Following a successful bid for funds, residents in Balsall Common will soon be able to enjoy a brand-new nature trail.

The land at Frog Lane, Balsall Common, was purchased by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in 2021. 

The grant funding, from the community and environment fund managed by Groundwork UK on behalf of HS2, will allow the council to create the new nature trail.

This work will include planting new trees and hedgerows, made up of British native species - including hawthorn, holly, spindleberry, field maple and alder buckthorn. New ponds will also be created on the site alongside footpaths to make it easier to get around the trail. 

The aim of this work is to encourage a wider range of plants to grow, attracting insects and animals.

In November 2022, over 80 per cent of local people supported the proposals during a public consultation - the council said.

As well as putting money into the natural environment, the project will also involve installing benches and an information board, so visitors to the trail can enjoy the surroundings and find out more about the wildlife and green space around them.

Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council said: "It's great that we've got this funding from the HS2 Community and Environment Fund to develop Balsall Common Nature Trail. Communities in Solihull have been feeling the brunt of the construction works and I think it is important that we do what we can to improve the local environment wherever we can.

"We've had overwhelming community support to create this new green space and I can't wait for the work to start this autumn, with a grand opening in early 2024.

"I'm passionate about boosting the range of wildlife across the borough and spending money on improving our environment, as can be seen by our award-winning £16.8 million Wildlife Ways and Planting our Future programmes.

"This work underpins our journey towards combating climate change and meeting our environmental and sustainability ambitions, alongside our determination to preserve and enhance our natural environment.

"Congratulations to all those who worked on the bid and I'm looking forward to taking a stroll around the trail next year."