Residents in Tetbury are being invited to help transform a popular local footpath, improve local biodiversity, and support the environment by planting 7,000 bulbs and 700 trees.

Two planting schemes have been initiated by local resident, Ian Benton, on an area of land that runs alongside the Public Footpath from the Tanyard/Tetbury Sewage works towards Bath Bridge.

In October, a number of local residents including children from St Marys playgroup have already helped plant 7,000 Snowdrops and Wild Garlic bulbs during the first phase. Now the call is going out for more volunteers to help plant the 700 trees in a second phase which starts on December 11.

District councillor for the area, Cllr Richard Norris has already volunteered, and he is urging more people to support Ian and help him realise his amazing ambition.

Cllr Richard Norris said: "This is a fantastic initiative, and I am delighted that these trees are being planted in the Tetbury with Upton Ward. It is great to see members of the community working together to improve our area.

"I would urge everyone to join me and become involved with the tree planting on December 11 and 12. Thanks to Ian's vision we can all make a tangible contribution to help the environment and improve our local area."

Ian Benton said: "'The latest tree planting is number of schemes I have been progressing to help improve this popular area for walkers. With the help of Tetbury Wardens we have improved accessibility along this footpath which is now stile free. Thank you to Cotswolds Landscape Conservation who have created a design and brought on board Ground Control who are so generously donating trees, guards & stakes.

"Also, we welcome the Ourbertum scheme, which will be providing 21 Oaks to be planted along the Public Footpath heading towards Shipton Moyne, these have been grown from local Acorns in a response to Ash Die back which sadly is now fully upon us"

The Tetbury tree planting will be from 10am until 3.30pm on Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12. Everybody is encouraged to go along and help plant the trees, but volunteers are being asked to arrive at the Bath Bridge entrance and to bring along their own spades.

Visit the Facebook page 7000 Bulbs and 700 Trees for further details.