A DULVERTON egg producer has been taking part in a campaign to plant more than one million trees across Great Britain to create a happy habitat for hens.

Chickens express natural behaviour when provided with the shade and shelter offered by trees – it helps them live stressfree.

John Warne, of Merlin Farm, Dulverton, looks after 5,000 birds.

He said: “The effect on the birds is obvious to me – they stay out for longer and seem to really like going under the trees and dust-bathing and they feel safer when they’re under there.

“They’re definitely more contented. “We planted 300 broadleaved trees because they are quick growing and provide additional shelter for the birds.

“I planted them in four lines across the field so, where the chickens are now, it looks quite good as it’s well-established.”

John is now looking to expand his production by putting up a new shed to house another 3,500 free range birds.