AN ARMY of volunteers turned out at a tree planting event for a new green space in Great Coates.
Local families and community groups were invited to join the John Harrison Foundation (JHF) and the Woodland Trust to help plant 3,000 saplings and create a new area which will be known as Longitude Wood.
Hundreds of volunteers turned up at the event, from the seasoned gardeners of Grimsby In Bloom and the Cleethorpes and Grimsby Rotarians, to the Sea Cadets, and pupils and staff from Laceby Acres School and Whitgift Academy.
North East Lincolnshire Council designated an area of land on the banks of the Freshney in Great Coates, agreeing to maintain the woods working with the JHF directors, local Rotarians, Whitgift School and Grimsby In Bloom.
It is hoped that the wood will provide a vital outdoor learning space for local students, including those of nearby Whitgift School, and will become a centre for activities and adventure – encouraging more people to learn about the great outdoors.
Christina McGilligan-Fell, director of the JHF and councillor for Park Ward, said: "It is anticipated that in years to come, and for future generations that the maturing Longitude Wood will support and provide a natural learning environment for health, leisure and relaxation with an appreciation of the local wildlife and all that has to offer for the wider and local communities.
"All time and work by the JHF on the Longitude Wood project has been voluntary, something that I believe the community are surprised and touched by. I'm told by the Woodland Trust that the whole project has been inspirational. I have been approached by the Woodland Trust to be a Tree Champion to represent the region for the trust which is a great honour.
"So much has come out of this project in only a matter of months, which all demonstrates the importance of community involvement and working together for the good of others.
"The John Harrison Foundation wish to express sincere thanks for all those that took part and contributed to the recent tree planting day to create phase one of Longitude Wood, Great Coates.
"They particularly wish to thank North East Lincolnshire Council for the support and designating the area of land with an agreement to maintain the site with the JHF."
For more details on how to get involved in Longitude Wood call 07906 040659.
