Over 2,000 trees have been planted by a group of toddlers, school pupils and community members.

The two-day event was organised by Severn Trent and the National Trust, who owns the site near Bromsgrove, as part of a new Commonwealth Forest Initiative.

The project falls under the water company's bid to deliver a carbon neutral legacy for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where they were official nature and carbon neutral partner.

 

 

Read more: Pershore pupils discover 'Wonderful World of Water' with Severn Trent

 

 

It signed up for the Commonwealth Forest project to create 2,022 acres of new woodland.

In addition to the ongoing project, a 42-acre site near Bromsgrove will eventually have more than 20,000 trees planted on it.

George Hammonds, the company's assistant forestry manager, said: "It's really important to involve local communities when possible, as they take pride in the site and will enjoy watching the forest grow and develop.

"The planting days truly were a family affair for some - with our youngest volunteer being just six months old."

Nearby schools, including Lickey Hills Primary, participated in the planting.

Sarah Page, the school's assistant head teacher, said: "Our Year 3 pupils had a fantastic afternoon planting trees with Severn Trent and National Trust.

“The children came back to school beaming, having done their bit by planting over 100 trees.

"A great life experience for them all.

"Thank you to Severn Trent and National Trust for having us."

Hannah Blackwell, project manager at the National Trust, said: "We’re very grateful for Severn Trent’s support in making this new woodland a reality, it will play an important part in tackling both the climate and nature crisis."

Two of Severn Trent's goals include creating over 70 tiny forests and planting 1.3 million trees by 2025.

For more information on the Commonwealth Forests, visit https://www.stwater.co.uk/legacy-forests/.