South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has announced the launch of an innovative new play scheme to use old trees used as "natural climbing frames" for children.

Old and dead trees that would otherwise be chopped up and used for firewood are now being transported to playgrounds across the district for young people to use as play equipment. A park in Hanham has already benefited as part of the scheme, after a large, deceased oak tree in Winterbourne was cut down and moved to provide a natural climbing frame for local children.

SGC appointed a chainsaw sculptor to round off sharp edges and cut steps into the wood as part of the project, which cost the council £3,000 compared to at least £6,000 for a conventional climbing frame. SGC's arboricultural officer, Phil Dye, said: "Natural play trees allow children to explore nature and develop a sense of risk without putting themselves in danger of falling from a great height."

The scheme will now be extended to Patchway and Pomphrey Hill following the success of the Hanham 'natural play tree'.