VOLUNTEERS from the charity The Conservation Volunteers have been putting down roots in North Yorkshire - by planting hundreds of trees.

The planting was done on Studford Farm, by Sproxton, near Helmsley, a working farm where Studford Luxury Lodges is also based.

Ian Jakulis, the regional operations leader for the charity, said: "Our volunteers were there for three days doing the bulk of the hedgerow and tree planting programme - we planted 300 trees to make a small copse."

The planting work was organised between the farmer and the Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Partnership group.

The charity that enables people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in a variety of practical conservation projects – and is always keen to hear from new volunteers.

Mr Jakulis said that not only was the work a good opportunity to spend more time outdoors, there was also a social side to it.

"You don’t need to have any experience or relevant skills, just bags of enthusiasm and a love of being outdoors," he said.

The charity provides tools and equipment, and offers free transport to/from the activity from its office in York.

They run practical activities on three to four days, every week (not weekends) between 9am and 4.30pm. To get involved email york@tcv.org.uk or phone 01904-644300.