Volunteers have been busy planting hundreds of trees for a new community woodland.

The main contractor on the Dorset County Hospital construction project, Willmott Dixon, donated 600 tree whips to be planted in the new community woodland at Kings Road in Dorchester.

Willmott Dixon team members helped to plant the whips during a morning alongside staff from Dorchester Town Council and volunteers from People First Dorset, Employ My Ability, The GAP Ecotherapy Project, Thomas Hardye School and Dorset Mind.

Richard Poulter, managing director at Willmott Dixon's central south region, said: "We are proud to be partnering with Dorchester Town Council to improve biodiversity in the area by planting 600 trees in the town as part of our ongoing work at Dorset County Hospital."

Willmott Dixon has also pledged to plant more than 10,000 trees a year over the next decade.

Mr Poulter added: "Every tree counts and it has been wonderful to plant these trees in partnership with The GAP Ecotherapy Project, Dorset Mind, students from Thomas Hardye School, Employ My Ability and People First Dorset."

The trees are a mix of native species and were selected for their benefits to the wider environment by providing food and habitat for birds and other animals.

Laura Kerr, manager at People First Dorset - which supports people with learning difficulties - said the group was "thrilled" to be involved.

She added: "With some of our members having recently taken part in a project to learn more about protecting the environment and climate change at Dorset Museum, there is much enthusiasm and interest to engage in community projects which help protect our local environment.

"The planting was a lot of fun and it was wonderful for our members and staff team to be working outside together in the fresh air doing something positive."

Claire Meyer, trustee of The Gap said the project was "happy and proud" to help plant the trees and "passionately believes in the value of our natural environment and how helping to take care of it can really improve our sense of wellbeing".

The community woodland at Kings Road comprises groups of native trees with the planting of woodland wild flowers planned for the future. A new circular grass woodland walk was also created this winter that is flat and open for all to enjoy.

Mark Addison, chairman of Dorset County Hospital, said: "As part of plans to develop the hospital site and our social value pledge, we're committed to adding to the biodiversity of the local area and improving the wellbeing of our local communities - so we're delighted that our partnership with Willmott Dixon has enabled this tree planting scheme to happen.

"Thank you to all involved, especially those who volunteered to plant trees. I'm sure they will be enjoyed by local people for many years to come."

Councillor Fiona Kent Ledger, of Dorchester Town Council, said it was great to see a company giving back in areas where is carries out work.

She said: "I would also like to thank all the brilliant volunteers who came along to help plant too. We really hope the community take the new wood to their hearts. To see people taking the time and making the effort to help plant, it is a really good sign for the future."

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