VOLUNTEERS and youngsters have chipped in to create a new woodland in Bromsgrove as part of plans to deliver a carbon neutral legacy for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
School pupils and toddlers gave a lesson in helping the environment as the community came together to plant for than 2,000 trees at the new 42-acre Commonwealth Forest.
It is being planted on Severn Trent Water and National Trust owned land as part of the water company’s role as the Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Partner for the games.
Severn Trent has signed up to tree planting project, which hopes to create 2,022 acres of new woodlands. The Bromsgrove Commonwealth Forest will eventually be home to more than 20,000 trees.
It was announced on International Forest Day on March 21, a global event to highlight the importance of woodland in the ‘fight against climate change’.
Schools involved in the planting included Lickey Hills Primary. Sarah Page, assistant head teacher, said: “Our Year 3 pupils had a fantastic afternoon planting trees.
“The children came back to school beaming, having done their bit by planting over 100 trees. A great life experience for them all.”
National Trust’s project manager, Hannah Blackwell, said it was brilliant to see the local community coming together for the tree planting.
“It was hard work but also great fun, and it’s a special feeling to know that the woodland we’ve created together will be a lasting legacy.
“We’re very grateful for Severn Trent’s support in making this new woodland a reality, it will play an important part in tackling both the climate and nature crisis,” she added.
Severn Trent has also created more than 70 Tiny Forests, including in communities and at schools, with both schemes helping towards a Severn Trent target of planting 1.3m trees by 2025.
George Hammonds, Severn Trent’s assistant forestry manager, thanked all those who helped with the new Commonwealth forest.
He said: “It’s really important to involve local communities when possible, as they take pride in the site and will enjoy watching the forest grow and develop.”
Visit https://www.stwater.co.uk/legacy-forests/ for more information.
