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The Phoenix Collegiate in West Bromwich has become the first school to receive a Tiny Forest as part of Severn Trent’s plan to create 72 Tiny Forests across the region in celebration of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Last year, Severn Trent invited schools and community groups to apply to host one of the Tiny Forests which will play an important role in supporting environmental education across the West Midlands. 

Each Tiny Forest site will see 600 native trees planted densely in a tennis court sized plot of land and will be linked to one of the nations and territories competing at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.  The Tiny Forests will leave a positive social and environmental legacy while also increasing regional resilience against environmental issues such as flooding, heat stress and nature loss. 

Severn Trent’s Forest Delivery Manager, Ricky Dallow, said: “We’re over the moon for The Phoenix Collegiate to be the first school to plant a Severn Trent Tiny Forest. 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.”

Mike Smith, Head Teacher at The Phoenix Collegiate, said: “It was an honour to be the first school to plant a Severn Trent Tiny Forest planted in celebration of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Seeing the enjoyment on our students faces as they dug, planted and distributed the mulch was really great, it brought learning to life. This new area will support both our science and geography departments not only with their curriculum and field studies, but also provide the school with an outdoor learning environment.

“Our thanks go to Severn Trent and Earthwatch for helping us deliver a small part of the  Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy. We look forward to watching as the forest comes to life over the coming years.”

Jessica Fidler, Head of Sustainability, Birmingham 2022 said: “Forests help children and young people learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way. They are a great way to help connect children with their local green spaces and show them how they can protect it for future generations and limit their impact on the planet.”
As Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter, Severn Trent is working to support Birmingham 2022 in its pledge to leave a carbon-neutral legacy.

Earthwatch Europe, the environmental charity pioneering the Tiny Forest movement in the UK, is supporting 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. 

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.

Information on volunteering for upcoming community planting days across the region can be found here.