YOUNGSTERS from Wootton Wawen CofE Primary School have been digging deep for an environmentally-friendly future at a ground-breaking housing development in the village.

Warwickshire Rural Housing Association (WRHA) invited pupils to plant the first trees at the new scheme, which is now well underway.

Comprising 14 homes, the development is set to become Warwickshire’s first Passivhaus development of ultra-low energy homes.

Many species of trees native to the local area are being planted including wild cherry, hawthorn, ash, field maple and silver birch, to form a huge 200 metre long by 12 metre wide woodland area.

Once the trees are established, a woodland trail will be crafted, winding through the area.

All the surface water from the new development will drain into the woodland to keep the trees watered all year round.

Neil Gilliver, from WRHA, said: “The new development at Wootton Wawen has been community led from the outset and we are delighted that local children are helping to plant the trees which will be enjoyed by generations to come.

“This is a ground-breaking project which is bringing the whole community together to help reduce our carbon footprint and cut fuel poverty.”