Search is on for Jubilee Wood

A right royal search is on! Anyone who owns or knows of land potentially available for a new wood is invited to tell the Royal Borough - it could form part of the celebrations of the Queen's 60-year reign in 2012.

Other than Queen Victoria in 1897 Queen Elizabeth II is the only British sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee and countrywide the challenge is to plant six million trees to commemorate the milestone.

At the council's Rural Forum in June the Woodland Trust, which is spearheading the Jubilee Woods project, described how companies, communities, families and individuals can play their part by:
• creating one of 60 new 60-acre Diamond Woods, marking each year of the Queen's reign
• creating a new Jubilee wood of an acre or more
• planting a tree or trees at school, at work, in public areas or even in the back garden.

Cllr Simon Dudley, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, said: "The Queen has planted countless trees during her reign and this is the perfect time to 'return the favour'.

"Ideally we would love to create a Diamond Wood in the Royal Borough but we possibly have a unique challenge. While it would be a fitting tribute in Her Majesty's home borough, we recognise the difficulty of finding 60 available, suitable and affordable acres.

"I appeal to landowners or anyone who can suggest a potential piece of land to contact us so we can investigate. We wouldn't necessarily buy the land - this could be a great opportunity to work in partnership or set up a trust."

While Diamond Wood sites should ideally be 60 acres, smaller sites may be considered.

Cllr Dudley added: "Greening the borough is dear to our heart - we planted more than 10,000 trees in our last term and have a manifesto commitment to plant more trees and woodland."

Georgina McLeod, Head of Jubilee Woods, said: "Once a site is confirmed, we will provide the Royal Borough with a tailored design service for the Diamond Wood, using the wealth of knowledge accumulated over four decades of woodland creation.

"This will incorporate tree selection and the management of aspects such as open spaces and access. Aftercare visits spread over subsequent years will ensure the wood is well tended and healthy."

Any suggestions for sites for Jubilee Woods can be sent to Kevin Mist, Head of Leisure Services, at kevin.mist@rbwm.gov.uk or by calling 01628 796443.

Further details about the Jubilee Woods project can be found by visiting www.woodlandtrust.org.uk and following the link.

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