Kirklees Council has planted its first Tiny Forest and youngsters helped do their bit for the environment.
The council, in partnership with OVO Foundation, the charity arm of OVO Energy, planted trees at Harpe Inge Open Space in Dalton.
These densely-packed native woodlands, featuring approximately 600 trees and shrubs, are built into urban spaces the size of a tennis court.
Kirklees’ first Tiny Forest was planted by council park rangers on behalf of environmental charity Earthwatch Europe with the help of members of the community, local schoolchildren from Netherhall St James Church of England Infant and Nursery and councillors Naheed Mather, Will Simpson and Musarrat Khan.
The Tiny Forest will provide benefits to all local schoolchildren who will be able to visit their growing trees, see the wildlife it attracts and collect data for Earthwatch too, all from the dedicated outside classroom.
Local residents will also benefit as volunteers are sought from the local community to help with looking after this fast-growing Tiny Forest as official Tree Keepers.
There will also be community events run by Earthwatch giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the forest and take part in scientific monitoring.
Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “This is a fantastic project which is bringing a forest, usually associated with the countryside, into a much more urban environment.
“Trees provide a wealth of benefits for people and the environment and have an important role to play in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, this Tiny Forest will bring about learning opportunities for local residents and schoolchildren.
“Created for the whole community, I hope residents will cherish the Tiny Forest and enjoy watching it grow and spotting the wildlife it will hopefully attract.”
Gaby Sethi, head of OVO Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about educating the younger generation on how to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the physical environment, and limit their impact on the planet.
“Tiny Forests help children learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way.”
If you are interested in being involved in the Tiny Forest, please email gill.logan@kirklees.gov.uk
Meanwhile, Kirklees Council, the lead organisation for the White Rose Forest, an initiative to plant new woodlands across West and North Yorkshire, has secured more cash for tree-planting.
The White Rose Forest partnership has announced plans to plant seven million trees – the equivalent of 4,900 football pitches – over the next four years.
