Press Release - 1/2 Million Trees Planted!
Stump Up For Trees Surpasses Half a Million Trees Planted Across South-East Wales
Farmer-led charity celebrates major milestone in restoring landscapes, boosting biodiversity and tackling climate change
Stump Up For Trees, the farmer-focused, community-led woodland creation charity, has planted more than 500,000 native trees across south-east Wales—marking a major milestone in its mission to restore degraded landscapes and build resilient ecosystems for future generations.
Working in partnership with Welsh farmers, volunteers and local communities, the charity is transforming poor agricultural and ecological ground into thriving, carefully designed treescapes that deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits.
From upland farms to river valleys, these new woodlands are already creating vital biodiversity corridors, improving habitats for wildlife, and contributing to catchment-scale natural flood management. At the same time, they are helping to sequester carbon, improve soil health, and enhance water and air quality.
Dr Keith Powell, sixth-generation Black Mountains farmer, vet and co-founder of the charity, said:
“Working with the farming community is in our DNA. Everything we do is about supporting farmers to integrate trees in ways that strengthen both the environment and agricultural productivity. Reaching half a million trees shows what’s possible when farmers are part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crises.”
Unlike many tree-planting initiatives, Stump Up For Trees places a strong emphasis on long-term success, not just planting numbers. Through ongoing maintenance and monitoring programmes, the charity ensures that trees become established and continue to thrive—creating a lasting legacy for generations.
The charity’s work is powered by a dedicated network of volunteers and landowners. To date, trees have been planted across dozens of sites, with volunteers of all ages playing a hands-on role in shaping the landscape.
Dr Jenny Knight, General Manager, said:
“This milestone belongs to our volunteers and our farmers. It shows that local, community-driven action can deliver real, measurable impact. Half a million trees is not just a number—it represents habitats restored, flood risks reduced, and a more resilient landscape for the future.”
Rob Penn, author and co-founder, added:
“What started as a conversation in a local pub has grown into something far bigger than we imagined. Reaching this milestone is incredibly rewarding—but it’s also just the beginning.”
Stump Up For Trees is working towards an ambitious target of planting one million native broadleaf trees, continuing to expand its impact across the region through collaboration, innovation and a deep commitment to place-based solutions.
ENDS
For more information, interviews or images, please contact:
Rob Penn
Project Director
rob@stumpupfortrees.org
07979 265436
Jenny Knight
General Manager
jennyknight@stumpupfortrees.org
07445 627213