Trees at Bersted Brooks given TLC by volunteers

The 500-plus trees were mulched in during a special volunteers' session at Bersted Brooks. Among those carrying out the spadework were three Guides and four helpers from the South Bersted troupe and five volunteers from the Friends of Bersted Brooks.

In all, 14 people went along last Saturdayto the site north off Rowan Way to help to preserve the trees.

Daphne Fisher, Arun District Council's community parks officer, said "It was a great effort from everyone involved and the Guides thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We set up a '˜bucket chain' from the pile of mulching chips to the trees which was great fun as everyone was working together productively.

'We also saw first hand the positive impact the mulching is having on the trees. The soil on the Brooks is very hard, cracked clay, which can make it difficult for trees to absorb all the water they need.

'But, when we looked under the mulching chips we placed at the end of May, the soil was lovely '“ soft, damp and pliable, just what the trees need to thrive in this environment.'

They are about 11,000 trees at Bersted Brooks. Daphne is hoping to run another mulching event there between 10.30am and 12.30pm this Saturday. Anyone interested in volunteering should e-mail [email protected] or ring 01903 737948.