THE Horticultural team from Shropshire’s Derwen College have been supporting a green initiative to bring more trees and wildlife to a Wrexham community.

Students and staff on the specialist college’s Horticulture programme have joined forces with local schools and volunteers to plant 300 hedging plants and trees at Plas Kynaston football ground, in Cefn Mawr. The pitch, known locally as The Muga, is the official home of Cefn Albion Football Club.

Derwen College Nursery and Production Manager Paul Moss and assistant Anton Berry have been at the ground all week. They have been working with students, overseeing the planting of Spindle trees, hazel, holly, and beech as well as fruit trees including apples, pears, damsons, plums and greengages. Further planting includes snowdrops, bluebells and wild garlic.

(Image: Derwen College)

The Cefn Community Council project, funded by the Cadwyn Clwyd & AVOW Prosperous Communities Wrexham Key Fund, demonstrates the council’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Andrew Ruscoe, Cefn Community Council’s Community Development Officer said: “It has been an honour to support and develop Vice Chairman Councillor Derek Wright's brainchild of establishing a Forest School at the Plas Kynaston Muga. When our football pitch was extended, some trees were removed.

"We wanted to ensure that the area was replenished by creating a forest area that can be used by local people and that will encourage wildlife. These trees will not only provide cleaner air and a haven for wildlife but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

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"Having previously worked with students and staff at Derwen College, I knew I could rely on their expertise to work together for the good of the community. Beyond just planting, this project is about fostering environmental awareness, teamwork, and pride in creating something that will grow and thrive for years to come."

As well as local schools, volunteer workers have included David Roden, Community Champion at Tesco, Cefn Mawr.

Derwen College’s Paul Moss said: “It’s been a busy week working with our students and with children and staff from nearby schools. We’ve even had volunteers from the local Tesco come to help. We are proud of the partnerships that we have forged with the local community which also offer valuable work experience to students who are looking to work in Horticulture in the future.

“Everyone has worked so hard. Even the snow hasn’t put us off. We’re a hardy lot!”