Planting gets underway at Outwoods in Loughborough

Over a thousand trees have been planted.

Charnwood Borough Council which maintains the Outwoods, working alongside the Outwoods Management Committee has planted the trees as part of a restoration project to help return the Outwoods back to its former glory of a natural acid oak woodland.

The long-term plan to restore the woodland back to its true and natural historic state got underway last year when the Council started to gradually remove non-native coniferous trees.

A total of 1,300 trees have been planted across two areas of the Outwoods which had previously been filled with conifer trees.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of the Council and a member of the Outwoods Management Committee said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to start planting in the areas where the non-native trees have been removed. It was great to see so many volunteers joining us to plant some of the trees.

“The Outwoods is an important part of our borough and enjoyed by thousands of people each year.

“The next phase to remove conifer trees is due to start later this year and although it does mean there will be some more disruption, the work will be carried out as sensitively as possible.

“Ancient woodlands need to be carefully managed and this long-term project is in the best interest of the Outwoods to ensure it is enjoyed by future generations.”