VOLUNTEERS have been digging deep in their efforts to preserve the environment.

Forty volunteers from the Yorkshire branch of faith group Sant Nirankari Mission have planted almost 3,000 trees at Myton-on-Swale near Boroughbridge.

The project was part of the Mission’s global conservation drive and the trees – including birch, oak and alder – were planted on a four-acre site at Home Farm with the help of a seven-strong team from British Gas.

Children as young as four helped plant the trees, which were all secured with stakes and tree guards to protect against the wildlife.

Nick Ramsden, who owns the farm with his brother Nigel, described the work as a “wonderful effort.”

He added: “This will boost conservation and flood defences and help the local wildlife.”

Mohinder Ram, the volunteer-in-charge from the Mission, said: “A few years back York was flooded with the overflowing of the rivers Ouse and Swale and the low-lying lands were under six to seven feet of water.”

He said planting the trees would help conserve the environment for future generations and also act as defences during any flooding.