SCOUTS and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to plant hundreds of trees at a farm near Shillingstone.

The planting was organised by the Countryside Regeneration Trust, which owns Bere Marsh Farm, as part of efforts to increase canopy coverage and help tackle climate change.

The tree planting initiative is part of the Great Big Dorset Hedge project, an ambitious long-term campaign aimed at restoring and extending hedgerows throughout Dorset.

Two troops from the Blandford Scout Group were involved in planting 120 trees at Bere Marsh Farm.

The remaining trees were planted by Bere Marsh Farm’s dedicated group of regular volunteers, who meet every Friday to support the farm’s environmental initiatives.

The scouts took part in an educational session about the charity Bere Marsh Farm and the ecological benefits of hedgerows before getting hands-on with the planting and mulching process.

READ MORE: Your chance to hear the dawn chorus with guided walk in Dorset

READ MORE: Rare fungi thought to be extinct found growing at Dorset farm

The national charity promotes nature-friendly farming to help reverse the biodiversity decline and combat climate change.

The trees were donated by the Woodland Trust and included a selection of native hedgerow species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, and hazel, as well as year-round colour trees like wild cherry and rowan, alongside some berry-bearing varieties.

Hannah Bosence, estate manager at Bere Marsh Farm, said it is crucial for the health of the environment that hedgerows are well-maintained.

“Hedgerows provide a vital habitat for wildlife and play an important role in protecting against the effects of climate change,” he said.

The Blandford Scout Group Picture: Countryside Regeneration Trust

“They not only support biodiversity but also provide shelter, food, and habitats for a variety of species, including small mammals, insects, and birds,” she added.

Hannah also expressed her delight at seeing the scouts engaging with the farm’s environmental work.

She added: “It was wonderful to see the scouts so excited and eager to learn about protecting the environment while getting their hands dirty. Their enthusiasm was truly inspiring.”

Jonathan Bowell, of Blandford Scout Group, said the scout group had a great morning planting the trees.

“Personally, I believe that one of the most important things we can do with our young people is expose them to nature and wildlife,” he said.

“If they are exposed, then they have a chance to fall in love with it and be the future conservation champions. Scouting promotes the great outdoors through activities, events and badges.

“I thought the opportunity to get our young people volunteering and engaging locally with nature was too good to miss.

“They enjoyed talking about the conservation projects, including the Barn Owl Barn.

“They then all loved the opportunity to look at the owl pellets and get hands-on with that as well. Blandford Scout Group looks forward to future events with Bere Marsh Farm.”