A 12-year-old girl’s dream for a tree to be planted for every child born in Wales has come true. Natalie Vaughan, from Cardiff, came up with the idea when she was just 11. It has been turned into reality by the Welsh Assembly Government. The leader, Rhodri Morgan, said it would help young people connect with nature.

From New Year’s Day, the family of every child born or adopted in the country will get a certificate saying a tree has been planted for them. They will be able to discover where their tree was planted, and as they get older watch the tree grow as well.

Natalie said it would be a good way to make young people think about their environment and how they can help look after it. Up to 30 hectares (74 acres) of trees originally from the country will be planted each year. It is hoped a forest will be created, which will help fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.