WREXHAM'S woodland heritage is being protected thanks to volunteers going out to salvage seeds.

Seed Gathering Sunday saw officers, councillors and staff from Wrexham council collecting seeds from trees throughout the region to use to protect the future of species.

Wrexham arboricultural officer Alistair Henderson said: 'Trees are plentiful throughout the county but it has to be faced that sooner or later they will die, either from old age or disease.

'By collecting seeds and growing them on, we can ensure that we have a plentiful supply of the county borough's trees for future generations to enjoy.

'Trees in the urban environment are proved to have important social, economic and environmental benefits.

'Council staff, in partnership with other environmental bodies, remain dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of this valuable resource.'

The parks department will germinate the seeds and grow them in its nurseries in Pentre Bychan. Next year suitable locations will be found and the young trees transplanted.