Chairman helps plant trees

Cllr Tyler rolled up his sleeves and got his hands dirty when he led helpers in mulching the saplings at Bersted Brooks.

He joined the Bersted Tree Wardens and Friends of Bersted Brooks as well as individuals in giving the trees a good start to the summer.

Another mulching session at the site, north of Rowan Way, is being held from 10.30am to 12.30pm on June 23. Members of the South Bersted Guides will be among those helping out at the community event. Gloves and hats are recommended for anyone who goes along. They can just turn up at the Bersted Brooks car park.

Cllr Tyler, who has chosen the Council for Voluntary Service '“ Arunwide as his charity this year, said: 'This sort of event is what my year in office is all about.

'Creating a new woodland at Bersted Brooks is such a worthwhile project and volunteers are absolutely essential to its success.

'I really hope that people turn up to the second mulching session on June 23 and join the South Bersted Guides in doing their bit for this new area that will serve future generations.'

Nearly 800 trees were planted for the new woodland by volunteers during wet and windy weather last December.

A further 300 saplings were due in by contractors.

The trees urgently need mulching to help stop their roots from drying out in the hot weather to give them the best chance of survival in their first year.

Arun was awarded a 30,520 grant from the Forestry Commission to create the woodland next to the Aldingbourne Rife. The money will be provided over seven years to enable 11 hectares of riverine woodland to be established.

Trees selected for the site are all native broadleaf species. They include common alder, oak, black poplar, ash and white willow.