A HOST of tree planting days have been held to help with the extension of Pepper Wood near Bromsgrove.

Last year a total of £1.5 million was raised to secure the extension of Pepper Wood which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Work has begun to transform the newly acquired land into a wildlife haven.

Once finished, Pepper Wood will become 250 acres of continuous native woodland – up from 133 acres before the extension appeal.

To help with this ambitious target, the Woodland Trust held several planting days in December and invited a range of volunteers to plant new native trees.

The planting team included volunteers from the community and staff from Lloyds Bank who partner with the Woodland Trust.

There was also a team of children from Fairfield First School who between them managed to plant 100 trees.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Several tree planting sessions have been held.Several tree planting sessions have been held. (Image: Woodland Trust.)

Headteacher Scott Smith said he felt it was a great experience for the children.

“It was a wonderful experience for our children to be involved in,” said Mr Smith. “Pepperwood is an area that we use, as a learning resource, regularly throughout the year, so is well loved by our children and their families.

“We were delighted to be able to help with such an ambitious project that will change our local environment forever.

“We look forward to continuing our visits and watching the area develop.’

Site manager for Pepper Wood, Paul Jarczewski said: “With the help of local people we have kick-started the creation of our new native wood next to Pepper Wood. 

“During this planting event, we managed to plant 2500 trees.

“We hope as the wood develops it will eventually become as interesting and diverse as Pepper Wood itself and make a lasting contribution in our fight against climate change and nature loss.”