The First Minister has announced that the Welsh Government is to create commemorative woodlands in South and North Wales in memory of those who have died from Coronavirus, prompting the Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire to call for a similar woodland in Mid Wales.
Russell George, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire, has raised questions in regards to the Welsh Government's announcement that it is to create two new woodlands – one in north Wales and one in south Wales – as "a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic and one of regeneration and renewal as the new woodlands grow", but has questioned why Mid Wales doesn't have a similar scheme.
Responding to the announcement, Russell George said:
"I understand that the Government's scheme will provide places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones but I would have also liked to see a similar scheme in Mid Wales where we would also be able to reflect on the pandemic and the huge impact it has had on all our lives.
"It is now one year since the first person in Wales sadly died from Covid-19 and the people of Mid Wales haven't been immune from the devastating effects of the virus. I believe that it would have been appropriate for communities in Mid Wales to also have been included to ensure that we have a natural space for quiet reflection and where families and friends can come together to remember loved ones.
"Therefore, I have written to the First Minister to suggest that he also considers a location in Mid Wales and have offered to assist him in suggesting appropriate sites for a commemorative woodland in Powys."
