A New Leaf! How community organisations can plant themselves at the root of climate change

Sandwell schools and community organisations have a unique opportunity to plant themselves at the root of the climate change race, and leave a legacy for future generations. If you have a tennis court-sized piece of land at your disposal, you could become part of the Tiny Forest programme, helping Birmingham 2022 in their pledge to be the first carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games.

As Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Supporter, Severn Trent is delivering a series of initiatives, including the creation of 72 tennis court-sized Tiny Forests, to be built in urban areas across the West Midlands. The sites will leave a positive social and environmental legacy, and in doing so, will increase resilience across the region against the threats of climate change and nature loss.

Schools and community groups in the West Midlands have until Friday 26th November to express an interest in hosting a Tiny Forest. Applications also remain open for land owners interested in being part of the Commonwealth Forest. All applications can be made using this link Legacy forests | Severn Trent Water (stwater.co.uk)

The forests will play an important role in connecting thousands of people with nature on their doorstep, and environmental education across the Midlands. Local communities will be invited to help Earthwatch Europe collect data and assess the benefits of the Tiny Forest in their area, including carbon absorption, flood management and the benefit on biodiversity, and community wellbeing as the sites develop.
Severn Trent and Earthwatch Europe will also provide training and resources for schools to help use the Tiny Forest as an inspiring outdoor classroom, with hands-on workshops allowing children to learn first-hand about nature and the environment.

Severn Trent’s Forest Delivery Team are available to answer any questions and can be contacted at forestdelivery@severntrent.co.uk