The Tamworth Urban Landcare Group will be armed with spades and shovels on Sunday, as they and their supporters gather on the banks of the Peel River behind the local skatepark to continue a project that began in 2009. 

“This is our sixth year of hosting National Tree Days in Tamworth and we are proud of our record of planting over 200 trees every year,” group president Paul Moxon said.

The restoration of the banks began at the bridge six years ago and the group has gradually worked its way down towards Jewry St ever since.

Mr Moxon said they recognised back then the Peel and surrounds were in desperate need of repair, with the trees, and the clearing of noxious weeds, providing multiple benefits to the environment.

The elements haven’t always been kind though – the trees planted in the first year washed away in flooding and several years later a fire destroyed a section of the plantings.

Eventually though, Mr Moxon said, as the trees grew they would help stabilise the bank and reduce erosion, improving the river’s water quality, and providing habitat for birds and animals.

In Tamworth, the planting event will take place between 9am and noon, with morning tea provided. but other communities are also getting involved.

On Sunday, the Dungowan Recreational Reserve Management Committee is planting trees as a windbreak around the reserve, the Somerton Public Hall and Recreation Reserve Local Committee is holding an event at the Somerton Recreation Ground and Tamworth South Public School is getting involved on Friday, officially National Schools Tree Day.