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Royal woodland for Kennet & Avon Canal

18th Jan 2012

British Waterways is appealing for volunteers to help plant a new 60-acre woodland beside the Caen Hill lock flight on the Kennet & Avon Canal. It is one of 60 Diamond Woods being planted across the country in 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The first of the 10,000 trees that will make up the canal-side wood are being planted over the next two months. The remainder will be planted towards the end of year, when conditions once again become suitable for planting trees. The project is being run by the Woodland Trust and funded by the Forestry Commission.

Volunteers wanted

The first public planting days will take place on Sunday 29 January (10am- 3pm), Sunday 12 February (11am -1pm) and Saturday 17 March (10am-3pm).

Sarah Brice, project manager for British Waterways, said: “Twenty-two years after the Queen opened the restored Kennet & Avon Canal, and 60 years since she ascended to the throne, we are really pleased to be working with the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, Groundwork and many other members of the community to celebrate this momentous occasion. The wood will be a living, breathing legacy that will support our best-loved birds and wildlife.

“All those who want to get involved are welcome to come along to the public planting days and plant a single tree or to stay all day. Just turn up. Mud will be plentiful so bring warm clothes, stout footwear and a spade if you have one.”

A new space for nature

The new wood at Caen Hill will increase biodiversity in the area with wildflowers to attract birds and insects, and fruit and nut glades for foraging. It will include existing mature hedgerows and oaks. Some sections will provide useable timber for lock gates, firewood and shoring up the canal banks.

This event is open to all, but under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Parking will be available in the Caen Hill Locks public car park, brown-signed from Rowde, near Devizes.

For more information about the 29 January or 17 March planting days (or if you are a group of ten or more people that would like to book a separate planting session) email karen.fishwick@britishwaterways.co.uk or telephone her on 07917 424590. For more information about the 12 February planting day email karentrickey@woodlandtrust.org.uk or telephone her on 08443 345404.

Last updated: 19/01/2012

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