THE National Trust is looking for volunteers to help plant the second batch of 8,000 trees on the Penrose estate along with 500m of hedgerow at Gunwalloe, near Helston. 

The charity is hoping to find willing helpers to join the Penrose Rangers and volunteers at a series of winter woodland planting events, taking place on several dates during November and December 2024, and January 2025.

The National Trust plans to increase woodland cover at Penrose by 10 per cent, enlarging the total woodland to more than 120 hectares. This will involve planting broadleaf trees such as field maple and small-leaved lime to connect two large blocks of existing woodland. Last winter, 400 volunteers helped plant 4,000 of the 8,000 trees, and now the Penrose Ranger team are asking for help to plant the last 4,000.

Similarly at Gunwalloe, also managed by the Penrose Rangers, they plan to plant 3,000 hedging plants, including hawthorn and hazel, alongside a half kilometre stretch of new public footpath — expanding the area for nature and wildlife on the land. 

Gregory Cross, lead ranger at Penrose, said: “Planting trees is for everyone’s benefit; not only does it enrich our lives to spend time immersed in nature, but trees improve biodiversity and create invaluable habitats for wildlife from varied ground flora and insects all the way up the food chain to birds and bats. Tree planting is also one of the simplest ways we can tackle climate change as it reduces existing atmospheric carbon that contributes towards this issue.”

He continued: “We have worked closely with Helston Climate Action Group to bring these plans to life. The goal of this project is for every tree to be planted by volunteers from the local community and we’re excited that local schools will be planting trees with us throughout winter, so we can involve and engage the next generation with their local woodland.”

“We want people to feel connected to the places they love and to help us continue looking after this special place for future generations to enjoy, so we’re keen to have anybody local to Helston and Penrose to join us on our public tree planting events starting in November.”

This scheme at Penrose will cost £60,000 to deliver and has been fully funded by the England Woodland Creation Offer provided by the Forestry Commission.

Anyone who would like to help plant trees at Penrose needs to book a free place via the Penrose webpage nationaltrust.org.uk/penrose/events, booking is essential.

For anyone who would like to help plant the hedgerow at Gunwalloe can book a free place via nationaltrust.org.uk/Gunwalloe/events, booking essential.