Crewe schoolchildren took part in a science day at a new tiny forest, marking the official opening of the small woodland - created by an environmental charity.

The tiny forest off Frank Boat Avenue, Crewe was planted by Earthwatch Europe on land supplied by affordable housing provider, The Guinness Partnership.

Kieran Mullan, the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, and Cllr Tom Dunlop, the former Mayor of Crewe, were met by Kevin Williams, Executive Director at The Guinness Partnership at the town's new tiny forest.

They then cut the ribbon to officially open the small woodland, before the 10 and 11-year-olds took part in their outdoor learning. 

10 and 11-year-olds from Underwood West Academy, Crewe, took part in their outdoor learning The Guinness Partnership).

Year Six pupils from Underwood West Academy, Newcastle street, set to work monitoring the health of the saplings.

They studied the butterflies, bees and bugs, and learned how the trees will be helping the environment by storing carbon and water.

What is a tiny forest?

A Tiny Forest is a densely packed plot of about 600 trees and shrubs - no larger than a tennis court. 

The Guinness Partnership is the first housing association in the country to create one on their land.

A Tiny Forest is based on a technique developed in the 1970s by Japanese botanists before being adopted in the UK.

As it will be so densely populated with trees, this will limit its own growth - making it a haven for urban wildlife.

The tiny forest is aiming at helping Crewe people connect with nature.

It is also aimed to act as an outdoor classroom for young people learning about the natural world and bring the community together.

Year 6 pupils monoitoring the health of local wildlife in the new tiny forest (The Guinness Partnership).

Kevin Williams, Executive Director at The Guinness Partnership, said: "The tiny forest is fantastic and part of our commitment to creating greener communities.

"We hope many people will enjoy the forest in the years to come – whether to learn about nature, or to enjoy the view."

Frank Bott Avenue, Crewe is close to Leighton Hospital and has a number of greenways nearby for children and adults to enjoy walks on.

Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: "The 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're delighted to be working with The Guinness Partnership to bring this inspiring space to Crewe."

Kieran Mullan, the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: "It was great to be able to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the tiny forest on Frank Bott Avenue. Thank you to The Guinness Partnership and Earthwatch for making this project possible.

"A special thanks also to the volunteers who are going to maintain the Tiny Forest for the community as tree keepers and citizen scientists!"

Earthwatch Europe are looking for volunteers to become tree keepers to either care for the forest or be citizen scientists.

The Leighton Greenway connecting Underwood Lane, Frank Bott Avenue, Rolls Avenue, Windsor Avenue and Wheelman Road (Ryan Parker).

If you'd like to become a Tree Keeper or Citizen Scientist email: [email protected].

The tiny forest will be protected for 10 years, but the land still belongs to The Guinness Partnership. 

READ MORE: 25-home 'affordable' development given approval on new Crewe housing estate.

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