GREEN-FINGERED volunteers are being sought to help a community group's latest tree planting venture in Chester.

Tree planting days in the Countess of Chester Country Park have previously proved popular and The Friends of the Country Park group has announced what will be the third annual event on Saturday, March 2, from 11am-2pm.

The Land Trust, which owns the country park, is part of a major partnership project committed to expanding the woodland next to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The native broadleaf trees which will be planted include oak, alder, silver birch, hornbeam, hazel, maple, crab apple and wild cherry – these will also encourage even more wildlife into the site.

As with previous events, this has been made possible by a partnership between Mersey Forest, Cllr Matt Bryan, Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Land Trust, TCV Merseyside and OVO Energy who provide the trees.

Local ward member Cllr Matt Bryan, a member of The Mersey Forest Steering Group, said: "Last year we had a brilliant day, the first sunny day of the year and planted 800 trees.

"Families and couples of all ages came along to plant and we had a thoroughly great time.

"Added to the 3,000 we planted in 2017, this brought the total to 3,800 extra trees to enjoy in the park in the future. On Saturday we intend planting 500 more.”

Land Trust estate manager Sarah Palgrave-Neath explained: “Since opening in September 2014, the park has become a thriving natural space for the whole community to enjoy.

"Visitors often comment to our Friends group how the place gets better all the time and that there’s always something new happening.”

To take part, there will be free parking and all gloves, tools and refreshments will be provided.

All volunteers need to do therefore is wrap up warm and meet at the crossroads next to the Fallen for the Fallen memorial bench.

  • To be involved in the Countess of Chester Country Park's future, email the Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park at Friends.coccp@gmail.com or call Sarah Palgrave-Neath at 01925 852005 for more information.