A NEW woodland has been planted with 400 trees in the creation of an “environmental legacy” for future generations.

A total of 400 maple, alder, birch, wild cherry, oak, willow and mountain ash trees were planted on Saturday, along a mile stretch of public footpath leading alongside Kirby Bridge Farm, between Stokesley and Great Broughton.

The initiative by The Rotary Club of Stokesley and Ian Smith, of Cringle Moor House is designed to aid the community’s general wellbeing and encourage more people to enjoy the local countryside.

The trees were planted on some land owned by Ian Smith with the help of local cubs, scouts and guides and pupils from Kirkby and Great Broughton CE VA School.

“This is an environmental initiative which we hope will encourage more people to get out and enjoy our great local countryside and aid the local community’s general wellbeing,” said project leader David Hill, from The Rotary Club of Stokesley.

“The trees currently stand only around two feet tall, but the pleasure will be in the public being able to watch them grow and in leaving an environmental legacy for future generations.”

The footpath upgrade is part of a wider initiative by Ian Smith to beautify the footpath off Station Road which leads to a viewing point from which walkers can gain spectacular views of Cold Moor and Urra Moor and stunning summer sunsets.

“The longer-term plan is to plant banks around the viewing area with wildflowers including snow drops, bluebells and wild daffodils to create an explosion of colour throughout the seasons,” he said.

“There will also be a bug retreat where bugs will congregate and encourage wildlife in the area.”

Ian is planning to have information boards throughout the walk to bring the experience to life for adults and kids alike.

The ‘Cringle Moor Copse’ is part of The Rotary Club of Stokesley’s community and environment programme.

“Our programme is aimed at enriching community lives while raising money for a range of local and international charities,” said club President, Elizabeth Walmsley.

The programme’s annual calendar includes a giant car boot fair in Stokesley to be held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Classics On Show vintage car rally, which on June 16 will see more than 500 vehicles on display on Stokesley Showground and a charity quiz, which this year raised £1,200 for the Great North Air Ambulance.