Children joined volunteers in planting trees for an ongoing wildlife project that will cover an area the size of two sports fields.

They met at the Prince of Wales Wetlands on World Wetlands Day (Friday 2 February) to plant and name young tree saplings.

1,000 tree saplings and 50 larger trees will eventually be planted at the open space.

Enfield Council has been working with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on the project.

Initial excavation work included a Museum of London archaeology department exploratory dig.

Once this had been done the planting of reeds, wildflowers, trees and shrubs began.

Cllr Daniel Anderson, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “The wetlands will both reduce flood risk to local properties and will help create a more diverse habitat for our wildlife.

“Over time it will also provide an exciting outdoor learning space.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and nurture this fantastic environmental and educative project.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers and the students from the Prince of Wales Primary School for their participation and involvement on World Wetlands Day, thereby helping to increase awareness of this important addition to our borough.”

The lower Lea Valley project is expected to end later this year.

Residents who would like to help can contact Jamie.Kukadia@enfield.gov.uk to volunteer or join the residents’ mailing list.