On Saturday (December 5) as part of a world record attempt organised by the BBC to publicise National Tree Week, staff and volunteers at Southwater Country Park will be joining in with an attempt at breaking the world record for planting trees.

Between 11am and noon conservation volunteers will be planting trees up and down the country with the aim to plant one million trees in one hour.

The Horsham District's contribution to the record attempt will be a wildlife hedge planted along the path running through 'The Quarry' area of Southwater Country Park.

Cllr Roger Paterson, Cabinet Member for Local Economy and Leisure at Horsham District Council, said: "This will be a great event to be part of, come rain or shine, and it's something all the family can get involved with.

"Whilst 500 trees sounds like a lot, with a few people working at a steady pace I'm confident we'll be able to help break the record nationally."

Steve Delahunt, Head Countryside Warden at Horsham District Council, added: "We need as many people as possible to give us a chance of planting all of our trees.

"Volunteers involved with the attempt will hopefully get the satisfaction of breaking a record, whilst doing something which will benefit the wildlife and visitors to the Country Park."

People interested in joining in with this nationwide initiative and record breaking attempt need to meet at the Visitor Centre at Southwater Country Park at 10.30am on Saturday 5 December. From there everyone will walk across to The Quarry to prepare for the tree planting.

All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. Staff at Southwater Country Park will provide the trees and gloves.

Volunteers are being asked to bring a spade along if they have one, although there will be a few spares on the day. Tea and coffee will be available after the record attempt.

For more information contact Southwater Country Park on 01403 731218 or email steve.delahunt@horsham.gov.uk