Extra 500 tress planted in park

An ancient woodland sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife has been safeguarded thanks to a major tree planting scheme.

The Hutton Country Park nature reserve has been protected with the planting of an extra 550 trees and shrubs, as part of a continued partnership between Brentwood and Essex councils.The 90-acre site, popular with families, dog walkers and ramblers alike, supports a variety of flora and fauna and is an important safe haven for endangered species, such as newts and bluebells.

Brentwood Countryside Management Volunteers, working with Brentwood council, planted a buffer strip of native trees, such as oak, hazel and black poplar.

The aim was to protect and extend the existing 400-year-old woodland, while providing an enhanced refuge for wildlife.

The county council's community tree planting scheme provided more than £900 of funding for 550 trees and shrubs, as well as the stakes and guards, and the public were invited to help on two planting days.

Cllr Phil Baker, chairman of Brentwood council's leisure, sport & culture panel, said: "Working alongside Brentwood Borough Council, the volunteers do a fantastic job to help keep our borough green.

"This is a great partnership project between the two councils and Brentwood Countryside Management Volunteers."