A Jubilee woodland project in Leicestershire that involves planting around 275,000 trees is now two thirds complete with the remaining work scheduled to be finished by the end of 2015.
UPM Tilhill was awarded the contract by the Woodland Trust to create The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood at Normanton Le Heath. The scheme for the 186 hectare (460 acre) site includes planting native species such as oak, birch, rowan and apple, as well as shrubs. All the trees, which vary across the site depending on the soil and drainage, have been chosen to provide habitat for wildlife. A lake in the middle of the site – a former open cast coalmine - is already attracting different raptor species, Lapwings and Skylarks.
UPM Tilhill Forest Manager Oliver Hands said: “Previously used as private arable land, Normanton Le Heath will be a great place for people to explore with its flourishing woodland, stunning lake and wetlands and open green spaces. We’re very proud to be involved in such an important project.”
Hundreds of volunteers have already helped plant trees across the Woodland Trust flagship site with the aim of protecting and linking existing wildlife habitats to form continuous woodland, providing vital homes for wildlife and areas for people to relax, explore and enjoy. More community planting events are planned for November.
Chris Williams, Woodland Trust site manager for the new wood, said: “The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe - we’ve just 13% woodland compared to an average of 44% on the Continent, so we need to plant more trees. This project is great because as well as improving the environment and creating new homes for wildlife, it’s creating a lasting legacy and celebration for the historical Jubilee whilst bringing the local community together to get involved and create something special.”
Located in the heart of The National Forest in Leicestershire, the new wood will offer easy access for 10 million people, create valuable new habitat for the nation’s best-loved species and become the largest continuous block of woodland owned by a single organisation in The National Forest.
