New trees for Pontypool Park

Posted on: Monday 6 March 2023

Work to establish 80 new trees and more than 4,500 hedging plants in Pontypool Park will begin this week. 

Trees including cherry, hazel and silver birch will be planted with hedges as part of a project to develop Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station.

The new plants will offset the removal of vegetation next to the train station that was removed to create a new park and ride facility next to the A4042, as part of the development.

Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "We understand some people may have been concerned at the removal of vegetation from the area next to Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station because all plants are good for the environment.

"But the work was done on the basis that a range of native trees and hedges would be planted in nearby Pontypool Park, which will help to increase the borough's tree canopy and will be enjoyed by more people." 

The trees and hedges will be planted in five different areas within the park - two to the west, near Penygarn, one near the ski slope and two to the east, between the ski slope and shell grotto. Public access routes and open spaces used by dog walkers will be maintained. 

The work is expected to take six weeks and will involve small machinery entering the park from the main park entrance and Park Crescent, but it will not affect residents' access to the street.  

The volunteer group Friends of Pontypool Park will be helping with some of the planting. 

The new park and ride facility at Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station is part of a £7.1 million pound redevelopment that will also include a new footbridge and lift for disabled passengers and cyclists. It is due to be completed in the summer.

The project – funded by Torfaen Council, Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and Welsh Government – aims to increase the number of people who use the station from across the borough and surrounding area.

To find out more about the Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station redevelopment, visit our website.

The project contributes to the council's wellbeing objectives to make Torfaen more sustainable by connecting people and communities, and to respond to the climate and nature emergencies by making improvements to the local environment. You can read more about the council's County Plan here.

Last Modified: 26/06/2023 Back to top