In a significant step towards enhancing biodiversity and supporting the Welsh Government’s commitment to nature recovery, the Welsh trunk road agents have planted more than 30,000 native trees, shrubs, and hedgerow plants across Wales during last year’s planting season.
During winter 2024-25 the South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) planted a staggering 18,683 native trees and shrubs along the trunk road network in South Wales. This initiative supports efforts to enhance local ecosystems, provide vital habitats for wildlife, and improve the visual landscape along key transport corridors.
In North and Mid Wales, the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) planted 11,861 native trees and shrubs. This equated to 1,926 trees and 1987 metres of native hedgerow, using an impressive 9,935 individual plants. These hedgerows will act as vital wildlife corridors and natural windbreaks, contributing to soil stability and carbon capture while reinforcing the region’s natural heritage.
This work forms part of the Welsh Government’s Llwybr Newydd i Natur- Nature Recovery Action Plan, which is focused on transforming road verges and transport routes into thriving ecological corridors. The initiative supports nature recovery by planting native vegetation, improving boundary features like hedgerows and stone walls, and creating better habitats for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. More information on the programme can be found at:
Llwybr Newydd i Natur – the Nature Recovery Action Plan for our Strategic Road Network | GOV.WALES.
The species selected for planting were carefully chosen for their ecological value and suitability to local soil and climate conditions. All planting follows best practice guidance to ensure long-term establishment and ecological benefit.
This planting programme is part of a broader environmental strategy by the Welsh Government and its trunk road agents to promote sustainable transport infrastructure that works in harmony with the natural environment.