AN environmental group is celebrating after planting hundreds of trees and hedge plants across Teesdale during the past year.
Trees for Teesdale was established three years ago with the aim of replacing old trees that have come down and planting new ones where required.
During its annual meeting last month, chairman Geoff King reported there are now three branches of the group in Mickleton, Barnard Castle and Gainford.
He said: “We have maintained our three village groups, and kept in touch with tree planters in other organisations.
“The three groups this season have planted up 25 caged trees, around 210 with stakes and guards in non-stocked areas, together with 600 hedge plants and 46 trees in three fenced enclosures to become wildlife shelter belts.”
He added that Trees for Teesdale’s nursery at Mickleton had been maintained and restocked, and about 100 trees are ready to be planted in the coming season.
He said: “On a financial note, we have attracted some small donations, and have some funds to start next season, but will need to attract more for a full planting season next year.
“In particular, the generous donation from Cllr James Rowlandson’s neighbourhood budget has now been spent on trees and materials for 37 tree cages and 210m of fencing for another 46 trees and 600 hedge plants.
“We have more sites identified for future planting, and all three groups will be working through the summer to identify more and prepare for next season.”
The Gainford group has focussed on replacing old trees pruned and cut down along the Tees north bank downstream from Gainford.
In Mickleton, planting has taken place aorund the village and at Baldersdale.
That group has joined volunteers in Barnard Castle on a joint project at Osmond Flat Farm, in Lartington, to plant caged trees and fenced wildlife shelter belts.
The Barnard Castle group also helped with panting at Marden Farm, The Demesnes, both in Barnard Castle, and The Lendings, in Startforth.
