AS part of the National Tree Week which ends on Sunday the International Tree Foundation has organised events over the week culminating in the planting of over 700 trees at St Michael's Primary School in Helston.

The trees will be a variety of different species chosen and planted in a way to assist educational purposes. Parents, teachers, children and volunteers will visit the school on Saturday to help with the plantin. The woodland is just part of a series of new educational resources used to promote awareness of trees and woodland in Cornwall.

The foundation says: "Cornwall has the lowest percentage of trees and woodland than any other county in England and Wales, however due to its unique climate it has an important role to play in woodland management as many species can adapt to the climate as well as having some native species, which are indigenous only to Cornwall.

"Together with the current concerns over carbon dioxide emissions (one tree can offset the annual C02 emissions from an average family car) such areas of new woodland will become a vital resource." This evening, prior to the planting, eminent tree author Dr Owain Jones of Bristol University, will be talking about "The Perception of Trees and Woodland".

The lecture starts at 7.30pm at the Burrell Theatre, Truro School, and is open to the public.

"The International Tree Foundation has had an active year, with more than 1,300 trees due to be planted in tree week alone. The increase in the general public's awareness towards the importance of trees has enabled the ITF to do so much more," said Pip Howard, ITF vice-chairman in Cornwall.

"The larger planting schemes will not have been possible without the help of companies such as the Budock Vean Hotel, Cornish Garden Nurseries and Merlin Golf Course."