Residents and volunteers all mucked in together to help plant hundreds of new trees on Portland.

Under threatening skies, people headed to Royal Manor Playing Fields at Weston at the weekend to get started on an initiative to plant 850 brand new trees and shrubs in a move to address the climate and ecological emergency.

The volunteers picked up shovels and donned gloves and wellies to do their bit to help out with the cause.

Laura Baldwin, founder of eco-friendly group Portland 4 the Planet and one of the organisers behind the initiative, told the Echo that the volunteers were forced to clear litter that was discarded in the playing fields as well as planting the trees.

She said: “The first thing that I thought we needed to do was plant lots of trees.”

She added that the there are plans for trees that will bear fruit and nuts, which are intended to provide a food source both of the area’s wildlife (including insects and birds), but also for the people of the area who might be in need.

The initiative received the support of members of Portland Town Council, some of whom lent their time to help with the tree planting itself.

Cllr Giovanna Lewis, who joined in with helping plant the trees, praised the spirit of the people who came out to assist with the effort.

She said: “Look at all the people who have turned out today. It is really heartening that so many people want to contribute to environmental initiatives.”

Cllr Pete Roper, who also came along to lend a hand, said: “It is quite uplifting to see the community come together like this. It is really what we would expect on Portland.”

The group also thanked their sponsors - The Conservation Volunteers, which provided the trees for free and Knighton Country Management, which provided the canes and tree guards.

Portland 4 the Planet was founded earlier this year to promote environmentalism in the area through such projects and events.

Anyone who wants to find out more about Portland 4 the Planet can search for the group on Facebook or email portland4theplanet@gmail.com