THE Ross Nature Recovery Group has been making headway in planting at various sites in the town.

And with the help of local volunteers, assisted by some of the staff from HCR Legal, they have planted 34 trees and 300 plants.

All the trees and plants that have been selected have been sourced locally and the stakes have been recycled.

Ross Nature Recovery Group is a new organisation seeking to enhance the environment in the town and its surrounding areas through the planting and/or restoration of hedges and trees.

The group worked with Ross Community Development Trust to attract volunteers for the initial planting.

Residents living closest to the recently planted trees have become involved in the ongoing care of the young plants during their first few years as they get established.

Within the town the Ross Nature Recovery Group has identified at least 46 sites where work by volunteers could benefit the town, its community, and wildlife by planting a mix of hedging and woodland species and allowing them to develop naturally with only minimal pruning. In some areas trees would be planted within this hedge.

This will help to increase the benefits to wildlife and create another point of interest to the community.

The group has plans to create a community orchard while existing hedges could be expanded in length and width to create a better habitat and reinforce wildlife corridors.

Rob Taylor, one of the group’s leaders said: “We have had the support of Herefordshire Council which has provided funds to make this project happen.

“This is just the start. Keep looking at your own neighbourhood to see if it could be improved for nature. Every site would benefit in the long term from more trees, more nature and more shade.”