Work begins on woodland project

Planting is expected to be finished by the end of March

A £55,000 project to turn a disused airfield into a woodland has started.

Over the next month 7,000 oak, ash and maple trees will be planted at the 3.25 hectare Hedon Airfield, near Hull.

The HEYwoods project has been organised by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and paid for by a number of private companies.

Those helping to fund trees and fencing include Yorkshire Water, BP Chemicals, Saltend Cogeneraton Company and Nippon Gohsei UK.

'Excellent example'

The site is owned by Hull City Council while the East Riding of Yorkshire Council will oversee the planting work.

Stephen Robinson, of the HEYwoods initiative, said: "Most people are aware that Hull and the East Riding make up one of the least wooded areas of the country.

"The Hedon Airfield woodland project is an excellent example of providing a scheme that offers the range of environmental, economic and social benefits that an increased level of woodland can bring to our area."

All the planting is expected to be completed by the end of March.