Communities across Wales are living in so-called “tree deserts”, with towns in North Wales among the worst affected areas in the country, according to new figures published by woodland conservation charity Woodland Trust.

The research, released by the Trust’s Welsh branch Coed Cadw, warns that a critical lack of urban tree cover is leaving people more exposed to poor health, air pollution and rising temperatures.

Holyhead topped the list as the worst-performing urban area in Wales, with 100 per cent of its urban population living in areas considered at risk because of extremely low tree cover.

Prestatyn ranked second, with 82.04 per cent of residents affected, while Llandudno also featured in the top five worst-hit areas in Wales, with 70.42 per cent of the urban population living in areas with critically low tree equity.

Flint also appeared in the top 10, alongside towns and cities across South Wales, highlighting what campaigners say is a nationwide problem.

The charity says tree equity means ensuring all communities have fair access to the benefits trees provide, regardless of postcode.

Jacinta Challinor, tree equity lead for Coed Cadw, said the figures exposed “an injustice” affecting the health and wellbeing of communities.

She said: “Tree deserts are places of critically low tree equity where communities are missing out on the many benefits trees provide.

“That can mean hotter homes and streets, dirtier air, higher rates of asthma and heart disease, and poorer physical and mental health.”

The report says urban trees can help reduce pollution, lower temperatures during heatwaves, prevent flooding and improve mental wellbeing. Research also suggests greener urban areas can attract investment, improve biodiversity and even increase property values.

The findings come as Wales and the wider UK continue to experience rising temperatures linked to climate change, with campaigners warning that built-up areas without enough trees are particularly vulnerable during periods of hot weather.

Coed Cadw says the issue can still be tackled through ambitious planting schemes and better urban planning.

Several councils in Wales have already introduced long-term tree strategies, including Wrexham County Borough Council, which is aiming to increase urban canopy cover to 20 per cent.

Jon Brewin, the council’s arboricultural officer for planning, said Wrexham recognised the need to improve tree cover more than a decade ago and plans to strengthen its strategy further in 2026.

He said new data provided by the Woodland Trust would help identify areas most in need of investment and planting.

A recent Woodland Trust survey also found strong public backing for greener neighbourhoods, with 88 per cent of people living in urban areas saying everyone should have fair access to trees and green spaces.

Coed Cadw is now encouraging people across Wales to check the level of tree cover in their own communities using its online tree equity tool.

The worst-performing urban areas in Wales for tree cover were listed as Holyhead, Prestatyn, Carmarthen, Milford Haven, Llandudno, Ystradgynlais, Flint, Aberystwyth, Bridgend and St Athan.