Monmouthshire’s Reuse shop has just celebrated its first anniversary at Llanfoist household waste recycling centre. The Reuse shop has a loyal following with customers who turn out every week, whatever the weather, in search of the latest bargains. But what some may not know is that for every pre-loved purchase, funds increase for tree planting in Monmouthshire, a vital part of the council’s campaign to tackle climate change. The aim is to plant 10,000 trees across the county within the next three years.
County Councillors Sheila Woodhouse and Jane Pratt officially opened the shop back in October 2019. To mark the occasion, they planted tree seedlings in salvaged pots.
On the first anniversary of the shop’s opening Sheila Woodhouse, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council, said: “The little Oak and Beech trees have started to grow and as they mature they will be planted out in the community. They’re a real symbol of hope in these challenging times. More than ever before, due to the pandemic, we have all come to realise just how important nature is to our health and wellbeing. It’s wonderful to think that customers of the Reuse shop are directly contributing to the war on climate change.”
Councillor Jane Pratt, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, added: “We are facing both a climate emergency and an ecological emergency, as much of our native plants and wildlife are in decline. In our own gardens and in our public spaces, planting trees can provide food and shelter for pollinating insects, mammals and birds. Alternatively, we’re asking residents to suggest communal areas in our towns and villages that could be ideal to plant a single tree, or perhaps more. Residents can get in touch by emailing susanparkinson@monmouthshire.gov.uk.”
“We are also encouraging schools to join our tree planting campaign. By collecting seeds from local trees this autumn they can start their own tree nurseries in their school grounds. We are on hand to give advice how to manage this so that today’s school children can help grow the veteran trees of the future.”
If residents would like to stop by the Reuse shop and discover what’s on offer, they can feel confident that every measure is in place to keep it safe. Staff at the shop have been working hard in recent months to ensure social distancing and COVID secure conditions for customers. This has been supported by the efforts of incredible volunteers who have been recruited locally through Volunteering for Wellbeing. The shop, which sells everything from bric-a-brac to antiques and collectables, is currently open each Wednesday from 10am – 3pm.
