News

• 1,800 trees planted across three sites

• Each site becomes an inspiring outdoor classroom for children to learn about nature

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

Three schools in Coventry and Warwickshire have 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 at St James Church of England Academy in Bedworth, Kingsway Community Primary School in Leamington Spa, and Coundon Court Secondary School in Coventry this past week. Around 1,800 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 St James Academy, Kingsway Primary and Coundon Court over the past few days – 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 Midlands.  

“These Tiny Forests will they help to deliver a lasting legacy for the Games and create inspiring outdoor classrooms allowing children to learn first-hand about nature and the environment.” 

Jessica Fidler, Head of Sustainability, Birmingham 2022 said: “These Tiny Forests will make a big impact to people across the West Midlands and it’s amazing to see so many trees planted. We all look forward to experiencing these nature-rich green spaces across the West Midlands that future generations will enjoy.

“We want to make sure our sustainability initiatives - from planting trees to promoting cycling and public transport - have a lasting, positive impact on the local environment and communities.”

Nicola Smith, Deputy Head at St James Church of England Academy, said: “At St James C of E Academy, we are delighted to be able to plant the Pale Maiden Tiny Forest and be part of Severn Trent’s Tiny Forest pledge. 

“The experience of planting and nurturing a tree has been amazing for every single child and adult within school. We can’t wait for our forest to grow, so we can use the purpose-built seating area, within the forest. We are looking forward to see the forest develop and support our science learning too.”

Claire Green, Senior Assistant Head Teacher at Coundon Court, said: “Here at Coundon Court, we are thrilled to be hosting one of the Tiny forests within our school grounds. “Our students, school community and local primary students will have access to and responsibility for, looking after and maintaining the forest as it develops over time. This tiny forest will provide a fantastic space for our students to appreciate nature, wildlife and the impact this has on their local environment.”

Sharon Byrne, Head Teacher at Kingsway Community Primary School, said: “Our Tiny Forest is a wonderful opportunity for our school community and the children loved being a pivotal part of the planting process. 

“We are looking forward to being part of the Commonwealth Games legacy and to be able to build our understanding of the impact on our local ecosystem as the forest develops.”

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.     

Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting people with the environment and sustainability on their doorstep.  It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action.  We are delighted to be working with Severn Trent to bring these opportunities to the local community.”

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