Eight hundred new trees now populate an area of woodland in Bonnetts Wood – thanks to a hardy group of volunteers.
Despite the cold weather and threat of snow, a group of 60 pitched in to help with the community tree planting day at the Upminster wood last month.
They were joined by Upminster councillor Linda Van den Hende and the Bonnetts, whose family farmed part of the site in the 1900s and lent their name to the area.
Clare Rowley, the Forestry Commission’s community ranger, said: “Even though it was a very cold day, we had a great turn-out – a testament to how much local people value their green spaces.
“It’s amazing to think that the young people who planted a tree on the day will be able to watch those trees grow into a woodland over the next 50 or 60 years, knowing they were a vital part of making it happen.”
The site was previously part of a land fill and has been restored by the Forestry Commission and site owners Ingrebourne Valley Limited. The extension will be open in the coming weeks.
Click on the photo gallery to the right of the page to view more pictures from the day.
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