A community woodland celebrated the planting of its 700th tree yesterday at a handover ceremony.

Keith Simpson, MP for Broadland, planted the tree at the 12-acre woodland at Littlewood House, off School Road, Drayton.

The woods were planted by Norfolk developers Abel Homes, when the company built 22 eco-friendly houses on the site of the former home, the last of which was sold last weekend.

The planting marked the handing over of the woodland from the developers to a trust, backed by cash from Abel Homes.

As well as planting 700 trees, new habitats for animals, including bat, bird and hedgehog boxes, have been built alongside rockeries and ladybird shelters.

Mr Simpson said: 'This is a great example of what can be achieved when a local house builder works with local planners to create something very special.

'Not only are the homes here both stunning and sustainable, but Abel Homes has created a valuable community woodland which will be to the benefit of the environment, wildlife and local people. It goes to show that it is possible to create much-needed new homes while at the same time respecting and indeed improving the local environment.'

Abel Homes managing director Tony Abel said: 'We have worked hard to balance the need for new homes against environmental and community needs. This development demonstrates how a considered and pragmatic approach can create a new community which is sustainable environmentally, beneficial for the local community, liveable for families moving into it, and commercially viable in a way which can sustain local house builders and local construction jobs.'

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