LOCAL volunteers have been putting their backs into planting a mile of hedgerow at Croome Landscape Park near Upton.

The lost 18th Century hedgerows are being reinstated after their position was located using old land surveys and the latest satellite global positioning technology.

Property manager Michael Smith said: "The hedgerows will support a wide variety of wildlife and birds providing a valuable source of food and shelter."

The new hedgerows comprise plants indigenous to the area including hawthorn, dogwood, spindle and hazel.

Traditional hedgerow roses, such as the dog rose and field rose, have also been planted, as early 19th Century reports mention scented rose blossom in Croome Park's hedges.

The park was the first landscape designed by 'Capability' Brown and is undergoing major restoration to return it to his original 18th Century plan.

Croome Park reopens to visitors on Friday, March 3, and will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays until April 30, then seven days a week from May 1 through the summer.

For more information, call 01905 371006.