Montgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell George has called on the Welsh Government to consider creating a woodland in mid Wales to remember those who have died from coronavirus.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced earlier this week that two woodlands would act as a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic.

The locations in north and south Wales will be designed to act as a permanent memorial “where families and others can come to remember all those we have lost”.

Following Tuesday's announcement, Russell George MS has questioned why mid Wales does not have a similar scheme.

The Welsh Conservative MS said: "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.

"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."

County Times: Montgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell GeorgeMontgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell George

The woodlands’ exact locations will be announced by the Welsh Government-sponsored body Natural Resources Wales (NRW). They will see a range of tree species planted to make them resilient to the changing environment.

Mr Drakeford said: “These woodlands will grow into natural spaces of reflection where families and others can come to remember all those we have lost.

“The pandemic has cast a long shadow on all our lives over the last year, but we can also look to the future with hope.”

NRW said it would engage with local communities to plan and design the woodlands.

Clare Pillman, chief executive of NRW, said: “Our woodlands play a vital role in our environment and communities and are powerful, poignant symbols of life and memory.

“The new commemorative woodlands will provide a living, growing memorial that will honour the memory of all of those who have sadly lost their lives to coronavirus.

“In addition to being a symbolic representation of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic, the woodlands will also provide a safe, quiet and accessible place where families can come to visit and remember their loved ones.”