A former tree officer has been honoured with a tree planted at Swettenham's Quinta Arboretum in their memory.

Cheshire East Council's specialist forestry and arboriculture officers visited the Lovell Quinta Arboretum last month to plant trees in memory of their colleague, senior tree officer Nigel Bates.

They were joined by members of his immediate family and friends.

Mr Bates, who had worked as a senior arboricultural officer for over 30 years, died in December 2019 at the age of 58 and is very fondly remembered by colleagues.

"Nigel was a huge part of the team," says fellow tree officer Gary Newsome.

"Everyone loved him, he was extremely well-liked and respected in the industry.

"He was generous with his time and advice, would always give you a straight answer and had a great relationship with everyone from his colleagues to all the tree surgeons in the area."

The five forestry officers are responsible for advising the planning service on the environmental impact of planning applications in the council area, tree preservation orders, hedgerow removal regulations and high hedge legislation.

"After we lost Nigel many of his colleagues, both past and present, wanted to do something in memorial," explains fellow team member Emma Hood.

"He'd been a big influence on many people, so we raised a substantial amount of money and decided to plant three silver birch trees at the Arboretum in his honour.

"Silver Birch were a particular favourite of his and we hope he'd approve of this. It's a beautiful setting and will be a lovely tribute."

There will also be a memorial bench located close to the trees.

Assisting the council team were Gary Hill, of Bartlett's Tree Experts, and Rhoderic Taylor, Duncan Fyfe and Dave Thalys on behalf of the arboretum.

The silver birches are located at the northern end of the lake at the 28-acre site, which is open to the public.

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is in Swettenham Village, near Congleton,CW12 2LF (behind the Swettenham Arms).

For more information visit their website. Dogs on leads are welcome. Entrance is £2.50 per person.