Flagship woodland to take root in Leicestershire
03/05/2012
Plans to create a huge 460-acre flagship woodland in Leicestershire have been welcomed by County Council Leader David Parsons.
To celebrate the Queen's diamond jubilee, the Woodland Trust is planting 'diamond woods' nationwide and announced today that the largest in the UK will be between Ashby and Ibstock.
The trust is aiming to plant six million trees across the UK and create 60 diamond woods to mark the monarch's milestone.
The new woodland would be the largest in Leicestershire.
David Parsons said: "This is a feather in Leicestershire's cap and I'm pleased we've been able to assist the Woodland Trust in choosing a county site as the home for its flagship project.
"It will provide future generations with tranquil and leafy surroundings in which to enjoy a stroll, as well as link in with the restoration of a former open-cast mine land near Normanton le Heath.
"I was delighted the council was able to lead a partnership to attract the National Forest to this area and we hope this development will attract visitors from further afield and boost Leicestershire's standing as a tourist destination.
"By protecting ancient woodland, opening up access and protecting habitats, it builds on steps the council and partners have taken to expand Leicestershire's vibrant woodlands and I look forward to seeing it grow."
The woodland would be located on land currently owned by UK Coal, the National Forest Company and private landowners.
To find out more, please visit www.jubileewoods.org.uk
To celebrate the Queen's diamond jubilee, the Woodland Trust is planting 'diamond woods' nationwide and announced today that the largest in the UK will be between Ashby and Ibstock.
The trust is aiming to plant six million trees across the UK and create 60 diamond woods to mark the monarch's milestone.
The new woodland would be the largest in Leicestershire.
David Parsons said: "This is a feather in Leicestershire's cap and I'm pleased we've been able to assist the Woodland Trust in choosing a county site as the home for its flagship project.
"It will provide future generations with tranquil and leafy surroundings in which to enjoy a stroll, as well as link in with the restoration of a former open-cast mine land near Normanton le Heath.
"I was delighted the council was able to lead a partnership to attract the National Forest to this area and we hope this development will attract visitors from further afield and boost Leicestershire's standing as a tourist destination.
"By protecting ancient woodland, opening up access and protecting habitats, it builds on steps the council and partners have taken to expand Leicestershire's vibrant woodlands and I look forward to seeing it grow."
The woodland would be located on land currently owned by UK Coal, the National Forest Company and private landowners.
To find out more, please visit www.jubileewoods.org.uk
