VOLUNTEERS rolled up their sleeves to help spruce up a nature area in Newquay.

Residents, councillors and members of various organisations donned their wellies and gloves to help plant saplings as part of the BIG Newquay Tree Plant at Trenance Valley on Wednesday, February 18.

The new Trenance Community Woodland being created between the viaduct and the back of Newquay Trampoline Park, will total 500 trees including an orchard, when the planting is complete.

Forest for Cornwall organised the event to support local wildlife, increase tree canopy cover and create a space for everyone to enjoy.

Visit Newquay, Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, Imagine Outdoors and Newquay in Bloom were among the organisations that took part.

A spokesperson for Newquay Town Council said: “We would like to thank everyone who joined the BIG Newquay Tree Plant at Trenance Park.

“We loved getting involved and supporting Forest for Cornwall with promoting the event and helping with the planting alongside Visit Newquay, the mayor and our councillors.

“A huge thanks to Forest for Cornwall for organising, and to all the volunteers who helped plant new trees for Newquay’s future.”

Mayor Drew Creek added: “It was such a pleasure to be able to welcome so many of our community out to the Big Tree Plant in Trenance Valley.

“We had 500 trees to plant and with the unbelievable support of locals and visitors alike we did it, a new orchard for Trenance.

“For me it was particularity poignant to have so many children attend the tree planting.

“This orchard will after all be theirs to enjoy for decades to come.

“As always the children knew the importance of planting trees, creating habitats, sequestering carbon, helping protect us from climate change and improving drainage, they are by far the most switched on.

“Thanks to all our local schools who helped to promote this event, Imagine Outdoors for brings a troop of young adventurers, Newquay Town Council’s officers and councillors alongside many community groups like Newquay in Bloom for getting stuck in.

“A huge special thank you to the Forest for Cornwall team for delivering this brilliant event it was a fantastic day.”

A spokesperson for Newquay Towan Blystra Lions said: “We were delighted to lend a hand in an important environmental initiative funded by Cornwall Council and Newquay Town Council to create an orchard and woodland on accessible land close to Trenance Park.

“Members of the public were invited to lend a hand in planting the new Trenance Community Woodland and plant a personal tree for future generations.

“The intention is to transform a half hectare green space into a thriving community woodland and resilient green space by planting 500 trees including an orchard that will benefit wildlife and biodiversity, increase tree canopy cover and create a beautiful space for everyone in Newquay to enjoy.

“Lions Sarah and Mark Dingley, Heather Stanley and District 105SW 1st Vice Governor Phil Bunt, donned wellies and gloves and planted three of the trees under the careful supervision of gardener Ben.”