YOUNGSTERS from Savernake Forest Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, along with students from St John’s, have helped plant more than 420 trees in Marlborough.

Action for the River Kennet (ARK) organised a community event last week to add the trees, given to them by The Woodland Trust, in Stonebridge Meadow which is part-owned by Marlborough Town Council.

The volunteers wrapped up warm armed with spades and gloves.

ARK project officer Anna Forbes said: "We have now planted over 1,700 trees.

“So many people of all ages have joined us to help with the planting at Stonebridge and this week has been fantastic with such effort and enthusiasm put in from St John's sixth formers and Savernake Forest Scout Group.”

She added: “Hedgerows reduce the amount of polluting sediment that reach watercourses through acting as a physical barrier, through increasing infiltration into the ground, and through nutrients being recycled by the trees.

“Hedges are also vital for many species of wildlife and facilitate movement through the landscape as well as providing food and shelter.”

The next ARK event at Stonebridge Meadow is Saturday (5th December) from 8am to noon when a bird ringing session will take place.

This will be an opportunity to learn more about the birds that depend on this site and view them much closer than usual with bird ringer Matt Prior.

For more information contact: anna@riverkennet.org