Glenfield Hospital, just outside Leicester, joined the NHS Forest in 2012 and planted trees over 0.67 hectares. NHS staff were encouraged to take part in the planting in conjunction with staff and Learning Disability Groups from Hill Holt Wood over a four-day planting period in February.
The planted trees and hedgerow species are:
- Native mixed deciduous medium height species: hornbeam, cherry, silver birch, wych elm, field maple
- Native mixed deciduous large height species: English oak, common ash, alder, beech, lime
- Native mixed hedgerow species: hawthorn, hazel, Scots pine, blackthorn, rowan, crab apple
Several of the trees and almost all of the hedgerow species are fruiting varieties which will help provide food for local wildlife in late summer and autumn.
In the fullness of time, the hedgerow will act as a green corridor for wildlife to move along, as it links with the adjoining Goss Meadows Nature Reserve which protects grasses and wildflowers. On the opposite side of the Anstey Lane is another small wooded area with an established badger set. It is hoped that local clans of badgers will also make use of the new forest.
The Secret Garden project at Glenfield Hospital became part of the NHS Forest network in 2022. The Secret Garden project delivers health and wellbeing activities in a restored Victorian walled garden, thoughtfully designed and restored in considerations of the health benefits of the natural environments for the benefit of all who visit the garden. The fundamental purpose of the project is to enhance health and wellbeing – of the patient, their family, hospital staff who care for the patients, visitors and the wider community. You can find out more in this short video: