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Schools and community groups only have a few days left to express their interest in hosting one of the 72 Tiny Forest sites planned to be created across the West Midlands, with applications closing at 17:30 on Friday 26th November.  

Around 600 trees will be planted at each of the 72 sites, which can attract over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years, providing access to green space and an outdoor classroom to help encourage the next generation to connect with nature.  

As Birmingham 2022’s Official Nature & Carbon Neutral Supporter, Severn Trent is delivering a series of initiatives to assist Birmingham 2022 in their pledge to be the first carbon neutral Commonwealth Games and leave a legacy across the region.  

What schools need:

• An area the size of a tennis court (around 200m2)

• Permission from the landowner 

Ricky Dallow, Forestry Creation Project Manager at Severn Trent, said: “We can’t wait to see these tennis-court-sized Tiny Forests start to pop up across the West Midlands. They may be small but their impact will be mighty, bringing green spaces to urban areas, creating new habitats for wildlife, and supporting nature-based outdoor learning.

“Not only will they leave a positive social and environmental legacy following Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but they will also increase resilience across the region against the threats of climate change and nature loss, so it’s a real win-win for everyone!”   

Environmental charity, Earthwatch Europe, will be supporting Severn Trent in the delivery of the Tiny Forests. As part of this project, a series of events will be run to provide teachers and educators with the tools to use their Tiny Forest as a learning resource and engage students in experiential outdoor learning connected to the national curriculum.  

Schools and community groups in the West Midlands have until 17:30 on Friday 26th November to express an interest in hosting a free Tiny Forest. All applications can be made using the land portal link here.  

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