WOODLAND wonderment greeted visitors to Philips Park in Whitefield as they followed a new tree trail.

The trail, which has an information booklet to accompany it, has been launched to coincide with National Tree Week, which runs until Sunday (December 7).

Nature reserve officer for Bury Council, Paul Robinson, led the first guided walk around the route on Sunday (Nov 30).

Paul said: "The booklet gives information on the trees of Philips Park and there are 16 different species on this particular walk. It provides information on each tree and includes interesting facts, plus a fun quiz at the end."

He added: "Many trees have historic significance and are part of our natural heritage. Philips Park is no exception and some of the trees featured on the trail, like the beech, are nearly 200 years old and were planted by the Philips family when the park was a private estate."

The booklet, funded by the New Opportunities Fund, has been launched to encourage more people to enjoy what the park has to offer and is available from the Barn Countryside Centre in the park grounds.

Walkers of all ages joined Paul on the route. He said: "It was a nice day for a walk after Saturday's bad weather and we had a couple of families joining us."

For details about the booklet contact Paul on 253 5269 or the Barn Countryside Centre on 796 6404.