One cold January weekend saw 2,000 trees planted! 

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We were delighted to support this initiative, working alongside the community to help deliver a project that strengthens biodiversity and contributes to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

 

Well done to the outstanding group of students who planned and delivered a hugely successful weekend. Their efforts will leave a lasting legacy, with trees that will grow, thrive and support wildlife at UWC Atlantic for generations to come.

Students at UWC Atlantic said: 

 

On the 17th and 18th of January students from Atlantic College and the wider community of Llantwit Major came together to plant 2000 native tree and hedge species to strengthen the biodiversity of the St Donats Castle site.

 

Planting Dog Rose, Hazel, Silver Birch, Hawthorn, Beech, Wild Cherry and many more species we transformed the bottom of an empty field into a small forest using the Miyawaki method, in order to replace the tree numbers lost to necessary felling and Ash dieback.

 

The initiative brought together over 200 volunteers ranging from alumni, current students, external guests and local families, making it a truly intergenerational and community-driven effort. Whilst we are not only building a foundation for future collaboration and community, planting trees contributes to improved air quality, groundwater recharge and soil conservation, encouraging more native wildlife back into our land. Beyond environmental benefits, the project also aimed to instil a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among students and the wider community. This plantation was a continued drive towards a long-term green initiative with future plans including regular monitoring of sapling growth, additional plantation phases, and awareness programs on sustainability, with the future of these trees held in the hands of our students.

 

This project would not have been able to be completed without the support of: Dream for Trees who supplied us with the trees, guards and canes and came down to our campus to plant alongside us; A Peace For Nature and the generosity of Wick Van Rentals for bringing amazing energy, food and drinks to keep all of our volunteers motivated and Keep Wales Tidy for supporting our project through feedback and guidance. ​