Portland is about to get a lot greener with 850 new trees

The isle is known for its dramatic cliffs and quarries rather than its greenery, but that is set to change this Saturday.

Portland 4 the Planet, a community-led action group that organises eco-friendly projects, aims to plant 850 trees and shrubs on the Royal Manor Playing Fields at Weston.

Talks started in February this year about a mass planting event and, after sourcing donations from organisations and permission from the local councils, the long-anticipated project will get underway at 10am on Saturday.

Laura Baldwin, one of the organisers of the event, said: "I think trees are a symbol of hope and they are incredible climate regulators and consumers of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

"We want to plant as many trees as possible and we hope to plant even more next year. This is what we have to do to prevent catastrophic climate change.

"By planting trees on Portland to help the planet, we want people to think global and act local."

This past year, Portland 4 the Planet has gone into schools to speak to students and have been encouraged by other Portland groups planting trees, like Fancy's Farm.

The volunteers on Saturday will be planting 850 trees and shrubs along the wall at te playing fields to create a wind break before fruit and nut trees are planted on a future date.

If anybody wants to join in with the project, they are asked to try and bring spades, shovels, compost, tools, mulch, tree guards, welly boots and thermos flasks of hot drinks.

Next year, the group plans to plant even more trees and will also has plans to host several 'eco fairs'.

Laura added: "I helped set up the group, but Portland 4 the Planet is for anybody in the community who has an idea and they can just run with it, they can use the group to do something positive for the planet.

"If anyone wants wants to help with any projects or has any ideas for us, please get in touch by email at portland4theplanet@gmail.com."