Two nearby green spaces in Tibshelf, both shaped by the area’s mining past, have now been brought forward together with thoughtful woodland creation led by Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest. As key parts of the community in Tibshelf, these sites offered an opportunity to strengthen the local landscape while keeping them open and welcoming. Local walking and cycling routes that pass through here are used by much of the community daily, connecting the new planting directly to the people who value these spaces.
At the southern end of the Five Pits Trail on the Phoenix Greenway, Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest designed a scheme that complements the character of the site. Here, we planted 560 trees across 0.26 hectares, using species such as buckthorn, maple, elder and birch. These woodland edge trees sit lightly within the space, complementing existing habitats while creating the conditions for woodland wildlife to thrive.
A short distance away at Tibshelf Ponds, our focus shifted to strengthening what already exists. In this clearing surrounded by semi-mature woodland and intersected by busy footpaths, we planted 1,360 trees across 0.74 hectares including alder, hazel, oak, birch and buckthorn. The new planting increases tree cover and helps link nearby woodland areas, making the wider landscape more stable and mitigating the impacts of habitat fragmentation.
Both schemes were delivered through Heartwood’s fully funded tree planting offer, with our team supporting design, coordination and delivery throughout. Projects like these play an important role in reducing habitat fragmentation, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient ecological networks across Derbyshire.
These new woodlands demonstrate how even small parcels of land can have positive, tangible impacts for nature, both for the local surroundings and the land itself. Heartwood supports tree planting for landowners down to 0.1 hectares, so if you have been considering how trees and hedgerows could work for your land, reach out to our friendly team to see how we can support you today!
Project Impact
Carbon, Canopy & Shade
1,920 trees planted across both sites, contributing to long-term carbon storage while gradually increasing canopy cover and shade within the village landscape
Biodiversity
A carefully selected mix of native species, including woodland edge planting, provides food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals, with a particular benefit for woodland edge species such as butterflies
Community & Access
Located along well-used walking and cycling routes, the schemes enhance everyday green space, bringing tree cover closer to where people live, move and spend time outdoors
Habitat Connectivity
Planting strengthens existing woodland and helps link fragmented habitats, supporting more resilient ecological networks across the surrounding countryside, and allowing for movement of species such as hedgehogs, badgers, and foxes
Funding & Delivery
Fully funded through Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest tree planting grants, with all design, coordination and delivery included
