DISTRICT councillors rolled up their sleeves as work got underway to plant 149 new trees along the approach to Lydney Harbour.

Councillors Sid Phelps and Bernie O’Neil grabbed a spade as landscapers began planting a variety of Himalayan birch, Field Maple and Hawthorn trees to boost biodiversity along Harbour Road last week.

The planting comes as part of the Destination Lydney Harbour regeneration project, which is being funded by a £2.1 million grant from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund along with council resources. 

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Sid Phelps, said: "Destination Lydney Harbour is shaping up to be a really exciting project.

"With the cafe, toilets and information hub opening soon, the heritage interpretations on the way and the improvements to the access planned, it is going to make the harbour a really attractive destination for residents and visitors.

"The tree planting is a key element of the project, improving the aesthetics of the harbour’s approach and also playing a role in our commitment to reduce our impact on the climate."

The planting, which is being carried out by horticultural firm 4th Corner Landscaping, is expected to be completed by this Friday (November 26).

The new trees will be planted along the harbour corridor alongside Station Road and Harbour Road, outside Marina Business Park and Lydney Harbour Estate.

The council says the new trees will be checked and maintained regularly.

The Destination Lydney Harbour project includes a new cafe, public toilets and visitor information hub, which will be opening in the coming weeks.

The project has also seen new bespoke railings installed outside properties adjacent to Lydney Train Station on Harbour Road.

Work is also set to begin on heritage interpretation material and a public art trail in the coming months, and improvements will also be made to the harbour approaches.