Green fingers were at the ready at King Edward VI Aston School and King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls as they teamed up with Severn Trent to plant Tiny Forests in celebration of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, supported by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe.
Tiny Forests were planted on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th March respectively.
Around 1,200 trees in total were planted across the sites with the support of Earthwatch Europe. Each site will become a nature-rich accessible green space and an inspiring outdoor classroom for people to reconnect with nature.
As Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter, Severn Trent is creating 72 tennis-court-sized Tiny Forests across the region, one for each of the nations and territories competing in the Games. 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.
Severn Trent’s Forest Delivery Manager, Ricky Dallow, said: “We’ve really enjoyed planting Tiny Forests at the King Edward VI schools in Handsworth and Aston – it’s been great to see the pupils get involved with the planting and learn about the benefits of these sites.
“As a company that takes care of one of life’s essentials, we’re really passionate about making a positive impact on the communities and the environment where we live and work and these Tiny Forests are going to be a real asset to the West Midlands.
“Tiny Forests might be small, but their impact will be mighty, not only will they help to deliver a lasting legacy for the Games but they will also create inspiring outdoor classrooms allowing children to learn first-hand about nature and the environment.”
Amy Whittall, Headteacher at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, commented: "As a school located in an urban area of the city we are delighted to be able to host this Tiny Forest over the coming years.
“The students are keen to see its growth and effect on the biodiversity of the school site over time, and it will complement our own ecological schemes.
“We are most grateful to Earthwatch Europe and Severn Trent for sponsoring the supply of plants and for providing the additional manpower and equipment needed to make this happen today."
We look forward to seeing how the Tiny Forests progress over the coming months and years.
