Pupils from Highfields Primary School picked up their spades and dug deep to help plant more than 100 trees at Lawford's Owls Flight Dell.

The initiative was organised following a request from local resident, Lynn Merritt as part of celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Tendring District Council (TDC) tree warden Edgar Potter worked with both Lawford Parish Council and TDC to come up with a suitable location.

In the end they decided on an area where people can enjoy the trees as they grow, see the difference they make to the area as well as the benefits for birds and wildlife.

The land is owned by TDC at the top of the Lawford Dale Estate and is close to an existing community orchard planted by the District Council in partnership with the Parish Council a few years ago.

The Woodland Trust supplied the trees free of charge as part of a Community Tree Pack Scheme.

They were planted in a row to form a new hedge with specimen Oaks and the hedgerow is made up of native species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple and Ash.

Carlo Guglielmi, TDC Cabinet Member for Planning, said it was great to see so many children getting involved in such a worthwhile project.

"Getting them to understand and enjoy the health benefits linked to trees and the outdoors will stand them in good stead for later life and improve their well-being," he said.

"The Council's Tree Warden Scheme is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by volunteers giving up their own time for the benefit of the community."

Highfields Primary School was keen to get involved as it has an active gardening club and the children jumped at the chance to take part in a tree planting scheme so close to their school.

TDC's Tree and Landscape Officer, Clive Dawson said the Council is actively looking for more land to plant trees in the autumn to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"If anyone has about one acre of land that they would like to plant with trees please get in touch," he added.

Anyone wanting more information about local tree wardens should contact Clive Dawson on 01255 686155 or cdawson@tendringdc.gov.uk , or their local Town or Parish Council.

Alternatively visit the Tree Council's website info@treecouncil.org.uk

3/2/12