Volunteers dig in for a forest of the future in Aldwick

The five individuals spent 90 minutes digging in the 21 specimens at West Park to replace some which had died.

The oaks, hazels, hawthorns and a single rowan were planted in the park’s wild area in its north-west corner.

The volunteers also litter-picked as part of regular routine on the first Saturday monthly from 11am.

Jan Malpas, the Friends of West Park’s secretary, was one of those who helped last Saturday.

She said: “We are a group of volunteers who want to make the park better for the community.

“It is so well-used and we can help to keep it to the standard which everyone wants it to be.”

The large site attracts users from dog walkers to young children in a play area.

Fitness fans use an outdoor gym while footballers train there.

The Friends’ planting was funded by West Sussex County Council. The group is also backed by Arun and Aldwick councils.