AN appeal has gone out for helpers to assist with tree planting in a borough's nature reserves.

Hyndburn Council has teamed up with Ribble Rivers Trust and The Prospects Foundation to run weekend volunteer days at local nature reserves Peel Park and the Coppice, and Woodnook Vale

The events kicked off at Platt’s Lodge in early October as eight volunteers created a small wetland area at Platts Lodge. On second day volunteers donned waders to open up an area of clear water and cut back overhanging trees shading a pond near Plantation Road.

The next two volunteer days are Saturday November 23 and Saturday November 30 at Rothwell Heights and Plantation Woods respectively. They involve family-friendly tree planting and woodland activities.

Anne Hourican, Hyndburn’s environmental initiatives officer, said: “We have fantastic places for nature in Hyndburn and local people are very passionate and knowledgeable. Hopefully running weekend activities will allow more to take part."

Anyone interested can contact Ribble Rivers Trust on 01200 444452 (email admin@ribbletrust.com ) or The Prospects Foundation on 01254 230348 (email info@prospectsfoundation.org.uk).