School pupils and toddlers gave a lesson in helping the environment as a community came together to plant more than 2,000 trees as part of a new Commonwealth forest.

Volunteers also dug deep to take part in the two-day event organised by Severn Trent and the National Trust, which owns the site near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

The planting marathon was part of Severn Trent’s bid to deliver a carbon neutral legacy for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where it was Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Partner. The water company had signed up for the Commonwealth Forest project – a bid to create 2,022 acres of new woodlands.

The new 42-acre site near Bromsgrove will eventually see more than 20,000 trees planted, creating a stunning forest for locals to enjoy for generations to come. 

The news was announced on International Forest Day – 21^st March – which is a global event to highlight the importance of woodland in the fight against climate change. 

George Hammonds, Severn Trent’s Assistant Forestry Manager, thanked all those who had turned out to help with the new Commonwealth forest, including dozens of local school pupils.

He said: “It’s really important to involve local communities when possible, as they take pride in the site and will enjoy watching the forest grow and develop.

“It was great to chat to local residents when planting to explain why the site has been designed as it has and the benefits it will bring. The planting days truly were a family affair for some - with our youngest volunteer being just six months old!”

Schools involved in the planting included Lickey Hills Primary. Sarah Page, Assistant Head Teacher, said: "Our Year 3 pupils had a fantastic afternoon planting trees with Severn Trent and National Trust.

“The children came back to school beaming, having done their bit by planting over 100 trees. A great life experience for them all. Thank you to Severn Trent and National Trust for having us."

Hannah Blackwell, Project Manager at the National Trust, said: “It was brilliant to see so many people from the local community, along with children from local schools coming together to help plant the trees.

“It was hard work but also great fun, and it’s a special feeling to know that the woodland we’ve created together will be a lasting legacy, providing a much-needed boost to nature, the environment and to people’s wellbeing for generations to come.

“We’re very grateful for Severn Trent’s support in making this new woodland a reality, it will play an important part in tackling both the climate and nature crisis.”

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Forests boost biodiversity, including improving soil quality, plus they create new green social spaces for communities. 

Separately the water company has also created more than 70 Tiny Forests, including in communities and at schools, with both schemes helping towards a Severn Trent target of planting 1.3m trees by 2025.