More than 200 residents in the Brickhill area of Bedford set down some roots in the neighbourhood over the weekend as part of a tree planting event at Woodhill Park.

Co-organised by housing association bpha, and Bedford Borough Council, local residents of all ages took part in the planting to help beautify the area.

One of the organisers of the event, Kim Norris, who is a Community Development Officer at bpha, said that the event was designed to help build a feeling of community in the area.

“We originally planned the event so that we could draw people together to build a sense of community,” she said.

“As a new-build area, activities like this can really make a difference and I had plenty of people on the day saying that it felt great that the new development was becoming more of a residential area rather than a building site.”

The improvements within the new park have the potential to deliver current and future residents with significant health and environmental benefits.

“We planted native trees such as oaks, holly, ash and birch, and when they are more fully grown the park will be a beautiful place to visit, said Ms Norris.

“For now, people who were involved in the area have a real pride and sense of ownership around the place, and that is really going to help build a strong community.”

While this was the first event held in the area, Ms Norris said that there are plans to undertake another such day later in the year, as Woodlands Park forms part of a wider country park for the area.

“The tree plant was part of a wider plan because the area is going to become a country park that will link to Clapham Country Park and eventually ever further towards Mowsbury,” she said.

“It’s going to form part of the larger Green Wheel programme, which is aims to provide environmentally friendly and safe access to areas around county cities.”