MORE than a kilometre of trees have been planted to boost Danbury’s wildlife.

Over the winter, hundreds of volunteers worked together to plant 7,000 native species saplings, covering 1.5 kilometres, across private land near the Danbury Ridge.

The project is a collaboration between more than nine organisations and donors, including Danbury and Little Baddow Parish Councils, Chelmsford City Council and the British Naturalists’ Society.

It is also part of the Essex Wildlife Trust Danbury Ridge Living Landscape which aims to revive lost wildlife corridors and reconnect isolated and vulnerable woodlands.

Emma Ormond, Essex Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes Coordinator, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this winter’s results, which were made possible by the support of volunteers and staff from a multitude of organisations, as well as those who provided financial support.

“Planting has now ceased as we head towards the warmer months, but plans are already afoot to identify further areas to plant our next ‘kilometre for wildlife’ within this fabulous Living Landscape.”

The Danbury Ridge, east of Chelmsford, is home to many animals but continued fragmentation of their habitat threatens their survival.

The area has a mix of wildlife and history, including medieval deer parks, the Iron Age hill fort of Danbury Camp and the county park at Danbury Palace.

To volunteer, email Emma Ormond on emmao@essexwt.org.uk or call 01621 862954.