MORE than 2,000 new hardwood trees have been planted by local school children in South Lakeland as part of a major initiative by the Forestry Commission in the region.

The commission is running a project with local schools to encourage young people to learn about the importance of hardwood trees to South Lakeland's environment.

School children from across the region have helped Forestry Commission rangers to plant tree varieties including oak, holly and alder. The trees form a native woodland habitat for wildlife and, in the long term, will create a more attractive landscape.

Tania Crockett, education ranger for the Forestry Commission, said: "The trees planted are indigenous, English hardwood, broadleaf trees and will last for many generations."

Schools involved with the planting in the area were Penny Bridge School, Hawkshead Primary School, Satterthwaite and Rusland Primary School, Lowick School, Broughton-in-Furness Primary and Orrell Newfold Primary School.

Woodland areas have now been created in a number of areas throughout South Lakeland, including Claife Heights, just east of Hawkshead; Arklid Intake; and Hardknott forest.