Local MPs unite to kick off tree planting season
Local MPs join forces to mark the start of the tree-planting season in the Heart of England Forest.
Politicians from across the political spectrum have come together to highlight the vital role of trees in tackling climate change and protecting the local environment.
Local MPs Manuela Perteghella, Chris Bloore, and Nigel Huddleston joined members of the Forest team and volunteers to plant trees and mark the start of the charity’s annual tree-planting season.
The event highlighted the cross-party commitment to planting and protecting trees, recognising their essential role in tackling climate change, supporting wildlife, and creating a healthier, greener environment for local communities.
Coming together
Redditch and the Villages MP Chris Bloore said:
“It was a pleasure to take part in the cross-party tree planting event at the Heart of England Forest.
“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to bring people together around something we can all agree on - the importance of protecting our natural environment and leaving it in a better state for future generations.
“Planting trees is about so much more than putting roots in the ground. It is about supporting biodiversity, creating habitats for wildlife, improving our natural landscapes and taking practical action to tackle climate change.”
Manuela Perteghella MP added:
“Trees and woodlands have a vital role to play in addressing climate change, restoring biodiversity and wildlife, improving water quality, and creating healthier communities.
As one of the UK’s largest woodland creation charities, the Heart of England Forest is working to create and conserve a vast, interconnected native broadleaf forest across the heart of England, including in my constituency of Stratford-on-Avon, helping to leave a lasting environmental legacy for future generations. I feel proud to be a part of this, by helping plant new trees, and help create resilient landscapes of the future.”
Challenges of tree planting
However, as a charity, we are facing increasingly challenging conditions for tree planting, with extreme weather and changing climate patterns making it more difficult for young trees to establish and thrive.
In response, the Forest team is adapting its approach, exploring ways to improve tree survival rates and ensure the long-term success of its work.
"But as our climate changes, so must the way we plant and care for trees. We're working hard to adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather and give every tree the best possible chance of thriving.
"Everyone has a part to play in creating a greener future, and we'd love more people to get involved."
Nigel Huddleston MP said:
“It is always good to support the Heart of England Forest and the important work being done to expand native woodland across Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Planting trees is about more than just increasing woodland cover. It helps improve biodiversity, supports local wildlife, creates green spaces for people to enjoy and leaves something lasting for future generations.
With more than 100,000 trees due to be planted this season, it is also a great example of what can be achieved when local communities, volunteers, landowners and organisations work together.
I would encourage anyone who is able to get involved with the planting season and help support this fantastic project.”
Get involved
As the new planting season begins, we encourage local people to support its work by volunteering to plant trees or donating to help grow and protect the Forest for future generations.
