HUNDREDS of school children and members of the public donned their wellies and grabbed a spade to help plant more than 6,000 trees in Chippenham.

The oak, silver birch and alder saplings were planted on land owned by charity Chippenham Borough Lands (CBL) off Pewsham Way and which will form part of the Westmead Hub development.

Schools taking part in the tree planting on Friday (February 24) included Monkton, Frogwell, Redlands, Queens, Charter, St Pauls, Ivy Lane, St Peters and Kings primary schools.

Students from Lackham College studying horticulture were also on hand to help the youngsters plant their trees and answer questions.

Phil Tansley, CEO of Chippenham Borough Lands, said: “We’re hoping that it’s going to be Chippenham’s arboretum that people can enjoy.

“The children had a really good time and enjoyed themselves, they were asking a lot of questions.

“In 20 years’ time when they are adults and hopefully still living in Chippenham there will be a wooded area that they can go to.”

Headteacher at St Peter’s Academy, Mark Everett, said: “It was wonderful to be part of the opportunity to plant trees and great to support the work of the CBL.”

On Saturday (February 25), more than 70 people turned up to help plant the trees and the remaining saplings have been put in place during the week.

The Westmead hub, which has been granted pre-planning approval by Wiltshire Council, would provide a space for the young, the old and the vulnerable to come together and benefit from a number of shared resources and spaces, including a climbing wall, nature trails and natural amphitheatre.

A country car park was also opened on Pewsham Way in December as part of the development.