Published: Tuesday, 3rd June 2025
Heath Hayes Park is looking greener and more vibrant thanks to a fantastic tree planting day held last month.
Residents, the Friends of Heath Hayes Park, Friends of Hednesford Park, and a group from AXIS Birmingham all got stuck in, planting a variety of trees across the park as part of a fun and meaningful volunteering effort.
The event was supported by funding from DEFRA’s Trees for Climate programme, delivered locally by Forest of Mercia CIC. Trees were planted in a range of spots across the park, including shelter belts, shade trees for the football pitches, and avenues to enhance the landscape. A mix of native species will help boost biodiversity, improve the park’s resilience to climate change, and create a more enjoyable space for everyone.
And the green improvements don’t stop there - next season, the park will be getting its very own community orchard, with around 70 fruit trees including apples, pears, and plums. It’s hoped this will become a great place for people to learn about growing food, enjoy some fresh fruit, and come together as a community.
Kathryn Lane, Co- Director at the Forest of Mercia said: “It was brilliant to see so many people come together to plant trees and give something back to the park. These trees will grow into an important part of the park’s future, supporting wildlife and offering shade, shelter, and fruit for years to come.”
Councillor Lisa Wilson, Parks, Culture, and Heritage Portfolio Leader for Cannock Chase Council said, “This is just one of the exciting improvements we have planned for Heath Hayes Park. It’s lovely to see the community involved, and we’re looking forward to sharing more updates very soon”.
The tree planting is part of the wider ongoing improvement plans for Heath Hayes Park, with more news and activities on the way.
For more information about park improvements visit: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/newparks