News

• 3,000 trees set to be planted across five sites  

• Sites to play an important role in leaving an environmental legacy following Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games  

• Local community encouraged to sign up to volunteer at planting days 

Volunteers from the local community are being encouraged to join forces with Severn Trent to plant five Tiny Forests across Hinckley in celebration of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

The sites at Langdale Park, Ashby Road Cemetery, Jellicoe Way, Clifton Way and Burbage Common will be planted as part of Severn Trent’s plan to create 72 Tiny Forests across the Midlands region as part of their partnership with the games.   

As Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter, Severn Trent, supported by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, 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.  

Severn Trent’s Forest Delivery Manager, Ricky Dallow, said: “It’ll be fantastic to be in Hinckley and play a role in 3,000 trees being planted across five sites. The sense of achievement as we work our way across the region planting these Tiny Forests is incredible and we’d encourage any locals who’d like to come to one of the sites and help plant a few trees to sign up.  

“As a company that takes care of one of life’s essentials, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the communities and the environment where we live and work and these small but mighty Tiny Forests are set to become a real asset to the region as well as playing a key role in the legacy of the Games.” 

Executive Member for Parks and Open Spaces at the Borough Council Cllr Bill Crooks said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen to host five new Tiny Forests as part of this initiative, the majority of which are in the Hinckley area. We hope in time to see even more of these popping up in some of the parks outside of Hinckley which we don’t manage.

"To be allocated five sites is a great achievement. Not only will they bring enjoyment to residents in their local neighbourhoods, Tiny Forests will also play an important role in nurturing wildlife in the borough. 

“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: “These Tiny Forests will provide nature-rich habitat areas in Hinckley and reconnect people with nature. Part of our sustainability pledge was to leave a positive social and environmental legacy of sustainability for generations to come and we look forward to seeing these forests grow to create green spaces and outdoor classrooms for many to enjoy.”

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.  

Further information on volunteering for upcoming planting days in Hinckley can be found here.