On 28th January twelve cub scouts from the 3rd and 9th Welwyn Garden City scout group accompanied by their leader Viv, parents and other family members, joined in with our Sunday Working Party.

Although it was deepest January the weather was fairly mild and dry. The morning's task was tree planting in an area next to Templewood School grounds, well known to the children who all live nearby.

After a briefing and quick demonstration by woodwarden Geoff Ralph the scouts, and the rest of us in the work party, spread out to plant young hornbeam, hazel and hawthorn 'whips'. In weeks to come we will also be planting oak in the area.

The cub scouts, aged from 8 to 10, threw themselves into the morning's work and clearly enjoyed it. "I've planted six today" said one, "I've given my trees names and I'm going to watch them grow" said another, "this one's Harold". Indeed as the youngsters grow up over the coming years they will be able to see how 'their' trees grow too in this corner of the woods.

The scouts join up like this with the woodwardens every couple of years. It helps those who are working towards their scout badge for Environmental Conservation. It is also in keeping with their aims and values – "we like to help people" said one. We really appreciate these young people's help – thank you all.