DESIGNING sustainable, environmentally-sound buildings has always been the central principle of Nailsworth architects Austin Design Works (ADW).

Now, the practice is taking the fight against climate change one step further - and it wants the Stroud valleys to get behind it with a mass tree planting exercise this weekend.

ADW is supporting Nailsworth Climate Action Network (NailsworthCAN) and Nailsworth Town Council to make the town cleaner and greener.

The organisation is made up of volunteers, including residents who are worried about the future climate picture, experts in environmental, architectural and renewable energy fields, plus artists, photographers and business people.

All are campaigning to reverse climate change and improve air quality in Nailsworth and beyond.

Rachael Austin, a landscape architect and director of ADW, describes the group as hub for sharing information and taking positive action to fight climate change in the town.

With her expert tree knowledge, she has been helping to spearhead a tree-planting exercise at King George V Playing Fields this Saturday (November 30), from 10.30am to 12.30pm, to help counter the effects of carbon dioxide and global warming.

Conkers will be given out and free trees to plant at home, in exchange for a post on NailsworthCAN’s new Instagram page.

Rachael wants families and businesses to get behind the day, which falls during National Tree Week, and donate to the campaign via: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nailsworthtrees

NailsworthCAN is also encouraging installing solar panels on school roofs; encouraging families and businesses to make carbon pledges, and promoting green transport schemes.

Any landscaping, horticultural or other businesses able to donate trees for this Saturday’s planting should email Sally Thorpe at sallythorpe@outlook.com

For more on NailsworthCAN, visit ncat.btck.co.uk.