Scouts group help at East Chevington reserve

The group of boys and girls, all aged between 10 and 14 years, helped to fell a number of pine trees which had been planted as a nursery crop 20 years ago to provide shelter to young broad leaf trees which were planted at the same time.

Now that the broad leaf trees are growing, the pines need to be pruned to allow them space to grow.

The scout group then moved on to tree coppicing, a traditional method of woodland management in which young tree stems are repeatedly cut down near to ground level to encourage re-growth.

Group members are working towards their Global Conservation badge so their work on the reserve will not go un-rewarded.

The wildlife charity is in the process of developing a Forest Schools Project and the young trees at East Chevington will ensure a supply of timber when the project gets under way.

Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Estates Officer said: "Coppicing and felling trees are not easy jobs.

"I was very impressed with how hard the scouts worked during their day on the reserve. In years to come, they will be able to return to the site and see the fruits of their labours."

Scout Leader Arlene Watson said: "Everyone had a tremendous time during their time on the reserve."