WWI: Woodland Trust to create four UK centenary woods Some of the trees that will be planted at the new woodland in Epsom, Surrey include alder, beech, blackthorn, wild cherry and crab apple Continue reading the main story Related Stories Personal treasures of World War One uncovered WW1 soldier diaries published online Role of Land Girls in WW1 victory Four woodlands are set to be created across the UK as part of a £12m project by the Woodland Trust to mark the centenary of the World War One. The "centenary woods" - one each in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - will be formed by volunteers planting trees and plants. The woods are expected to span more than 1,000 acres collectively. Three million free trees will also be available to schools and community groups to plant, the charity said. The trust said the trees would "transform the landscape into rich, vibrant and flourishing woodland", and prove to be a fitting legacy for those who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war. The first trees will be planted this autumn, and the project is set to continue until autumn 2018 The Woodland Trust hopes the trees will stand for hundreds of years Around 200,000 trees will be planted at Langley Vale, in Epsom, Surrey Sites in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are yet to be chosen for the woodlands, while for England a 640-acre site near Epsom, Surrey, has already been earmarked. The site at Langley Vale will be bigger than the Olympic Park and have space to include 200,000 trees, and it will link up pockets of existing woodland. 'Resilience' Woodland Trust project director Karl Mitchell said: "The trees planted during the course of this £12 million project will stand for hundreds of years, providing a lasting tribute to all those involved in the First World War. "We hope to see many thousands of people getting involved by planting their own tribute or dedicating trees in memory of loved ones. "As well as representing enormous strength and bravery shown by the nation during World War One, the trees that are planted during the course of the project will help strengthen our natural landscape, increasing its resilience to the threats posed by pests and diseases." The first trees will be planted this autumn, and the project is set to continue until autumn 2018. Schools and community or youth groups will be able to apply for a share of the three million trees, which can be planted anywhere the individual school or group chooses. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26515802
Here's a link to their website with info on the wood in Surrey. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/donate/appeals/langley-vale/
