The Woodland Trust is calling on local people and visitors to play a hands-on part in bringing a special new Centenary Wood to life next weekend.
There will be an afternoon of tree planting next Saturday November 7, from 12pm to 3pm at the new forest, which is called Brackfield Wood.
The woodland is being planted along the Faughan Valley and is one of four flagship woods taking shape across the UK to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
In total, the Trust’s ambitious Centenary Woods project will see millions of trees planted in recognition of the millions of lives lost and affected by the war.
The Woodland Trust, together with Olympic gold medallist Dame Mary Peters, is calling on local people to become part of history.
Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity, in the run up to Remembrance Day, for people to make their mark by planting trees at Brackfield Wood, still very much in its infancy.
“By the end of the project, our aim is to have 40,000 native saplings planted here, with swathes of glorious wildflowers.
“The trees will be a living, growing and respectful tribute to the people from Ireland who played a part in the war: the soldiers, their families and loved ones. It’s estimated that as many as 40,000 lost their lives, with countless others affected.”
Dame Mary Peters who will take part in a tree-planting ceremony at 1.45pm, commented: She said: “In contrast to the loss and destruction, this will be a place of great beauty and tranquillity: a place where people can walk, relax and reflect and a haven in which wildlife can thrive.”
For further info contact Michelle McCaughtry at the Woodland Trust on 0343 770 5750 or michellemccaughtry@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
