WORK is under way to create a new community woodland at the heart of Clifton in York.

Throughout March, more than 600 trees and shrubs will be planted on an acre of publicly accessible land at Clifton Green Primary School, with help from residents, parents, and children from local schools.

The woodland will be used as both a recreational space and as a learning resource for activities as part of the curriculum at local schools.

James Houston, director of the Galtres Festival, who has given the project £400 to purchase trees through the Treemendous group, joined more than 50 other volunteers to kick-start the woodland project.

Many of those who attend the Galtres Festival, which this year will be held in Helmsley, donate additional money to make their attendance carbon-neutral – the money is then donated to York’s Treemendous group for tree-planting projects such as Clifton Wood.

With more than 100 trees successfully planted and the land already transformed, further planting has been taking place this week with 300 pupils at Clifton Green digging in.

Dave Brown, Clifton Green Primary School’s head teacher, said: “The new wood for Clifton will not only be an excellent resource to enhance our teaching and learning, but it will also be an amazing space for the local community to enjoy - now and for many generations to come.

“Children need easy access to nature, because exploration, risk and adventurous play are all really important aspects to growing-up.”

Clifton Wood has received backing from The Woodland Trust who donated 420 trees as part of their Jubilee wood scheme, in a mix of native varieties bringing year-round colour to the site.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has provided both planting equipment and offered training to develop outdoor learning at Clifton Green.

A further community tree planting event will take place tomorrow, from 9.30am to 1pm and is open to all York residents.

Trees, refreshments and tools will be provided, but volunteers are asked to bring a spade if they have one.