The Leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Ian Courts, joined fellow Cabinet Members Cllr Andy Mackiewicz and Cllr Ken Hawkins, staff and contractors today as work began to plant nearly 3,000 more trees and shrubs across the borough from November to March.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, ‘Solihull’s Green Ways’ builds on the success of previous projects - Wildlife Ways and Solihull Habitat and Nature Improvements - by further improving Solihull’s natural environment and supporting the many animals, insects and birds that live in Solihull’s woodlands, parks, green spaces and highway verges.
During the first part of the project 100 native and non-native trees will be planted in public green spaces and along verges and highways – supporting the green corridors which wildlife use to help them move and thrive. The focus will be on replacing trees that have been removed for health and safety reasons and increasing tree cover in Smiths Wood, in the north of the borough.
During the second part of the project, 2,700 native trees and shrubs will be planted to replenish 13 of the borough’s woodlands and Local Nature Reserves.
The Leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Ian Courts, said: “Solihull Council is committed to planting 250,000 trees in the borough by 2030 and has already planted 75,000.
“Supported by my Cabinet Members for Climate Change and the Environment, we made this commitment because planting trees and shrubs not only makes a huge difference to wildlife by providing new habitats for a vast range of animals and birds, but also supports our net zero carbon emission plans. Trees take in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen so each tree helps to combat climate change and improve our air quality.
“It’s also now widely acknowledged that improving our natural environment is of great benefit to people’s sense of wellbeing, so as well as helping our environment and supporting wildlife we are also making Solihull an even better place for our residents and visitors.”
Solihull’s Green Ways has received £96,100 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
To find out more about Solihull’s net zero action plan visit - https://www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/net-zero-action-plan-nzap
To find out more about Solihull’s tree planting campaign Planting our Future and how you can get involved, visit - https://www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/planting-our-future