BROMSGROVE MP Sajid Javid has officially opened a Tiny Forest at Chadsgrove School as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games celebration.
Severn Trent – as the official nature and carbon neutral supporter of the games – has created 72 Tiny Forests across the Midlands, including the one at Chadsgrove.
Back in March, pupils joined forces with Severn Trent engineers to plant the 600-tree forest which has now become an inspiring outdoor classroom for pupils.
The project has been supported by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe.
The school first learnt about the opportunity to host a Tiny Forest in July 2021 when Severn Trent’s Trunk Main Team was working on a pipe-laying scheme nearby. The team mentioned the Tiny Forest project and the school was keen to get involved.
In March this year, 10 of Severn Trent’s Trunk Main Team returned to the school to help to plant the Tiny Forest alongside the pupils.
The 72 forests each represent one of the different territories participating in the Commonwealth Games with Chadsgrove’s themed on ‘Trinidad and Tobago’.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
Mr Javid said he was delighted to be able to open the Tiny Forest and suggested inviting some Trinidad and Tobago athletes down to Chadsgrove when they arrived to compete at Birmingham 2022.
“The Commonwealth Games will leave an incredible legacy across the Midlands and in Bromsgrove District and these Tiny Forests will be a huge part of that.
“The Tiny Forest will also give pupils the opportunity to learn about the environment and I hope both teachers and pupils can enjoy it for years to come.”
Deb Rattley, Headteacher at Chadsgrove School, said she was delighted to welcome Mr Javid.
“It has been brilliant working with Severn Trent and Earthwatch Europe who have supported us to provide this and our children have loved the planning and planting and are now learning how to care for this amazing Tiny Forest.”
Kevin Hatch, Trunk Main Manager at Severn Trent, said: “It’s been fantastic to see Sajid Javid MP officially open the Tiny Forest.
“We’ve built up a great relationship with the school, and really enjoyed getting our hands dirty with the pupils at the planting day in March.
“What’s good for nature is good for water and as a company taking care of one of life’s essentials, we’re passionate about making a positive impact on the communities and the environment where we live and operate.
“From helping plant this Tiny Forest, to delivering Easter Eggs to the school, we really care about interacting with our customers this way at Severn Trent and it’s been a great example of how we like to work across our region.”
Picture by Tristan Harris.
The sites will help to deliver a lasting legacy for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as boosting access to green space in urban areas, supporting environmental education and increasing regional resilience against environmental issues such as flooding, heat stress and nature loss.
Jessica Fidler, Head of Sustainability, Birmingham 2022 said: “We hope this Tiny Forest will make a big impact to the pupils at the school, offering the chance to experience nature-rich green spaces for years to come.”
She added it was wonderful Mr Javid joined the school to celebrate the scheme.
“We want to make sure our sustainability programmes – from planting trees to promoting cycling and public transport – have a lasting, positive impact on the local environment and communities.”
Earthwatch Europe, the environmental charity pioneering the Tiny Forest movement in the UK, supported Severn Trent in the delivery of the Tiny Forests, which can attract over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years of planting.
Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting people with the environment and sustainability on their doorstep. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action.
“We are delighted to be working with Severn Trent to bring these opportunities to Bromsgrove, as well as urban communities across the region.”
