Hundreds of trees planted after ash dieback losses

Volunteers have planted hundreds of trees to compensate for those lost due to the fungal disease ash dieback.

Councillors and residents of Stroud in Gloucestershire planted the trees across Rodborough village over the weekend.

The trees, provided by Gloucestershire County Council, include hawthorn, blackthorn, elder, and hazel, as well as apple and plum, field maple, oak, lime and elm.

Chairman of Rodborough Parish Council, Steve Ponting, said: "It's a great community event, and nice to have everyone in the area getting involved."

The council has provided 1,200 trees to the group in total as part of its ash dieback compensation scheme.

The disease is expected to kill up to 80% of ash trees across the UK.

On Saturday, volunteers planted dozens of saplings at Bownham Mead sports field near Rodborough Common.

On Sunday, more were planted at the newly renovated Rodborough Community Hall.

Young trees will also be planted at Wallbridge Fields, Rodborough School, and Rodborough Glebe Allotments.

Stroud District Council's Katy Hofmann was on hand to help. She said: "It's fantastic to see these trees being planted, and it would be great to see this right across our district."

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