More space for trees
Since the start of the current tree planting season in November 2018, dedicated teams of volunteers and staff have planted over 30,000 native trees on land owned by the charity at the Lenches in Worcestershire. The charity has planted just under 1.8 million trees across 3,800 acres since it was first formed in 2003, but we have got a long way to go before we reach our target of planting 10 million trees over 30,000 acres.
The Heart of England Forest is pleased to announce the acquisition of two new parcels of land located at Arrow and Newnham, enabling the charity to continue to grow England’s largest new native broadleaf Forest.
Arrow
The land at Arrow Mill consists of two large fields totalling 44 acres to the east of the River Arrow and south of Holy Trinity Church. We hope to plant native trees and create associated woodland rides and wild flower meadows whilst maintaining public access via the existing public footpath that runs north to south through the heart of site. This will be a haven for wildlife and a place of relaxation and peace for the local community.
Newnham
The land at Newnham consists of six fields of varying sizes totalling 132 acres. It is located to the south-west of Newnham village. There are several public footpaths and tracks that cross the site where we plan to plant native broadleaf trees and create wide, grassy woodland rides and wild flower meadows perfect for bees, butterflies, birds and mammals and a place for the local community enjoy.
Working with the local community
On the morning of Saturday 26th January 2019, staff from the Heart of England Forest met members of the community from Arrow, a small village south of Alcester, to discuss our plans for land located to the south-east of the village. After a short introduction to the Heart of England Forest, our Head Forester, Stephen Coffey, led a gentle walk around the site to answer further questions and discuss any issues that the community had. In total, ten people attended, and it was great to see so many local people showing an interest in what is going on within the Heart of England Forest.
After the success of our morning at Arrow, the team moved on to the small village of Newnham which is located approximately 6km north-west of Stratford-upon-Avon. 22 people from the small village of Newnham made their way to the heart of the land now owned by the charity. Here again, they met Stephen and the team before heading off for a tour of the site.
As we make our final plans for the land at Arrow and Newnham, there are even more opportunities for you to support the Forest as it grows by becoming a volunteer. If you are yet to fulfil your New Year’s Resolution to help the environment or to stay fit and healthy, now is the perfect time to get in touch. For more information or to register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us, visit our volunteering page.
