CHIPPENHAM has partnered with Earthwatch Europe and Siemens Mobility to bring a the town its first Tiny Forest in Monkton Park. 

A Tiny Forest is made up of 600 trees such as oak, lime, elm, hawthorn and hazel which will be planted in a tennis court-sized plot of land. The purpose of a Tiny Forest is to give people a space to reconnect with nature. 

According to the town council it will also provide a biodiversity hotspot, capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years.

A town council spokesman said: “As a central and accessible location, the upper riverside meadow area in Monkton Park is in good proximity to local primary schools and residential housing, it balances regular visitor usage with an absence of underground utility constraints and optimises the ecological and environmental benefits of the site.”

Leader of the town council, Desna Allen said the scheme would create an environment for future residents to enjoy.

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Additionally, the Tiny Forest will compliment the aims of the Monkton Park Management Plan produced in partnership by Chippenham Town Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, which aims to protect and improve the biodiversity in and around the park. 

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Friends of Monkton Park and local councillors were all consulted during the initial phases of site selection.

Rob Morris says, “At Siemens Mobility we truly care about our people and planet, and by being involved in the Tiny Forest I’m pleased we can benefit both. 

“We need to act quickly to decarbonise and fight climate change and planting these trees will have a positive impact in this regard. 

“It will also provide a calming community space, easily accessible in Chippenham ― a key hub for our c.900 employees here who all contribute to improving passenger experience for people travelling on the railway.”

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Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.  

“It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action.  

“We are delighted to be working with Siemens Mobility and Chippenham Town Council to bring these inspiring spaces to Monkton Park.”