A WOODLAND management company has pledged a generous offer of help to the Dorset Echo campaign to restore trees at the Nothe Gardens.

More than 40 trees – many dedicated to the memory of loved ones – were damaged in a spree of vandalism at the beauty spot.

Knighton Countryside Management has offered to donate 10 trees plus their time free of charge to plant them after seeing the story in the Echo.

The company, based in Piddlehinton, has also offered to supply any more trees needed at cost value.

Donations have been flooding in from readers since the Dorset Echo teamed up with the Friends of Nothe Gardens to raise money to restore the trees.

Roger Genge, of the Friends group, met Knighton Countryside director Mark Gibbens and arboricultural manager Jason Giladjian (corr) to show them the damage to the trees at the Nothe Gardens.

Mr Gibbons said he was shocked to see the extent of the damage.

“We saw the appeal in the Echo and, since this is what we do, we wanted to get involved. A lot of our employees live in Weymouth, so it’s a very local issue to us.

“Someone needs to do something and we are in a position to help.”

He added: “The Nothe Gardens are amazing. It should be a place people come to be inspired, not to vandalise trees. And these are memorial trees. It’s just pointless.

“It’s a kick in the teeth for Roger and the Friends members who obviously work really hard to keep this place lovely.”

Mr Genge said he is ‘very grateful’ to Knighton Countryside Management for their offer.

He said: “The support they’ve offered is just overwhelming. I can only say thank you.”

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, which owns the land at the Nothe, said they are still assessing which of the damaged trees will survive and which will need to be replaced.

Dorset Police have issued an appeal for information about the vandalism and anyone with information is asked to call 101.

To donate to the appeal, you can write a cheque payable to The Friends of Nothe Gardens and send it to Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth DT4 9XD. Please do not send cash donations.

As well as donations, Mr Genge would like to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved with the Friends of Nothe Gardens.