Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled many local volunteers to plant a hectare of trees which is linked to existing tree planting at the park, helping to support the biodiversity on site and bringing a mix of native species. Once established, the area will have two paths running through it which will link to existing paths.

The first two planting sessions, involving volunteers, took place during National Tree Week on 30 November for Severn Trent Corporate Wild Work party and on 5 December for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association.

Another planting session took place on 9 December for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Leam Valley volunteers, who were joined by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Andrew Day and Councillor Alan Rhead, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change.

Councillor Day said, “We are really pleased to be enhancing what is already a wonderful public space at Newbold Comyn. By planting native species in an area that was once part of a golf course, we’re ensuring that the right trees are in the right place for the future. This is all about encouraging nature, creating a thriving and inspiring outdoor place to not only address climate change, but boost our mental health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Rhead added, “The Council is not only contributing to its response to climate change by adding over a thousand trees to the site; we are also delighted to be working with partners in the community to get these trees in the ground. It underlines that this is a great model for all of us to contribute to - creating and nurturing wonderful woodland for the future. We look forward to supporting other similar initiatives across the district.”

Lucy Hawker, Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme Manager, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to help make space for nature by improving and connecting habitats, whilst also helping to combat climate change.”

The planting is part of the Council’s on-going ‘Trees for our Future’ initiative, to plant a tree for every resident in the district. It also underlines a commitment to lead the way by planting on its own land and marks the commencement of other work to create more room for nature, delivering the Masterplan for the development of Newbold Comyn.