Four thousand people help hit tree planting target

Nine thousand trees have now been planted by more than 50 community groups, schools and colleges in a three-year project.

The mass planting at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is part of efforts to restore three hectares (7.4 acres) of ancient woodland that was devastated by ash dieback, a fungal disease that kills ash trees.

In total, more than 4,000 people have so far taken part in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project from community groups, schools and colleges.

Project manager Oscar Adams said: "Watching groups come back each year and care for their growing trees has been incredibly rewarding."

Mrs Brunet-Lua, a teacher at Cam Everlands Primary School, said: "It is so beneficial for our children to be involved in a community project outside our school community, that will carry on for years after they leave our school.

"We have enjoyed watching the area develop and cannot wait to watch the saplings grow."

Westonbirt Arboretum said the scale of the current planting scheme is the largest for many years.

Lots of the new saplings are native or near native species, including oaks, small leaved-lime and field maple.

More exotic species that are adapted to warmer, drier climates, such as Italian alder, have also been planted.

Adams, said it has been "about far more than getting trees in the ground."

"It's been about giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to learn new skills, get outside and feel part of the future of this woodland."

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