Close on 500 tree saplings have been planted by volunteers from Valero Pembroke Refinery.

A variety of saplings were sowed in an area known as Hentland just outside the refinery’s perimeter to complement the existing trees that were planted close on ten years ago.

Species were picked for the benefit for wildlife, species included Oak, Hazel, birch, Rowan, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, wild rose, Silver birch, Crab apple, Holly, Sallow.

Plans are in place for a further 500 saplings to be sown over the coming months in a bid to boost bio-diversity in the area and create wildlife friendly species between two existing old hedgerows and create a food rich woodland.

Local wildlife expert John Hayes was on site to oversee the planting with chairperson of the volunteers, Rob John, saying his knowledge was invaluable to ensure the day was a success.

“Five hundred trees sounds like a lot but with John’s input and attention to detail the volunteers planted them in just a few hours.

“This is just another example of how Valero promotes volunteering in the community with many friends and family members of the volunteers also attending and ensuring that Valero’s Volunteer mission statement ‘To promote a spirit of caring and sharing throughout Valero and the Communities we serve’ continues to be a focus of the Refinery.”

Further Volunteer events are planned to take place before the end of year. These include a micro plastic beach clean at Freshwater West, a toy and food drive for PATCH throughout November with a sorting day arranged for December 4, a bobble hat challenge, and a Christmas raffle and quiz for our charity of the year, the DPJ Foundation.

While the pandemic has curtailed many planned volunteer activities over the past 18 months or so, Rob is hopeful that with the easing of restrictions more events can take place in 2022 and is urging any groups that may need help to get in touch

“If you are part of a charity organisation or a local community group that requires some assistance with an event you are hosting or some ground maintenance / decorating, please contact the Valero Volunteer Group email - [email protected] , we will do our very best to assist you”