THE Ulverston community is rallying together this February to help create a British native tree arboretum at Ford Park.

Schools, families and various groups have come together to help plant trees for a community arboretum.

The arboretum, which is believed to be the only one dedicated to native tree species in the UK, has also received support through a donation of trees from South Lakeland District Council.

Valerie Madden, Gardener at Ford Park, said: “It is a very exciting time here at the park as the arboretum has been in the planning stages since 2018 and is now about to become a reality.

“The arboretum will be a great opportunity to learn about native trees all in one place, watching how they change through the seasons, attract wildlife, grow into mature trees and hopefully enable people to recognize native trees when they visit other woodlands.”

The arboretum, which will be around half an acre in size, will be positioned on the fields either side of the main entrance to Ford Park.

Children from a local school, a Brownies group, local Scouts, individuals and Ford Park volunteers will be planting trees over several days throughout the month.

Valerie added: “I lived next to Arnold Arboretum in Boston, USA, for many years and this was an inspiration for creating this arboretum at Ford Park. I am excited to be given this opportunity and look forward to sharing all the wonders of an arboretum with all who come and visit the park.

“Over the next 20 years, we will all be able to observe the trees growing to their full maturity and see the changes the seasons bring. The shade of the trees will also be welcome on the hot summer days.”

The arboretum and orchard projects have also received support from the Sir John Fisher Foundation, The Hadfield Trust and Sellafield.

The community orchard, which will enable people to watch the fruits grow and help themselves to produce, will be positioned near the playground.