic Fungi to Ancient Woodlands!

You can also find out more about the importance of trees and interesting facts in our links and documents. Did you know, for example, that trees, along with all green plants are part of that miracle of photosynthesis, using the sun’s energy to feed themselves and drive the ‘carbon cycle’ that keeps us all alive? Find out more on the carbon cycle, fun family activities, tree identification, inspiring stories, other climate related projects and more tree and woodland surprises on the right hand side of the page.