In an effort to increase tree planting efforts in the shire, Macleay Landcare Network funded by Kempsey Shire Council's bushfire grants program, put on a workshop today in Smithtown.

There was a great turnout, with the event organiser, Andy Vinter, educating the attendees on a range of topics from how to select the right species for their property, to the correct process of planting a tree.

The workshop is a part of a recovery program which aims to distribute free trees to Kempsey Shire residents. Attendees were able to receive up to 30 free trees.

It's a win-win for the community, as the trees that the participants planted today will assist in the rebuilding of the Smithtown riverbanks, while also being able to go home with some free ones themselves.

"I'm very happy with the turnout, and how people are interested, they are obviously attracted with them being free, but it's good to see that they come and take the right trees for their place and put them in the ground," Mr Vinter said.

Landcare has been planting trees along the Macleay River at Smithtown for three years, and use it as an example of what can be possible with time and care.

"It can be hard for a landholder to take on when running a farm, this is probably at the bottom of the list for them. So we always run community projects on these banks to add that input and energy," Mr Vinter said.

Sue Atkinson from Dondingalong, lost hundreds of trees to the last flood and came to the workshop to start again, "Andy's been great and I'm so impressed with the workshop, also it's good to see the results here of people's hard work".

This is a repeat of last year's effort which saw 2000 trees distributed to Macleay Valley landholders. Another workshop will be held at Willawarrin Hall on Wednesday, August 11.

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