What time is it? Time to break a world record

THOUSANDS of trees were planted across North Devon at the weekend in a world record breaking attempt.

The BBC's Breathing Places Tree O'clock project was hoping to smash the record of the most trees planted as possible in one hour across the nation.

DIGGING DEEP: Rick Turner, Martin Moore of Allotment Regeneration Initiative and Penny Jackson, chairman of Abbotsham Allotment Association at The Big Sheep and around Abbotsham. Picture: 0912-30_05
TREE HUGGING: Trees are planted at Griggs Field in Fremington as part of the record breaking attempt.
GETTING STUCK IN: Above and below, trees being planted at Willingcott Valley Golf Club.
Trees being planted at Willingcott Valley Golf Club.
GIVING IT SOME WELLY: Some of the tree planters at Griggs Field in Fremington.
CAN YOU DIG IT? The tree planting group at Higher Huxhill Farm, near Bideford.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Youngsters get involved with the planting at Roadford Lake.
Tree planting at Roadford Lake.
WOODLAND: Planters at Rodgemonts Wood, near Chulmleigh.
TREE TASK: Nigel Stark of Torrington Commons Conservators; Mary Mitchell of Great Torrington School; former governor Colin Porter, and staff member and project leader Diane Burt plant trees at Great Torrington School watched by the headteacher, governors, deputy mayor and students as they plant trees as part of the Tree O'clock project. Picture: 0912-31_03
TALENTED TRIO: Merlin Cadogan with Reuben and Samuel Peart at the Wings planting.
A SUITABLE SPOT: Helpers at Yeo Valley Community Woodland. Picture: Christine Brennan
ROOTED: Yeo Valley planters. Picture: Christine Brennan

It is still not known whether greenfingered volunteers have smashed the current record of 653,143, as the totals are being counted.

Torridge and North Devon has thousands of new oak, ash, hazel and alder saplings improving the area's wildlife and the landscape.

The Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service (NDCCS) supplied many of the trees planted across the area to community groups.

Tom Hynes, from North Devon's Biosphere Reserve said: "I was delighted to see such a huge response to this.

"One of the most exciting things is the long term benefit that will be brought about by one hour's hard work.

"Across the Biosphere Reserve, many new woodlands have been planted, which will be great for the landscape of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and great for people and wildlife."

Some 70 people turned out to Fremington's Griggs Field and helped plant 220 trees and another 660 trees have been planted at Yeo Valley Community Woodland in Barnstaple by 32 volunteers.

At Pathfields School in Barnstaple, 60 people planted 477 trees, while at Higher Huxhill Farm, near Bideford some 18 volunteers added 220 trees to the local landscape and 35 went to the Big Sheep in Abbotsham and planted 580 trees.

Volunteers donned their wellies in Ilfracombe to plant 245 trees on the Torrs.

Willingcott Valley Golf Club near Woolacombe added another 250 to the course while 205 were planted at Rodgemonts Wood near Chulmleigh.

Others were planted at Great Torrington School and some 224 native trees at Roadford Lake.

Local naturalist, Trevor Beer, was supporting the event. He said: "Trees are so vital in our lives and in the lives of all living beings.

"Whether or not the record is broken the planet and people still win — 'ansome."