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A conservation charity has raised concerns about the lack of trees in many towns and cities, describing some areas as “tree deserts.” These green shortages are believed to increase residents’ vulnerability to health problems, air pollution, and heightened temperatures. According to Coed Cadw, the Welsh Woodland Trust, coastal towns are particularly hard hit. For example, Holyhead in Anglesey emerged as the location where the entirety of the urban population is at risk due to insufficient tree cover.
Additional coastal towns in north Wales, such as Prestatyn and Llandudno, also feature prominently among the worst affected. Research indicates that 82% of Prestatyn’s population and 70% of Llandudno’s residents face environmental and health risks linked to the scarcity of trees. Jacinta Challinor, the charity’s tree equity lead, emphasized the silent health impact this represents, calling it an “injustice” that quietly undermines people’s well-being.
Challinor explained that areas with critically low tree equity miss out on the numerous benefits that trees offer, including the reduction of heat in homes and streets, improvement of air quality, and the mitigation of respiratory and heart diseases. These environmental deficits also contribute to adverse physical and mental health outcomes and may even lower life expectancy. Other Welsh towns with poor urban tree coverage include Carmarthen, Milford Haven, Ystradgynlais, Flint, Aberystwyth, Bridgend, and St Athan, all identified by Coed Cadw as having some of the lowest tree canopy levels.
Despite these challenges, the charity pointed to positive actions taken in some areas, highlighting Wrexham as a council that has recognized the need to increase urban tree cover. Jon Brewin, an arboriculture officer at Wrexham council, stated that efforts to expand the city’s canopy began in 2014. The council plans to build on this work by refining its strategy and using data from the Woodland Trust’s tree equity score, which measures tree canopy relative to factors such as housing density and vulnerable age groups. While coastal environments pose unique challenges due to sea breezes and their impact on tree growth, Coed Cadw insists that all urban areas need to prioritize achieving sufficient tree coverage.
Trees play a crucial role in combating air pollution and moderating temperature extremes in cities, according to Inigo Atkin, the charity’s public affairs manager. He noted that trees absorb heat on hot days, preventing surfaces like pavements from reflecting excessive heat and raising urban temperatures by several degrees. Coed Cadw advocates for ambitious urban planning that aims for up to 25% tree canopy cover in city areas. They urge Welsh local authorities to adopt bold strategies to ensure fair and widespread access to the environmental and health benefits that trees provide. A 2025 survey by the Woodland Trust, involving over 2,000 urban residents, found overwhelming public support, with 88% believing that everyone should have equitable access to trees regardless of their location
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