THOUSANDS of trees will be planted at St Ives Estate this winter to replace those lost to disease.

Volunteers are being asked to take part. Bradford Council Trees and Woodlands Section will work with Trees for Cities, which has secured funding from the company npower.

Visitors to St Ives had been saddened by the removal of trees in Betty’s Wood, done to halt the spread of a virulent plant disease.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places, said: “We have a wonderful opportunity to return this site to diverse woodland, comprising locally known species.

“Betty’s Wood is cherished by many people and we want everyone to have the opportunity to be involved in planting.”

Friends of St Ives chairman Pam Laking added: “We were very sad when we first knew so many trees would be felled. However, within a relatively short time we can enjoy a far more diverse and natural area of woodland.”

To help with the planting, people must e-mail woodlands@bradford.gov.uk with their name and contact details, confirming they are over 16. Planting days should take place in January and February.