With thanks to our generous sponsors for supporting this project
We’re delighted to announce the successful launch of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree – now available as Sbriwsen Sitka – y Goeden Bren Ryfeddol. The beautifully illustrated bilingual audio storybook, produced by Tales from Mother Earth, was officially unveiled at our annual WoodBUILD conference on 3–4 June in Llandudno.
The Welsh version marks the first time Tales from Mother Earth has translated and produced one of their nature-themed storybooks in another language. We are now working to distribute it to all 1,277 primary schools in Wales – in both Welsh and English – enabling teachers to develop bilingual lesson plans in time for the new academic year.
The storybook launch was one of the highlights of WoodBUILD25, drawing warm applause as our CEO Gary Newman presented the book during the evening celebration dinner:
“We’re thrilled to support the Welsh-language launch of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree. It’s a wonderful example of how storytelling can spark curiosity in children about the natural world and the vital role timber plays in our lives. By reaching every primary school in Wales, this bilingual storybook helps us grow a future generation that values forests, materials and sustainability – in both Welsh and English.”
— Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales
We are proud to have supported the original English version in 2024, working alongside Morgan Sindall Construction and other passionate collaborators. It has been a privilege to help bring the Welsh-language version to life in 2025.
Tales from Mother Earth worked with the expert translators at Cymen to ensure the story’s tone, warmth and educational intent were preserved in Welsh. Audio production was handled by Welsh-based company Tinint, who cast talented native speakers to voice Mother Earth and Sitka, capturing the same sense of magic and approachability found in the English original.
We’re grateful to everyone involved in making this bilingual edition possible. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration—and a perfect example of how creative education tools can support our shared mission to connect children with nature and sustainable futures.
Explore and listen to Sbriwsen Sitka via the Tales from Mother Earth website.
