Newly-planted trees to blossom in Tettenhall as part of royal project
Trees are set to blossom within a green retreat as part of a global forestry project given the royal seal of approval.
Wolverhampton South East MP Eleanor Smith joined forces with Tettenhall Little Environmental Group to breathe life back into parts of Tettenhall Wood.
It comes as part of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, which is a world-wide conservation initiative to mark her lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
Ms Smith said: "Getting out and planting trees is a fabulous thing to do for the environment.
"It’s great to get children involved, and for them to feel connected to trees and plants and know they can contribute to preserving their natural surroundings.
“It’s marvellous that the Tettenhall Little Environmental Group, a very friendly organization, host regular planting sessions. It’s such an enjoyable activity.”
A total of 10 dormant trees - which included birch, rowan and hazel - were planted in the Penk Rise park on January 5.
They were donated to Ms Smith thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV which saw 50,000 trees sent out to MPs across the country.
Members of the environment group have been planting in Penk Rise to replenish a wood, as well as replace ageing poplars and willows with hardwood trees.
Woodland Trust chief executive Beccy Speight said: "We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
"We all need trees. They are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity.
"They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe.
"I hope the residents of Wolverhampton will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”
The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is a network of forest conservation projects which launched in 2015 when an appeal was made to all 53 Commonwealth nations.
Leaders were asked to contribute areas of indigenous forest which would be preserved to mark the Queen's service to the Commonwealth.
Gary Price, Wolverhampton Council's parks development and engagement officer, joined the tree planting session and said: “Planting these trees improves the biodiversity, improves the animal life, and you don’t have to be an expert to do it. It’s about loving your environment.”
