A FAMILY tree planting event is set to get underway this weekend.

More Trees Please will be held by Bridport Tree Planting Group (BTPG) this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Groves Nurseries in Bridport is supporting the newly-formed group by donating a tree for every one they sell.

The nurseries have teamed up with BTPG with the aim of getting more trees planted across west Dorset.

Tree planting has the potential to make a huge difference in the fight to combat climate change. Forests can lock up carbon for thousands of years whilst at the same time proving essential habitat for thousands of species. Government targets include planting 1.5 million trees by 2050.

Bridport Tree Planting Group was established this year in association with Friends of the Earth to help and encourage people to plant more trees in Bridport.

Joe Hackett, one of the founding members approached the Manager of Groves Nurseries, Charlie Groves, to see if they could work together.

Off the back of this Groves Nurseries are launching their “Buy One Get One Tree” scheme for 2020.

For every tree that Groves sell during 2020 they will donate another tree to the BTPG.

Charlie Groves said “Tree planting is one of the simplest ways to fight climate change. We are delighted to be working closely with Joe and the Bridport Tree Group to plant more trees across Dorset. Whether you have a large garden, a small patio or an allotment you can usually find space for a tree, even if its in a container.”

The scheme will be officially launched at the More Trees Please event on Saturday (March 14) at the United Church, Bridport.

This event will start at 1:30pm and will include demonstrations on tree planting from Groves Nurseries head plantsman Steve Ward.

This will be followed by procession to Askers Meadow for a family tree planting session at 3pm.

Members of Bridport Tree Planting Group have been busy giving away trees.

Two groups of young people have planted them on a hillside near Melplash and to fill in gaps in a wood near Powerstock.

Trees have also been given to individuals for their gardens in Bridport and surrounding villages.

Trees will also go towards Bridport Co-housing project near the hospital and some will remain in the group’s own nursery ready to be planted in autumn.

Members are also going to re-plant trees along the walking and cycle path on the old railway line leading to West Bay, and they have also been approached by a parish council with a view to planting more trees.

For more information go to grovesnurseries.co.uk