Published: Tuesday 30th November 2021 | 5.23pm
Just a couple of months after Cannock Chase Council announced its intention to create a new urban woodland at Bradbury Lane in Hednesford, over 3,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted to date.
This significant achievement, with the help of the Forest of Mercia CIC, has come about thanks to the combined efforts of over 15 local volunteer groups and residents living nearby who have all been busy planting trees and shrubs in the past few weeks.
Collectively, they have transformed what was previously unremarkable common land into a fledgling woodland that will eventually improve wildlife diversity in the area and make for a more attractive landscape. Seven blocks of woodland have been created in all, surrounded by green open space.
The tree planting, which will see 1,000 more trees and shrubs added in the next few weeks has contributed to the Council’s commitment to make Cannock Chase District Carbon Neutral by 2030.
The District may well be noted for its woodland cover, particularly within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but all new and appropriate tree planting makes a significant contribution to tackling climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide emissions, improve air quality, and help reduce flooding.
Councillor Justin Johnson, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Leader said: “We announced our intention to create an urban woodland in Hednesford in September. Since then, we have had a great response from local organisations. From local primary schools to Cannock Rotary, not to mention local residents, we have had all ages of volunteers doing their bit and creating something everyone involved with can be proud about for many years to come.”
Dave Knowles from the Forest of Mercia said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this project, securing grant money to make it happen and supervising everyone’s valued work. Saplings planted are a mix of mainly deciduous native species along with holly. We find that these colder months are the best time to plant new trees as they are at their most dormant.”
The impressive roll call of organisations and individuals who have helped create the new urban woodland are residents living around the common, Friends of Hednesford Park, Cannock Rotary, Cannock and District Soroptomists, 1st Hednesford Scouts, Mencap work experience volunteers, South Staffordshire College students, Littleton Green Community School, Poppyfields Academy, Kingsmead School, Staffordshire University Academy, St Peter’s C of E Primary Academy, company volunteers from J Murphy and Sons Limited and Amey Highways, as well as members of the Forest of Mercia.
Work to plant the remaining 1,000 trees and shrubs, to reach the 4,000-target figure, is expected to conclude by the end of this year. At that stage the new urban woodland will be planted, and with regular maintenance can be left to thrive and mature.