Published: Friday, 15th March 2019
Local children and representatives from the Forest of Mercia CIC/Community Groups/Schools and St Peters Church have come together to plant approximately 800 saplings at The Stadium on Pye Green Road in Cannock, to benefit the local community.
The Forest of Mercia CIC gained funding through DEFRA to plant the saplings with local primary school children and provide an educational session on the importance of trees to our environment.
This project is an additional part of Phase 1 of the works at The Stadium, to work with the local community and local schools. The work this week has seen local school children plant approximately 800 saplings which will grow to make a natural hedge that will act as a wildlife haven.
Representatives from St Peters Church of England Primary School, Redhill School, Redhill PTFA and The Friends of Cannock Stadium attended to help plant the saplings.
Councillor Christine Mitchell Culture and Sport Portfolio Holder: said “Working with the Forest of Mercia CIC, local schools, Churches and Friends will not only bring benefits to the users of the facility but it is also educational for our youngsters to take part in the re-development of the Stadium site by planting for future generations”.
It has been a priority to bring The Stadium back into community use.”
The Stadium was officially opened in September 2018 following a £1.3 million investment. The site now boasts an adventure play area, BMX pump track, footpaths, with measured and lit running routes, green gym equipment, new entrance gates and fencing, CCTV cameras and community allotments with allotment building. This is in addition to the works already undertaken to add a mini and toddler play area and multi-use games area, which were opened in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
The Stadium offers many opportunities through our leisure provider, Inspiring healthy lifestyles, who organise regular walking and running groups, an inclusive cycling hub, with adapted cycles for all abilities and help residents make the most of the community allotments with regular allotment days.