An Essex Scout camp is branching out, thanks to the donation of 100 new trees.

Belchamps Scout Centre in Hawkwell, which welcomes young visitors from around the country, is set to be more green and pleasant thanks to the new planting.

Crown Nursery from Woodbridge in Suffolk, which specialises in mature trees as well as fruit trees and shrubs, offered the mini forest after the centre appealed for trees for its 30-acre site.

The new trees were planted jointly by Belchamps staff and Cub Scouts from the 4th/6th Leigh-on-Sea and 2nd Chalkwell Bay Packs who meet in the Southend West District.

Belchamps Deputy Manager Michael Smith said: “It’s a very generous donation. We are always working to improve the site and we’re using the trees to separate the camping pitches: we’ve discovered groups like a bit privacy, rather than a big open field to camp in.”

Crown Nursery’s Graeme Proctor said: “We’re supplying a variety of native trees which will give a mix of canopy heights and thus attract as many different species of wildlife and birds as possible.

“We felt very privileged to be able to help the centre by giving the much needed trees and are glad they will be enjoyed by so many children.” Belchamps Scout Centre welcomes youth groups from across the UK whether or not they are Scouts or Guides, to the site for week-long or weekend stays

As well as 32 camping pitches, the centre (which boasts more than 25 activities including rifle shooting and high ropes), houses lodges and cabins.

One of the challenges that the Scout Movement faces is finding more volunteers to plug the current gap. For more visit: www.belchamps.co.uk  or www.scout.org.uk