The Welsh government will terminate funding for a tree-planting initiative in Uganda that faced criticism from opposition politicians, who branded the project “woke”. Since 2015, Wales has provided more than £4 million to the climate change charity Size of Wales to collaborate with Indigenous communities on tree planting in the African nation. Ministers stated that budgetary pressures necessitated difficult decisions, resulting in the charity losing its grant for the program at the conclusion of March 2027.
Project Impact and Government Stance
Size of Wales works alongside Indigenous and local populations globally to cultivate trees and safeguard a minimum of two million hectares of tropical forests, an area equivalent in size to Wales. Funded by preceding Labour-led Welsh administrations, the initiative has facilitated the planting of over 25 million trees around Mbale within the Mount Elgon region of eastern Uganda. Past opposition criticism regarding the allocation of taxpayers’ funds prompted Labour ministers last year to note that the financing amounted to roughly £270,000 annually, representing 0.001% of the government’s total budget for 2025.
A document released in August 2025 by the prior administration indicated that Wales was assisting some of the world’s poorest populations in adapting to climate change, enhancing their livelihoods, and shielding local inhabitants in the Mount Elgon area from fatal landslides. Plaid Cymru assumed control of the Welsh government in May, with the choice to conclude the tree-planting project arriving as the administration prepares to release its draft budget for 2026-27 later this month.
A Welsh government spokesperson explained that officials are formulating a fresh international strategy for Wales to ensure future investments demonstrate impact, offer value for money, and yield clear advantages for both Wales and international partners. The spokesperson confirmed that grant funding for the Mbale tree-planting program will not be renewed past its current expiration date of March 31, 2027, emphasizing that this choice does not reflect the quality of the work.
“The programme has planted millions of trees and built important links between Wales and Uganda, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue with Size of Wales,” the spokesperson said, adding that acknowledging a program’s success differs from committing to fund the same delivery model indefinitely amidst limited resources.
Reactions from Political Parties and Charities
Size of Wales chairman Tim Birch urged the government to reconsider, stating that global responsibility must be strengthened rather than abandoned during a deepening climate crisis. The tree-planting project has long drawn criticism from Reform UK and Welsh Conservative politicians in the Senedd.
Helen Jenner, leader of Reform UK in Wales, welcomed the announcement, stating that her party had demanded an end to what she termed ridiculous woke spending for years. Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, described the decision as long overdue, arguing that the Welsh government holds no responsibility for foreign affairs or international development while domestic services lack necessary cash.
Conversely, Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds characterized the choice as short-sighted, accusing Plaid Cymru of attempting to out-reform Reform. Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates remarked that Plaid Cymru repeatedly championed international programs while in opposition, highlighting a contrast between their past statements and current actions. Additionally, the Welsh government supplies a separate annual grant of £280,000 to the charity for an educational program in Welsh schools, which continues until March 2027 with future proposals awaiting ministerial review.
