Ashby's Tiny Forest has finally become a reality at Western Park - after almost being shelved when an initial application was rejected.

The scheme was first suggested by former Ashby Town Councillor, Barbara Kneale, who had spoken to Earthwatch about it.

But, last December, the council's Parks & Cemetery committee was told it would not be happening as preference had given to Salford and Newcastle Upon Tyne.

However, Ashby tree warden and local Woodland Trust volunteer, Ian Retson, stepped in to revive the project along with the National Forest.

Then, in July, it was confirmed that the council has been contacted by Earthwatch with another invite to participate in a Tiny Forest project.

What is a Tiny Forest?

The area, roughly the size of a tennis court, was designated at Western Park for the forest.

Pupils from Ashby Willesley Primary School began planting trees in the morning, before Ivanhoe School students carried it on in the afternoon along with local community representatives, including town Mayor, Cllr Avril Wilson.

Monday's meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Parks & Cemetery Committee was told that the tree planting had been a 'heartwarming project'.

Committee chair, Cllr Liz Parle, said: "The landscapers managed to get the site ready despite the recent bad weather, and it was a lovely atmosphere.

"We got all the trees planted by 4.30 and there was a really positive feeling and buzz about the day.

"There is still some landscaping left to be done.

"Overall, it's been a heartwarming project. But I'd like to make special mention of Ian Retson, our tree warden, who was responsible for not letting this die after we missed out on the original application. The Tiny Forest is now almost done."

Ian told Ashby Nub News: "I went to the council and said we didn't need to cancel this project, because we can get trees from multiple sources.

"I pestered a few people I knew well, I kept it ticking over with Earthwatch.

"There was a bit of a gap where it might have fallen through the gaps, it's taken us about three years to get to this stage.

"I knew there were ways of getting free trees, from the Woodland Trust for example, and if we can do it all ourselves, it's easy. The Woodland Trust gives away several million trees a year, usually to school groups.

"I spoke to the National Forest and they have grants for planting as well. We just wanted to keep the idea alive."

Holly Davison, project officer with the National Forest, said: "It's all about planting new trees which is brilliant, from having no Tiny Forests, we have now have two with another in Whitwick.

"It's something we'll promote, we helped fund it through our National Lottery Heritage Programme.

"We wanted to throw out weight behind this because it's something different. We're keen to get some more across the National Forest as well.

"The original funding failed, but Ian got in touch with me and we managed to pick up the pace with Earthwatch. We helped get the applications in. There's a lot of warmth from the local community for this project, which is good to see."

Ashby's Mayor, Cllr Wilson said: "This is very important for the environment and the youngsters from the local schools. They're the future and the children will be able to keep a watch on how the forest is growing.

"We're not that blessed with trees in this country and we need more.

"Twenty years ago, it was a tree desert around here."

Emily Pennifold, Earthwatch project manager, attended the tree planting and explained Western Park is a different type of area for a Tiny Forest.

She said: "This area is quite wet, so we've made sure the tree species we've chosen are quite tolerant to that.

"There were a few issues because of that, but one of the areas we look at is how urban forests can help with that, by sucking up the water. Hopefully, it'll help. We have species such as Alder which loves the wet and grows on riverbanks."

Ashby Willesley School's head teacher, Chloe Dilks, said her pupils had been busy in the morning planting the first few trees at the site.

She said: "They'd been out all morning, it's a nice way to give back to the community, and it supports our curriculum.

"It's right on the doorstep for us and we're excited to be part of it. They're planning to have benches as well, so that extends our learning environment."