Flowers are set to flourish in Leavesden Country Park next year, after children and staff from a number of local schools planted more than 1,000 bulbs in the grounds.

Volunteers from Leavesden Green JMI School, Alban Wood Primary School, Woodlands Nursery, Bedmond Primary School and Three Rivers District Council Play Rangers took part in the scheme over the past few weeks.

Almost 200 trees were also planted with help from Parmiter’s School, Bedmond Primary School and Three Rivers Play Rangers.

Damien Weller, park ranger at Leavesden Country Park, said: “Native bulbs and trees have been selected to encourage more wildlife in the park.

“The new bulbs and trees will be especially beneficial for local birds and insects and both the bulbs and trees should add an extra splash of colour in the years ahead.”

Among the bulbs planted were Bluebells, Snowdrops, Wild Garlic, Wood Anemone and Lesser Celandine, which local residents should see within the park next spring.

The plants should also provide a valuable source of nectar for insects, while many of the trees planted will produce fruits and berries which are an important food source for birds during the winter. Three Rivers District Councillor Keith Williams, Liberal Democrat representative, said: “I would like to thank all the children, young people, teachers and leaders who took part in the bulb and tree planting for all their hard work.

“I would also like to thank the Probation and Youth Offender teams for helping with the preparation work beforehand.

“I have been greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm demonstrated by all who have participated.”