GREEN-fingered school children planted hundreds of trees near Ponteland to celebrate the 300th birthday of a renowned landscape gardener.

The keen gardeners from Belsay First School, Hexham Priory School and Cambo First School assisted in the planting of 420 saplings at the end of November at Kirkharle.

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who was born and baptised in Kirkharle, was responsible for landscaping at Alnwick, Wallington and Kirkharle, and several events have been held over the past few months to mark his 300th year.

He gained famed nationally, designing more than over 170 gardens in Britain, including those at Blenheim Palace.

In the last act of celebration, the saplings of birch, cherry, oak and rowan, provided by The Woodland Trust and planted with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, were planted beside Capability Brown’s lake.

Kitty Anderson of Kirkharle estate said: “We already have several interpretation boards around the lake and we also provide activity sheets for children to help them identify the flora and fauna.

“These new trees can only add to that experience and the school children will in the future be able to tell their children and grandchildren about the contribution they made to CB’s special vision for Kirkharle and be very proud as the trees grow and mature.”

Director of the Woodland Trust John Tucker said: “We want to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

“Thanks to Kirkharle Creative applying for one of our tree packs, the vision is a step nearer reality.

“Of course, we were especially pleased to help in this very special year, the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown’s birth. It is great that Kirkharle is continuing his legacy of improving its landscape with trees.”

The new trees will screen and protect the lake area from the road and also act to limit noise, as well as providing a habitat for birds.