Commonwealth Legacy and Tiny Forest at Hope Coppice

Hope Coppice has become the first location for a Severn Trent and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Forest.

This Legacy Forest will contribute to off-setting the carbon generated by the Commonwealth Games, making the games the first of its kind to be carbon-neutral.

The first trees have been planted in Solihull as part of Severn Trent’s initiative to create 2022 acres of Commonwealth Forest across the Midlands. The 15 acres of new habitat at Hope Coppice are now open to the public to explore and equate to around 9,400 trees.

The Commonwealth Forest community planting event was spread over two days and attended by 200 volunteers. Those who came were able to plant trees and learn more about what we do from the various information points at the location.

The first day of planting took place on World Wildlife Day (3 March) with Commonwealth Games athlete, Anna Hursey, backing the initiative. The Commonwealth Forest was opened by The Queen’s Deputy Lieutenant Professor Sir Nigel Thrift, and The Mayor of Solihull Cllr Ken Meeson, also in attendance was Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Courts.

The Commonwealth Forest at Hope Coppice is increasing woodland cover within South Solihull and will complement the Arden historical landscape, as well as creating more green places for people to enjoy.

Next door to the new Commonwealth Legacy Forest at Hope Coppice is one of 72 Tiny Forests being planted.   This is also part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) and is supported by Severn Trent in celebration of the Commonwealth Games and the 72 nations competing.

Tiny Forests are around the size of a tennis court and aim to bring green spaces into urban areas to support outdoor learning, create new habitats for wildlife and allow people to reconnect with nature.  An additional Tiny Forest is also being planted with the 237th Castle Bromwich Scouts at Beechcroft Local Nature Reserve to celebrate their 90th anniversary.