3,000 trees to be planted across Lichfield and Burntwood

Volunteers from Severn Trent and the local community are joining forces this week to plant five Tiny Forests across Lichfield District.

The sites at St Michaels Road, Mesnes Green, Burntwood Park, Redwood Park and Eastern Avenue/Curborough Road will be planted as part of Severn Trent’s plan to create 72 Tiny Forests across the West Midlands region as part of their partnership with Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

As Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter, Severn Trent is creating 72 tennis-court-sized Tiny Forests to boost access to green space in urban areas and increase regional resilience against environmental issues such as flooding, heat stress and nature loss.

Environmental charity, Earthwatch Europe, will be supporting Severn Trent in the delivery of the Tiny Forests, which will see 600 native trees planted densely in each tennis court sized plot of land, helping to maximise the biodiversity benefits per square metre of land.

The Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, will also benefit from the project, with the trees planted all contributing to the Queen’s Green Canopy map.

Severn Trent’s Forest Delivery Manager, Ricky Dallow, said: “It’ll be fantastic to be on site and see the community spirit as we help Lichfield plant their five Tiny Forests, which will equate to around 3,000 trees! These Tiny Forests will be popping up across the West Midlands in the coming weeks and months and will not only help to deliver a legacy for the games but also increase access to green space in urban areas, benefiting both local communities and nature for generations to come.”

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council said:  “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen to host five new Tiny Forests as part of this initiative. Council Officers and local councillors worked closely together to identify suitable sites and successfully put forward our case to bring all of the benefits associated with Tiny Forests to our area. To be allocated five sites for Lichfield District is a great achievement. Not only will they bring enjoyment to residents in their local neighbourhoods, these Tiny Forests will also play an important role in nurturing wildlife in Lichfield District.

“I hope that local residents, community groups and schools come forward to take up the opportunity to participate in the planting days and in looking after the Tiny Forests into the future.”

Jessica Fidler, Head of Sustainability, Birmingham 2022 said: “It’ll be so exciting to see the Tiny Forest project come to life as the planting begins. The five Tiny Forests will provide nature-rich habitat areas in Lichfield and Burntwood and we look forward to seeing these forests grow to create green spaces and outdoor classrooms for many to enjoy.”

The forests will play an important role in supporting environmental education across the Midlands. As part of this, citizen scientists, from the local community, will be invited to help collect data and assess the benefits of the Tiny Forest in their area, including carbon absorption, flood management and the benefit on biodiversity.

Further information on volunteering for upcoming planting days in Lichfield and Burntwood can be found here.