Nearly 250 trees and shrubs have been planted along Warwickshire's longest greenway in the past three month.

The trees have been planted along the Lias Line by charity Sustrans to "lend a helping hand to British wildlife and improve local biodiversity".  

More than two thirds of the trees were planted by a team of eleven volunteers who also helped to install a range of supportive features inlcuding biodegradable tree guards and tree mats to ensure the trees were in good health.

The new £5.1 million path between Offchurch and Long Itchington was opened to the public in July 2022, prodiving 4.2km of high quality off-road track for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Named after the stone buried beneath it, the Lias Line closed in 1985 after 134 years of transporting minerals and passengers.

The last phase of the works will close a 120m gap at the western end of the scheme later this year. This will enable Sustrans to divert Route 41 of the National Cycle Network from a nearby road onto the track.  

Most of the trees planted on the Lias Line were done by volunteers (image supplied)

As part of the construction project, Sustrans worked with Warwickshire County Council's ecology and landscape team to build wetland areas to encourage great crested newts. They also installed bat boxes and are working closely with Warwickshire Butterfly Conservation group to improve the habitat for the common blue butterfly.   

Commenting on the planting initiative Tom Aplin, Sustrans volunteer co-ordinator, Midlands and East, said: "Although the bulk of the construction has been completed, we'll carry on supporting the community, helping them to continue the amazing improvements which have been made on the Lias Line.

"We're already planning more events and we are always keen to hear from people wanting to get involved.

"I would particularly like to thank Long Itchington Parish Council for their help and support. They're strong advocates for their community and their support is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of this greenway." 

The improvements were largely funded through a government grant, supplemented by further money raised from the British Horse Society, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council and Rugby District Council.