VOLUNTEER guardians of a popular beauty spot have received cash aid to plant a "flowering avenue" at the site.

The planting will be carried out at the St Ives estate, Harden, in Betty's Wood.

It follows the extensive felling of non-native larch trees which had to be removed to prevent the spread of the disease phytophthora ramorum.

"As a result of the felling the wood does now look bereft so the hope is this new planting will provide a first step towards creating an attractive spot once again where insects and wildlife can thrive," said Pam Laking, chairman of the Friends of St Ives.

"In November we will be planting some well-established, natural indigenous trees, including crab apple, rowan, wild cherry, alder buckthorn, wild dog roses and spindle bushes.

"When they flower in the spring they will add colour and attract insects, and there will be berries in the autumn."

The Friends have been awarded an £893 grant by Bingley Town Council towards the project.

"We're extremely grateful for the support," said Mrs Laking.

"We hope this flowering avenue will be enjoyed by visitors and that it will just be a start, with more planting to follow."

A public tour of Betty's Wood – led by Andrew Cutts, assistant trees and woodland manager for Bradford Council – was held to explain why the felling had to be carried out, and to outline the plans for reviving the site.