CHERRY trees were among three varieties planted in a north Pembrokeshire churchyard by volunteers recently to create a feeling of seclusion.

The normally sleepy churchyard of Llanhywel was a hive of activity when the small group of volunteers assembled to plant 22 trees around the edge of the new churchyard.

The trees, donated by the National Grid, comprised of ten ash, ten cherry and two yew, which are traditional churchyard trees and it is believed they can live for as long as 2000 years.

The volunteers were Alan Evans (Fishguard community composting and recycling group), Ian Meopham (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park), Nia Stephens, Anthony Potts and Aled Stephens.

The tree planting was the idea of the vicar for Llanhywel and Llanrhian John Bennett, and Alan Evans as a way of starting off a set of projects aimed at creating a peaceful wildlife haven in the historical churchyards.

The tree planting will be followed up by the arrival of a wooden compost bin to collect green waste.

Similar churchyard wildlife projects will be taking place across the north of the county this spring and summer. If you would like to take part as a volunteer, contact Alan Evans at the Fishguard Community Composting and Recycling Groups headquarters on 01348 871 880. Or if you feel your parish church or community garden or school would benefit from a compost bin, then contact Alan on the above number or e-mail him on alanevans @fishguardrotters.co.uk.