Fourth annual tree planting day to be held at Countess of Chester Country Park

Tree planting days in the Countess of Chester Country Park have always been great fun and very popular and The Friends of the Country Park group are pleased to announce the date of the fourth annual event, which will take place on Saturday 14 March from 11am to 2pm.

In today’s changing environment, planting trees is one way of helping to clean up our air and thereby reverse the effects of climate change. The Land Trust, who own the country park, are part of a major partnership project committed to expanding the woodland next to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The native broadleaf trees which will be planted will include oak, alder, silver birch, hornbeam, hazel, maple, crab apple and wild cherry – which will also encourage more wildlife on to the site.

As with previous events, this has been made possible by a partnership between Mersey Forest, Cllr Matt Bryan, The Land Trust, TCV Merseyside, Cheshire West & Chester Council, OVO Energy who provide the trees and the Friends of Countess of Chester.

Chair of the Country Park’s Friends Group, Andy Scargill said:

“Over the last few years we are proud to have planted well over 4000 trees and at last year’s event we had more volunteers than ever. Some of these had travelled many miles to take part, with the result that we very nearly ran out of trees for them. This year we have another 500 trees but we are also going to be planting some Spring bulbs.  There will also be a countryside craft activity as part of the Green Angels Project which is currently taking place in the park.”

Land Trust estate manager Sarah Palgrave-Neath explained:

“Since opening in September 2014, the park has become a thriving natural space for the whole community to enjoy.  Visitors often comment to our Friends group how the place gets better all the time and that there’s always something new happening.”

If you would like to take part, there will be free parking and all gloves, tools and refreshments will be provided.  The group will meet at the circle of benches just along from the Country Park car park and towards Countess Way.