Pupils plant replacements for dying trees

Primary school children have helped plant hundred of trees in Killingwoth Lakeside Park

Hundreds of trees are being planted in a park after dying plants were removed as part of its redevelopment.

Dangerous and diseased trees have been removed from Killingworth Lakeside Park by North Tyneside Council and are being replaced with 450 mixed trees.

Year 5 and 6 pupils from Amberley Primary and Bailey Green Primary have helped with the planting aimed at boosting biodiversity.

Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson said getting local children involved would encourage them to "protect the environment near where they live".

"Killingworth Lakeside Park is a wonderful asset for our communities in the north west of the borough and we are working on exciting plans to bring its facilities up to date," he said.

"An important part of that is improving the biodiversity and ecology of the lake and woodland."

The woodland maintenance included removing trees suffering from ash dieback, tree thinning and shrub clearance.

In their place a mix of UK native species, such as Scots pine, silver birch, oak, rowan, holly and field maple, are being planted throughout the woodland.

The redevelopment will also see the Green Flag award-winning park receive new play equipment, parking facilities and walking and cycle routes.