Dudley Council has overseen two days of tree planting at the borough’s two National Nature Reserves.

West Midlands Distillery funded the purchase of 230 elm saplings, which have been planted across Saltwells and Wrens Nest Nature Reserve with the aim of boosting butterfly habitats.

Teams from the distillery joined council officers to plant the saplings, along with pupils from Dudley College. It’s hoped the trees will help to boost numbers of the white-letter hairstreak butterfly, a species which has successful colonies at both reserves.

The species lost 70 per cent of its habitat and food plant during the 1970s, when Dutch Elm disease struck the country. Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environment, said:

“I would like to thank the West Midlands Distillery for funding and supporting this important work, as well as the many Dudley College students who kindly gave up their free time to help with the planting programme.

“By planting these resilient elms, we are boosting our elm tree figures, which create a much needed habitat for the white-letter hairstreak butterflies.”

Jordan Lunn, Managing Director at West Midlands Distillery, added: “We are passionate about our region and its green spaces including local reserves, habitats and wildlife.

“On behalf of our team, I would like to thank everyone who helped to put this fantastic programme together. We hope to continue our work with Dudley Council and Dudley College, as we journey towards our goal of being carbon negative."