Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, volunteers from Veolia and Aldi, and staff from the Council’s Planting Our Future team joined together this week to plant 500 new saplings at Katherine’s Wood in Lavender Hall Park, Balsall Common.
The new saplings, which include Field Maple, Red Maple, Alder, River Birch, Downy Birch, Beech, Oak, and Willow, will complement and further enhance the existing two-acre woodland at Katherine’s Wood.
In addition to the woodland extension, members of the Berkswell Society have planted a community orchard at the park. The orchard includes apple trees, pear trees and plum trees.
Aldi, the Berkswell Society, HS2 and residents of Balsall Common and Berkswell, have all contributed to the planting projects.
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “When we first planted Katherine’s Wood 19 years ago, the aim was to create a tranquil woodland, a place for people to reflect and find peace. Since then, we have continued to add to the woodland with further planting and it has become a very special place for the local community.”
Sue Cummine, Solihull Contract Manager for Veolia, said: “We are proud to deliver forestry and tree services in Solihull, helping to protect and develop ecologically important places like Katherine’s Wood. As Solihull Council’s arborist partner, we’re committed to their ambition to plant 250,000 trees by 2030, with these 500 new saplings making a real difference to biodiversity and community wellbeing in the area, now and in the future.”
Robin Williams, Aldi Real Estate Director, added: “Aldi colleagues were pleased to be able to contribute to the development of Katherine’s Wood, working alongside Solihull Council to help deliver the ambitions of the ‘Planting Our Future’ initiative to plant 250,000 trees in the borough by 2030. Sustainability is at the heart of Aldi’s commitment to be better every day, so it’s great to work with partners like Solihull Council to achieve this.”
Katherine’s Wood was created in 2006 when 500 mixed native trees, including several oak trees, were planted. Supported by the Rotary Club of Meriden and a Big Lottery ‘Breathing Spaces’ grant, the award-winning woodland expanded a few years later when 1,200 more trees were added along with daffodils and signage.
The woodland’s significance is reflected in its numerous achievements. It was designated as a Local Nature Reserve and earned prestigious Green Flag status in 2010. The Hope Stone was added after the pandemic in 2021 to symbolise hope in difficult times, pay tribute to those who have suffered and give thanks to all those who helped.
The site holds special meaning for many community members, particularly the Leader of the Council, and is the embodiment of its founding principles of Health, Happiness and Harmony.