Members of Aberystwyth’s Parc Natur Penglais Support Group planted around 120 new trees in the well-known Parc on the north side of the town.

The trees were funded from donations in memory of the late Prof David Bateman, a prominent supporter of the Parc who used to walk through the nature reserve every day on his way to work, and the late Mair Whitby (née Williams) who was born in Aberystwyth and loved the area as a child.

Trees planted included elm, Scots pine, lime, crabapple, oak, hawthorn and hazel.

Cllr Alun Williams, who was among those to take part in the planting, said: “The Parc Natur Penglais Support Group has a strong record of maintaining and enhancing the Parc for the public to enjoy, but planting 120 trees in one day is impressive even by their standards.

“A dozen local residents, led by Peter Drake, turned out on a cold but bright morning and worked hard throughout the day to get a huge number of trees planted in a specially chosen part of the Parc.

“The new trees will help to enhance the area’s biodiversity, which in turn will help wildlife to thrive.

“We’re especially grateful to the families of Prof David Bateman and Mair Whitby for their generous donations.”

Parc Natur Penglais is owned by Ceredigion County Council and maintained with help from a support group consisting of local residents.

The Parc was designated as the first UNESCO Man & Biosphere Urban Nature Reserve in Wales.