The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd has called for a new woodland to be planted in mid Wales to remember people who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week First Minister Mark Drakeford announced two new woodlands will be planted as a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic - and to show the country's regeneration and renewal as the new woodlands grow.

However the planned woodlands will be in south and north Wales with mid Wales not included in the Welsh Government's plans.

The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies MS, has called on the Welsh Labour Government to include a woodland in mid Wales.

Mr Davies said: “Communities in north and south Wales will take comfort in visiting commemorative woodland in their respective vicinities to remember those who lost their lives to Covid-19.

“It’s clear that the virus knows no boundaries, so I question the rationale, or perhaps, more accurately, lack of it in why it was decided that mid Wales would not have a commemorative woodland.

“This is a deeply insensitive move and it needs to be rectified swiftly.”

The planned woodlands were announced on the first anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic.

The First Minister 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.

"The locations of the two sites will be announced shortly and Natural Resources Wales will engage with local communities to plan and design the woodlands.

Clare Pillman, CEO Natural Resources Wales 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."