The West Midlands Forest Partnership brings together officers responsible for trees from the seven local authorities which make up the WMCA (Birmingham, Dudley, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton).
The partnership shares knowledge and experience of tree management, project delivery and funding acquisition through regular meetings. The sharing of knowledge allows the development of new ideas and improvement of existing schemes to deliver the best outcomes for trees of the region and improve the status of trees across our region.
Alongside the council representatives the Forest partnership works with third party organisations from across the public, private and charity sectors to encourage and deliver tree planting across the region.
The WMCA has undertaken the following works from which we have a strong understanding of the status of the regions trees and what is required to achieve canopy cover targets.
Tree Nurseries
Our tree nursery study identified the need and desire for a network of local tree growers to supply the planting needs of the region. Developing this network could provide the species, age and mixes of species required by the region. The local approach is also intended to provide local green jobs. The WMCA Forest team are investigating funding options ahead of taking the scheme forward.
If you’re interested in developing a nursery, or expanding an existing tree or plant nursery, please contact environment@wmca.org.uk
i-Tree Eco Surveys
An i-Tree Eco survey of the seven metropolitan areas of the WMCA has been undertaken. The Black Country survey was undertaken in 2022; with the Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry survey completed in 2023. These surveys provide key information around the structure of the urban trees (species, age, size etc.); but also the ecosystem services values – how much carbon they store, pollutants they intercept, or impacts on flood reduction. You can find the various reports below:
Tree planting support
As part of the Forest Partnership, this page will bring together guidance for tree planting and signpost to potential funding opportunities.
Guidance
Find out advice on tree planting, from the right species, location and time of year.
Funding opportunities
Find out more about existing funding opportunities to support tree planting.
How else can I get involved?
Many of our partners and stakeholders also undertake tree planting events at which you, your group or corporation can volunteer at. Details of these can be found on their websites. For instance, consider:
Birmingham TreePeople – organise many tree planting events across the city and always welcome volunteers who wish to support them locally.
Woodlands Trust - provide free community tree packs for schools and community groups. Click the link to apply for a community tree pack.
Contact us:
If you have any questions about the Forest Partnership, or wish to collaborate, please reach out to environment@wmca.org.uk