Five tennis court-sized 'forests' are being created around Wales, including at Pencoedtre Park, Gibbonsdown.

Around 1,000 trees will be planted at each site, creating dense, native forests the size of tennis courts in five urban areas.

Locations in Bridgend, Conwy, Gwynedd, Cardiff, as well as here in Barry have been selected to provide maximum impact for nature and urban communities.

Work to prepare the soil has already been completed, with planting of 25 native species due to take place by the end of February.

The creation of Tiny Forests in Wales is being funded by Welsh Government as part of the National Forest for Wales.

Keep Wales Tidy will be following a special method of planting that is proven to grow faster, denser and more biodiverse than a standard newly planted woodland.

The aim is to attract wildlife, improve air quality, remove harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and help reduce localised flooding.

The forests will include pathways and outdoor classrooms, providing a space for people to relax, enjoy some fresh air and reconnect with nature.

The locations of the first Tiny Forests in Wales are:

Nantymoel, Bridgend

The Playing Field, St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Conwy

Coed Bach Pendalar/ Ysgol Pendalar, Gwynedd

Pencoedtre, Gibbonsdown, Vale of Glamorgan

Cardiff Bay

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: "Our green spaces have played a huge role in improving our well-being throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am thrilled that through our National Forest programme, Keep Wales Tidy have started planting our first Tiny Forests in Wales. "I am keen that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from woodlands, and these areas have been chosen to offer this in places which otherwise have limited access to green space. "I would encourage those interested in the development of the National Forest to attend our free online event from March 10 to 12, which will explore the benefits of woodlands and trees for all. Those interested may register their interest at [email protected]." Louise Tambini, Keep Wales Tidy Deputy Chief Executive, said:

"It's exciting to see the first five Tiny Forests taking shape in Wales. Although they might be small in size, we're sure they will have a big impact on biodiversity and people's well-being for generations to come.

"We'd like to thank Welsh Government our partners at Earthwatch and the Woodland Trust for making this possible. We look forward to working with them to extend the scheme to other towns and cities across Wales."