PUTTING the planet first took top priority for volunteers in Bovey Tracey when they planted more than 100 native trees in a riverside park.

The group was led by members of the Friends of Mill Marsh Park and Climate Action Bovey and Heathfield who were donated 120 whips by Devon Wildlife Trust.

Species included crab apple, hawthorn, silver birch, goat willow, wild cherry, dogwood and field maple.

The eager team was first given expert tuition by horticulturist and garden designer Ben Reynolds before being let loose in Bullands Field.

Those taking part ranged from toddlers to grandparents and the result is two pockets of woodland to complement existing tree cover.

Organiser Sue Simmons, also a member of Bovey Tracey Town Council that owns the field, said: ‘We’re working with Devon Wildlife Trust and their Saving Devon’s Treescapes scheme to create a little wildlife corner in this part of Bullands Field for the people of Bovey Tracey and our wildlife.

‘It’s a space that we’re all going to value and nurture and was an idea that came from the Friends of Mill Marsh Park, which lies on the other side of the River Bovey, and I think it’s great to see so many people here, especially the children.

‘They’re working so enthusiastically with their parents, it’s brilliant, a really good feeling.’

Mum Steph Hildreth and her husband Lee pitched in to help with youngsters Heidi, Penny and Austin.

Steph said: ‘We’re here because Heidi said she wanted to do something for the planet and then we saw this was happening so it was a happy coincidence and why we wanted to do it.

‘Now when we come on our walks we can say those are the trees we planted all those years ago and see how much they’ve grown just like the children.’

Ben said: ‘There are lots of reasons to plant trees such as wildlife, carbon capture, preventing soil erosion and flood prevention.

‘This is making a difference.’