Trees planted as part of Wantage nature reserve development

Volunteers joined staff at Elmbrook Court to plant a range of native trees, including hawthorn, rowan, oak, and blackthorn.

The half-hectare site at the rear of the home is being transformed into a nature haven, providing residents with a place to relax and enjoy wildlife.

Scott Freeman, the home’s head of hospitality, said: "The area was waste ground, and we wanted to make the best use of it, both for the residents and the environment.

Tree planting taking place at Elmbrook Court (Image: Oakland Care) “We’ve already installed a 14-metre pond and we’re developing the pathway, a vegetable garden and planting a selection of wildflowers.

"We have four beehives, with two more on the way, and we have chickens too.

"The tree planting will help to encourage more birds into our garden area, and we’re also planning a bird hide that will have a living roof and will be wheelchair-accessible."

The tree planting helped Oakland Care, which runs Elmbrook Court, exceed its annual target of planting 2,000 trees, with the group’s total now standing at 3,100.

Volunteers from Oakland’s head office, Elmbrook Court staff, residents’ families, and other community members spent the day digging holes and planting and securing the trees.

Mr Freeman added: "We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us with this project.

"There are lots of companies in Wantage who’ve been helping us to develop the nature reserve, and we’re looking forward to the spring when we can welcome them all in to experience the area with our residents."

Elmbrook Court is looking to develop a nature reserve (Image: Oakland Care) Pauline Clark, whose mum is a resident at Elmbrook Court, was among the volunteers.

She said: "It was an absolute pleasure to join in the tree planting.

"It was obvious this wasn't just a case of sticking a few trees in; everyone seemed to care about creating a great environment for the residents to enjoy different aspects of nature, which has been shown to have huge mental health benefits."

The Woodland Trust funded the trees as part of its efforts to encourage planting that will benefit communities.

Rebecca Warman, registered manager at Elmbrook Court, said: "This will be a fantastic addition to our home and it will blossom into a beautiful space for the residents, their families, the staff, and the community who come to visit us.

"There is a huge amount of evidence to show the benefits of being out in nature, so it will really add to the wellbeing of the people who live and work here."