A TEAM of volunteers from across the country has been digging in to help plant a mile of historic hedgerow at a park near Pershore.

The group has been working hard to reinstate the lost 18th Century hedgerows at Croome Landscape Park as part of a major restoration project.

Some positions of the long-lost hedgerows were located using centuries-old surveys, and the latest global positioning system to mark them out on the ground.

Property manager Michael Smith said: "The hedgerow plants are all indigenous to this part of the world and include hawthorn, dogwood, spindle and hazel.

"We have also planted two traditional hedgerow roses, dog rose and field rose, as early 19th Century reports mention scented rose blossom in the hedges of Croome. The hedgerows will support a variety of wildlife and birds, providing a valuable source of food and shelter."

The park was the first landscape designed by Capability Brown and has been undergoing major restoration to return it to Brown's original 18th Century plan. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the scheme, which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Michael added: "We have tremendous support from volunteers, whether as regular helpers or taking part in one-off exercises, and they have made a huge contribution to the restoration project."

Croome Park re-opens to visitors on Friday, March 3, and will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays until April 30.

It will then open seven days a week throughout the summer.

For more information on the park or volunteering call 01905 371006.