Volunteers help plant thousands of trees at extension to Butterdean Wood

Butterdean Wood, near Gladsmuir in East Lothian, saw schoolchildren and corporate partners join Woodland Trust Scotland in the tree planting over several days, culminating in a community day, when about 100 volunteers of all ages turned out to help plant trees.

George Anderson, of Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “Huge thanks to everyone who planted with us over the week.

“There were some very wet days but people threw themselves into the task regardless. We hope people will keep coming back over the years to see how their trees are doing.We hope to offer more public planting opportunities at the wood early next year.”

The planting sees Butterdean Wood extended into two new fields, using funding support from Bank of Scotland. The trees are mostly oak but also include alder, birch, holly, hazel and rowan.

Alastair Seaman, Woodland Trust Scotland director, said: “We are so grateful that our partnership with Bank of Scotland has allowed us to add this new area of woodland. It will be a marvellous haven for people and wildlife but also a carbon store to help in the fight against climate change.”

Philip Grant, chairman of Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish executive committee, said: “Over the next 10 years, Woodland Trust Scotland and Bank of Scotland will plant thousands of trees together as part of a wider partnership across the country. I am delighted we are able to support the creation of new woodland at Butterdean as part of this partnership.”

An online vote saw the name Butterdean Brocksden chosen, in honour of a large and long-established badger sett nearby.

This article originally appeared in our sister title The East Lothian Courier