THREE local parks are benefitting from trees planted by volunteers as part of a collaboration between local organisation Planet Aware and the Isle of Wight Council.

Young people from Network Ryde, 1st East Cowes Scouts, 4th Shanklin Brownies and St Blasius Primary School, as well as adult volunteers, helped plant more than 400 native trees donated by the Woodland Trust in Puckpool Park and Appley Park in Ryde, and at Big Mead in Shanklin.

The planting is part of Planet Aware's Trees for Seas project.

Sarah Marshall from Planet Aware said: "We have really enjoyed our time planting these trees with such hardworking enthusiastic, young people.

“The experience of planting their own trees, helping with tree aftercare and getting engaged with the follow-up discussions will raise awareness of the challenges that climate change creates for our oceans and the role of natural carbon sinks such as trees, in helping combat this.

"All the volunteers, as well as me, have learnt a lot about trees from Tony Gillingham, the council’s tree officer who worked with us."

Isle of Wight County Press: 1st East Cowes Scouts mulching newly-planted trees at Puckpool Park.1st East Cowes Scouts mulching newly-planted trees at Puckpool Park.

Tony said he was excited to hear of Planet Aware's Trees for Seas project.

He said: "Planet Aware has carried out other successful environmental projects and their enthusiasm for positive change is infectious.

“The young people involved in these projects are the future guardians of our environment.

“We have a responsibility to offer them the chance to take positive action in their own area, and to help combat the climate emergency.”