THE parents of an Aberystwyth University graduate have donated trees to a local nature reserve as a thank-you for their daughter’s excellent education.

Since graduating in countryside conservation from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences in July, Lizzie Tyson and her parents have been reflecting on her happy time at Aberystwyth - including her work at Parc Natur Penglais with the student conservation volunteers group.

Seeing her enthusiasm for the education and experiences gained at Aberystwyth, Lizzie’s parents decided they would like to give something back to the university and town in a fitting way, by donating lime and wych elm tree saplings to be placed in Parc Natur Penglais, where Lizzie spent some of her most enjoyable times.

The woodland of Parc Natur Penglais was donated to the town by Aberystwyth University.

Jim Wallace, director of campus and commercial services, said: “It is very pleasing when our students leave us feeling that their lives have changed for the better as a result of their time with us.

“Lizzie is a wonderful example of a hard-working student who has used every opportunity Aberystwyth University has offered her and who has also looked to put something back into our community. The trees being planted are a poignant way of demonstrating Lizzie’s commitment she made as a volunteer and I hope it will inspire other students to make the most of their time with us too.”

Lizzie’s parents Sue and Oliver Tyson, both teachers, and Lizzie returned to Aberystwyth on 24 October to plant the trees, along with representatives from Parc Natur Penglais, the council and university.