UP to 500 more trees are to be planted in the Turleigh area later this year as part of plans to create a new Winsley Forest.

Over the past year, those involved in the project have planted more than 1,000 native species saplings supplied by The Woodland Trust charity, as well as 25 fruit trees, the money for which was donated by Pure Planet.

The project team are also encouraging local residents to plant trees in their gardens if they have enough space.

A spokesman for the Winsley Forest project said: “To date, we have planted over 3,500 trees in the parish.”

The Avonpark retirement living complex at Winsley had agreed that more trees could be planted on their land.

“But, after discussion with local experts, it was agreed that we would not encroach on fields that are delightful chalk uplands with special native species on them, particularly orchids,” the spokesman said.

The project team has ordered 500 more saplings for delivery in November and these will be planted in Turleigh by David Gosling and his team of volunteers.

“Local people have helped the project and it has served to bring people together to feel a sense of ownership of their landscape,” the spokesman said.