Bournville Village Trust (BVT) has successfully delivered phase one of a community tree planting project across Lawley, increasing the number of trees within its stewardship area while supporting local food growing, biodiversity and community wellbeing.

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the local environment, BVT secured funding from the International Tree Foundation to plant additional fruit and wildlife-friendly trees across the community in addition to the 371 it is already responsible for.

Working closely with local schools, nurseries, care providers, community organisations and residents, BVT has overseen the planting of apple, cherry, pear and plum trees at various locations throughout Lawley.

The initiative forms part of BVT’s wider environmental programme and supports the Incredible Edible initiative by encouraging local food production while creating long-term environmental benefits for future generations.

The project has been coordinated by BVT, with support from local partners including Meadowdale Nurseries in Horsehay, which supplied and advised on the selection of trees.

The first phase of trees were planted at locations within Lawley Village Primary Academy
Newdale Primary School & Nursery, Lawley Primary School, Telford Hall Care Home,
Ladygrove Primary School, Sanctuary Supported Living, Kids Planet and Puddleducks.

BVT successfully secured the funding through an application to the International Tree Foundation, a charity that has championed the planting and protection of trees worldwide for more than 100 years. The grant enabled BVT to deliver a project specifically focused on fruit trees, helping to support both people and wildlife across Lawley.

In addition to providing seasonal fruit, the trees will play an important role in supporting biodiversity. Fruit trees blossom early in the year, providing essential nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter. They also contribute to the creation of connected habitats, often referred to as “bee superhighways” or B-Lines, helping wildlife move through the landscape more easily.

Later this year, BVT will begin the second phase of the project, planting almond, walnut, chestnut and hazelnut trees. These will provide valuable food sources for birds and small mammals during the winter months while further strengthening local biodiversity.

The tree planting programme builds on a range of environmental projects already delivered by BVT and the Lawley Green Group, including the planting of herbs in community spaces, the installation of bug houses and hedgehog homes, and the distribution of wildflower seeds to residents to create pollinator-friendly habitats across the area.

Lindsey Powell, Bournville Village Trust Community Development & Partnership Officer said: “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations and communities work together towards a shared goal. Securing funding from the International Tree Foundation has enabled us to expand our tree planting programme significantly, creating lasting environmental benefits while supporting local food growing and wildlife. We are extremely grateful to all of the schools, nurseries, care providers, community organisations, residents and project partners who have helped make this initiative a success.”

BVT is now looking for additional suitable locations for the next phase of planting later this year. Schools, community groups and organisations interested in hosting trees are encouraged to get in touch by emailing lawleystewardship@bvt.org.uk.