Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest is one of 15 across the country which receive funding from the government-funded programme to provide more green space for local residents, especially in areas which have fewer woodlands, to improve access to nature and boost biodiversity.
The ceremonial planting, marked by Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, Councillor Carol Wood, and Matt Smith, Woodland Creation Advisor, recognises the vital role local people and partners in Derbyshire have played in supporting nature recovery, boosting biodiversity and enriching much-loved community spaces.
Councillor Wood said:
“This is just one of 80,000 trees planted as part of Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest this year across 60 hectares of diverse landscapes – from farms and school grounds to urban green spaces and riverside habitats.
“Every new tree planted helps to strengthen Derbyshire’s natural environment, support wildlife and improve the places where people live.
“We’ve planted 47 sites this year as part of the Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest, underpinning our commitment to protect and improve our environment and public spaces, to help make our communities great places to live and work.
“With grants available to cover all costs associated with woodland creation, we’re looking for more landowners to become part of our community forest so whether you manage farmland, run a business or community space, or simply have a corner of land that could support new trees, please get in touch with us and find out how you can get involved.”
Tibshelf Common is one of 47 sites planted as part of Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest this year. The county-council owned site has been planted with around 300 trees including English oak, birch, small-leaved lime, crab apple, hazel and holly. The planting scheme has been designed to increase habitats for suburban wildlife, providing cover and foraging opportunities for birds and small mammals, with different areas of trees accessible to the public via multiple public rights of way.
For more information visit Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest.