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Volunteers plant record number of trees in woodland

Bea Swallow
BBC News, Bristol
Alexander Turner A large group of volunteers wearing rain jackets, gloves and hats. They are standing in a large field surrounded by tree saplings which have just been planted, and are being held up with plastic tree guards. It is a misty, wet day but the group are smiling and waving their arms in the air.Alexander Turner
The charity say restoring woodland habitats will help wildlife populations to grow and move

Volunteers say they have broken their record for the number of trees planted in a single day in a bid to restore woodland and enhance biodiversity.

Great Avon Wood, situated in the Chew Valley near Bristol, is a 113-acre (46-hectare) partnership project involving the Avon Needs Trees and the Forest of Avon Trust.

On 23 February, the team planted 1,100 trees to help create new hedgerows and expand the landmark woodland between Bristol and Bath.

The mix of native trees would fight climate change, provide a crucial space for nature, and help to combat the risk of increased flooding in the local area, those involved said.

Alexander Turner A view across a sloping field showing hundreds of plastic tree guards, indicating where tree saplings have just been planted. There is a man on the right, wearing all black, who is digging a hole to plant another one in. Alexander Turner
The charity fundraise to purchase land and create woodlands that will "stand for generations"

Avon Needs Trees is a charity creating new, permanent woodland throughout the Bristol-Avon River catchment to tackle climate and nature emergencies.

More than 31,000 trees have been planted on the site since 2023, with a new heritage trail walking path set to open later this year.

Various species have been planted to ensure biodiversity thrives, including field maple, hawthorn, white willow, hornbeam and hazel varieties.

The latest milestone event was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers from the environment directorate team from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which has also financially contributed to the project.

Alexander Turner A group of volunteers planting trees and digging holes up against a fence on a sloping hill. It is a grey and misty day and in the distance you can see rolling hills and mature woodlands.Alexander Turner
Volunteers are planting various species including hornbeam, hazel, alder and field maple

Dave Wood, CEO of Avon Needs Trees, said they were "so grateful" for the support.

"Without it, transformative projects like Great Avon Wood and Lower Chew Forest simply wouldn't be possible," he said.

"This record-breaking planting day is proof of what we can achieve together and furthers ambitious plans for nature recovery across the region."

With an overall target of 35,000 trees, the Great Avon Wood project will soon be approaching the finish line.

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