GREEN-FINGERED volunteers turned out in force to plant trees at a park in Dovercourt.

More than 100 trees were planted at Cliff Park as part of its bid to retain its prestigious Green Flag award.

Volunteers of all ages donned their wellies for the event, including members of Harwich Society and scouts who assisted council staff.

Tendring Council, which runs the site, said the effort is just part of the ongoing improvements that have taken place at Cliff Park.

Michael Talbot, cabinet member for environment, thanked all those who took part at the weekend.

“It was a real community effort and we are very grateful that people are taking ownership of their open spaces and getting involved,” he said.

“Cliff Park is being transformed and diseased trees that had to be removed are now being replaced by many more new ones.”

The Green Flag judges put forward a suggestion of increasing the biodiversity as part of their feedback last year.

The council decided to add a number of species which included crack willow, dogwood, guelder, rose, hawthorn and blackthorn.

They were chosen for their flowers, seeds and fruit aiding insect life as well as their ability to provide important shelter and food sources.

Tendring Council’s Trevor Mills, who organised the session, said it was a fantastic turnout and thanked everyone for turning up on Saturday.

The scheme is part of an initiative run by the Conservation Volunteers group to plant 250,000 across the UK.