SOL - Frogs and Logs Urban Tree Planting (ERDF)

Works are being procured for urban tree planting in Solihull. The project was included in a successful application (named ‘Frogs & Logs’) agreed in 2021 for match funding from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant via the Small Habitats Grant (SHG), and these works in are programmed to be completed by end of February 2023. The aggregate overall split for the SHG ‘Frogs & Logs’ is formed by 60% Solihull funds and 40% match funding from ERDF. In the agreement the £236,048.00 is allocated to this project from a planning obligation Section 106 Agreement for Jaguar Land Rover Logistics Operation Centre Great Crested Newt Mitigation Tree and Hedgerow Planting.Due to the timescale of ERDF funding closing in spring 2023, a separate 12 month maintenance contract is included as part of this tender, to run immediately from practical completion of the planting works; this has been agreed to be funded from the balance of Section 106 Agreement for Jaguar Land Rover Logistics Operation Centre Great Crested Newt Mitigation Tree and Hedgerow Planting.These works contribute to the delivery of both the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) strategy and the GBSLEP’s Strategic Economic Plan, providing support to local and regional partnership priorities to promote managed growth, health and well-being and the development of sustainable communities. The project will deliver aspects of the Natural Capital and Adaptation Roadmap within the Solihull Climate Change Prospectus to deliver a sustainable, low carbon Solihull.Due to the borough’s development needs there will be increased pressure on its existing green and blue infrastructure - a network of natural and semi natural areas designed and managed to deliver a range of (ecosystem) services such as clean air/ water, space for recreation and climate mitigation and adaptation. This network of green (land) and blue (water) spaces can improve environmental conditions and therefore citizens' health and quality of life. It also supports a green economy, creates job opportunities and enhances biodiversity. It is therefore essential that investments are made to improve the quality, connectivity and resilience of these natural assets to continue to provide a high-quality natural environment that can absorb future growth and development.