Volunteers help plant thousands of trees

Volunteers have been busy planting trees at a site which is set to be transformed into parkland

A group of volunteers has started planting thousands of trees in Kent.

Over the next few weeks, 3,500 trees will be planted in an area of green space at Deangate, Hoo.

The project is part of the Kent and Medway Plan Tree initiative to extend tree cover in the county by 1.5 million trees and is funded by the Local Authority Treescape Fund.

Thousands of trees, of different species, will be planted on the site thanks to volunteers from the community and a number of organisations, including a team from Brompton Barracks.

Simon Curry, Medway Council's portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, said: "The tree planting will not only enhance the look of this space, but it will support local biodiversity too."

Maj Kezia Jukes, of the Royal Engineers at Brompton Barracks, said soldiers, civil servants and contractors were brought in to support the tree planting initiative.

"The day was a fantastic example of teamwork and we all pulled together to get as many trees planted as possible – with a little bit of military competitiveness coming out," he said.

The site is set to become the new Deangate Community Parkland, with proposals including open spaces, walking and cycling routes.

Curry added: "Over time the site, which is already enjoyed by local walkers, will be further transformed into a beautiful public space.

"I am looking forward to seeing the parkland thriving with wildlife and being enjoyed by many more residents."